Will create 16 jobs for disabled, challenged
Site work has begun for a 10,344 square-foot Goodwill store in Luling, an estimated $1.4 million project that will bring 16 permanent jobs.
Goodwill Industries of Southeast Louisiana in New Orleans is building the store and another in LaPlace, said Bob Reese, vice president of retail operations.
Targeted date for the Luling store opening is late December.The store will be located next to El Paso Mexican Grill on an estimated 1.4-acre lot at 128907 U.S. Highway 90.
Reese said it will create 16 full-time jobs and, like its other stores, the employees will include disabled people. He said an estimated 30 percent of Goodwill Industries’ workforce includes people with mental or physical disabilities and those who are financially disadvantaged or have some challenge to employment. He said money generated by the stores goes to its workforce development programs, which benefits the communities served.
“We are a branch of Goodwill Industries,” he said. Although it operates independently, Reese said the nonprofit must meet Goodwill Industries guidelines, which is verified every three years. “It’s just part of our plan to serve the parish we’re in.”
John Lund with RJ Properties in Baton Rouge, which is constructing the building, said the project permit was issued last Monday and site work is underway.
Construction should begin by next month depending on weather.
RJ Properties and Sauviac Dang Architects, also in Baton Rouge, are both working on the two Goodwill stores.The Southeast Louisiana branch is a nonprofit with 20 stores in 23 parishes.
“Our stores are our economic engine of our mission,” Lund said.
The Luling and LaPlace locations will represent its 21st and 22nd locations respectively.
Reese said the thrift store will include a drive-through window for easy drop-offs, new and gently used goods will be available for sale. He said on average a store processes 100 pieces of clothing an hour depending on the market.
“We feel the market can handle 25 to 30 stores depending on the size of the market,” Reese said. “We’re constantly looking for new locations to serve the community.”
Architect Craig Sauviac of Sauviac Dang Architects in Baton Rouge is designing the stand-alone building.
“For Luling and St. Charles Parish, it’s another business, another piece of the tax base and putting a piece of previously undeveloped real estate into commerce,” Sauviac said.
The Luling site was previously used by the state Department of Transportation and Development as a yard to store gravel for roadwork, he said.
“We count on the generosity and support of the community with tax deductible contributions,” Reese said. “The donations are how the community supports us.”
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