The Independent and Abiz publisher Cherry Fisher May sits in for Peter Ricchiuti on this edition of Out to Lunch Acadiana. Cherry kicks off by noting the old adage in property development is “Land is valuable because they’re not making any more of it,” whereas in reality, in the United States there’s around 80,000 square miles per person. But, for whatever reason, most of us don’t want our own 80,000 square miles. We want to live near other people. And close to a Walgreens. Which makes certain pieces of land desirable, and others not.  Which brings us to the three golden rules of property, “Location, location, and location.”

In Acadiana, family-owned company Billeaud Comapnies have been honing their land and property development skills for over 100 years. Today, Billeaud is one of South Louisiana’s largest office space and retail property management firms.

Jennifer Whitmore has been with Billeaud for 26 years, most recently as Vice President of Real Estate Operations. 

It’s hard to drive around Lafayette and other parts of Acadiana without seeing the name Stirling Properties. That’s because Stirling has 12 million square feet of managed property – stretching from Jackson Mississippi to Bossier City –  and another 60 million square feet for sale or lease.

Stirling’s Senior Retail Leasing and Development Expert is Ryan Pecot. 

Although Acadiana is steeped in tradition – even in property development – times are changing. Part of that change is being brought about by UL Professor of Architecture, and ground breaking architect, Corey Saft.

Corey is the designer of the Lebois House, an eco-friendly home that generates its own electricity and uses almost zero power from the grid. From right here in Acdaiana, Corey is designing the future.

Photos  taken over lunch at Cafe Vermilionville by Gwen Aucoin.

For more information about Acadiana entrepreneurs – Innov8 Acadiana and The Opportunity Machine.