Block Construction will build a new CVS drugstore in the vacant area on Highland in the North Gate area. Rebecca Rainer, Block Construction marketing representative, said the out-of-state developers will not allow her to disclose specific information at this time. Campus Apartments, based in Philadelphia, purchased the property in 2007.”Site preparation is underway,” Rainer said. “Currently, I do not have a timeline.” Brad Bennen, petroleum engineering sophomore, resides at the Venue in the North Gate area. He said the addition of a CVS and other retailers will help students who live in the North Gate area.”The new CVS will be much more convenient for students who live in the Venue and other North Gate apartments because it’s a pain to have to go all the way down Highland just to go to a drugstore,” he said. Bennen said he goes to a drugstore or grocery about once a week, and the new CVS will benefit other residents of the area and students living on campus. The new developments will cost approximately $2.7 million. The city-parish permit office contains documents showing construction of a CVS and another building adjacent to Smoothie King. The other building and the vacant two-building shopping center on West State Street will be converted into restaurants, stores and a 209-space parking lot on the West State property, according to the permit office’s documents.  Elizabeth Harvey, co-owner of Storyville T-shirt shop neighboring the construction site, said Storyville is excited to see new businesses coming into the area. “This area needed some type of pharmacy because it’s lacking over here,” Harvey said. “The only place near here is Circle K, and a pharmacy will be more convenient for students and local area residents.”____
Contact Sabrina Trahan at [email protected]