On August 22, The Harbor Center in Slidell proudly revealed its long-awaited expansion, marking a new chapter in the facility's history. The added meeting rooms have quickly captured the interest of event planners and individuals looking to host both intimate and large-scale events.
Harbor Center General Manager Kathy Lowrey expressed excitement about the versatility of the new space. "The best part about this new space is that it allows for such a diversity of events, from wedding receptions and baby showers to large corporate conferences needing breakout rooms," Lowrey said.
The Harbor Center, which originally opened in May 2005, had always envisioned additional meeting space. However, financial limitations at the time delayed its construction, explained Ron Blitch, the architect from Blitch Knevel Architects who worked on both the original building and the new 9,000-square-foot addition. Blitch praised the result of the expansion, saying, "This expansion is the look we always hoped for. It is meant to look as if it has always been here."
The newly unveiled space is designed to draw more events to St. Tammany Parish while also providing greater flexibility for existing users. A new second entrance now enables the Harbor Center to host multiple events simultaneously. The expansion's centerpiece is a 6,500-square-foot multipurpose room, which can be divided into four smaller meeting rooms, each equipped with Wi-Fi, adjustable lighting, and a recessed projector screen. Without dividers, the room transforms into a spacious venue capable of accommodating 420 guests for a banquet, 306 in a classroom setting, or 650 in a theater-style arrangement.
The grand opening ceremony on August 22 featured a brass band leading a second line parade around the facility, showcasing the banquet-style layout of the fully opened space.
Sales and Marketing Manager Cody Bienvenu highlighted the broad appeal of the new space, saying, "We are seeing birthday parties, lunch-and-learns, and showers. We can accommodate every event from the corporate meeting to the franchisee gathering." He emphasized that the expansion adds both options and flexibility for larger events like corporate conventions, as well as smaller, more personal gatherings.
Harbor Center Board Chairman Mark Myers hailed the expansion as "a meeting planner's dream," noting its potential to elevate the scope of existing events and attract even larger ones. Parish Councilman Larry Rolling of Covington echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader benefits the expansion will bring to the entire parish. "The economic impact from this upgrade will be seen throughout St. Tammany. It's hard to find beautiful event space like this," he said.
In attendance at the grand opening were St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper, Harbor Center Board members, and representatives from local business and civic organizations, including the East St. Tammany Business Alliance and the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. Architects from Blitch Knevel and builders from Voelkel McWilliams Construction were also present, alongside various government and civic leaders.
Looking to the future, Lowrey revealed that the next phase of the $3.3 million self-funded expansion project includes plans for a potential on-site hotel, which would be developed through a public-private partnership. Several developers have already shown interest, and Lowrey envisions a hotel connected to the Harbor Center with accompanying restaurants, further enhancing the venue's appeal.
"A hotel that would attach to The Harbor Center in a public/private partnership, with restaurants to follow, would bring this space to the next level," Lowrey added.
With its new facilities and future development plans, The Harbor Center is poised to become an even greater asset to the St. Tammany community and a prime destination for events of all sizes.
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