Near completion: Phase 1 of Louisville beautification project - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The first phase of the Louisville Beautification Project has been a long time in the making and now city leaders are saying phase 1 is near completion. Over the past 7 months, crews have worked to revamp the stretch of Monroe between the Lea Joyner bridge and 6th street. Fresh sidewalks and antique-style lamp posts have been added and utility lines have been tucked out of sight, underground.

Clothing shop Sassy Cats sits just one block from the cut off point. "We're really excited, we like the new feel and the look and it's a great new look for Louisville." said Emily Lyle. The store benefits ARCO, a nonprofit who supports those with developmental disabilities. Store manager Emily Lyle says the makeover has even made a difference in their sales. "We've seen more customers, in the month of June, we've actually had a 15% sales increase." said Lyle. 

The project hasn't always been smooth sailing. It was approved by the state 8 years ago but several delays increased the cost of the first phase by 400 thousand dollars. City Engineer Sinyale Morrison told KNOE Wednesday, final cosmetic touch ups to the six block stretch will be completed next month.

As for phase 2, city leader Arthur Holland says it's still in the design stages with no estimated construction start time. But for Emily, what matters is her stretch of road is completed, just in time for the holiday season. "It's going to be a good way to get the customers in the store." said Lyle.

The total cost for phase 1 is about a half million dollars with the state picking up 95% of the tab.