BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – An abandoned property in North Baton Rouge that has sat vacant for nearly a decade could soon be transformed into a multi-use development led by a local pastor and his congregation.

Pastor Keith Richard and Elevate Worship Center are investing $1.2 million to redevelop the old Save-A-Lot property on Plank Road, turning it into a new church home while also creating space for additional businesses and services aimed at revitalizing the surrounding community.

“We’re coming looking not just for change in the area, but transformation,” Richard said.

Plans for the development include potential space for restaurants, a medical center, bookstore, a coffee shop, a bowling alley, and other tenants. The project is entirely self-funded, with no public dollars, grants, or outside funding.

“We knew that God would eventually allow us to be in a place where we could make a presence,” Richard said.

Metro Councilman Anthony Kenney said the project addresses a persistent issue across Baton Rouge: vacant and blighted properties.

Earlier this month, Mayor-President Sid Edwards and members of his administration traveled to Detroit to study how that city is addressing blight and revitalization efforts.

Kenney said the Elevate Worship Center project shows the community is willing to be part of the solution.

“No pun intended, they’re putting their money where their mouth is,” Kenney said.

The project follows other recent redevelopment efforts in North Baton Rouge, including a nearby project expected to bring a grocery store and additional amenities to the area. Kenney said those investments signal growing confidence in the community’s future.

“To the skeptics out there, you’re either part of the solution or just another complainer,” Kenney said. “These individuals are choosing to be a solution in North Baton Rouge.”

Construction will be completed in phases, with the first phase involving moving the church into the new building within the next three months.

Businesses interested in locating at the site once development is complete can contact Pastor Richard at info@elevatechurchbr.com.

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