05/15/2026
EDITED:
This news has brought about many questions in the comments of what happens next.
We will attempt to address as many of these concerns as possible. It is important to first remember that ownership of the property remains with the State of Louisiana; therefore, any funds allocated through the state appropriations process for demolition must be part of a joint endeavor. This involves state leaders determining exactly which structures will be razed or retained. Furthermore, the demolition of any buildings must be handled through a competitive bid process established by the state.
Regarding future ownership of the land, any purchase of the complete campus or specific parcels is governed by the State of Louisiana through an appraisal process established by the Office of State Lands. It is important to note that the City of Pineville is not involved in the appraisal or transaction process. By state statute, the Pineville Downtown Development District—a separate political subdivision from the City of Pineville—serves as the “real estate agent” for the property; therefore, the selling process must be handled through them, not the City of Pineville. All funds utilized to purchase parcels are directed to a specific state fund for the current Central State Hospital located on LA 116. The City of Pineville does not receive any funds from any sale.
To provide further insight into the procedural aspects of this endeavor, the Pineville Downtown Development District requested an official appraisal from the Office of State Lands for the approximately 7-acre tract on Shell Road, identified as Parcel M. This parcel was valued by the State at $120,000, with the specific contingency that all existing structures on the site be razed.
By state statute, the dairy barn, cemetery, and rose cottage are designated as protected historical locations.
Any individual or developer interested in acquiring a parcel of property for redevelopment purposes should contact the Pineville Downtown Development District. Alternatively, interested parties may attend a monthly meeting to formally submit a proposal for the desired parcel.
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PINEVILLE, LA — Following a series of strategic meetings in Washington, D.C., the City of Pineville is one step closer to a major landmark transformation. U.S. Senator John Kennedy has officially forwarded a $2,500,000 funding request to the Senate Appropriations Committee to support the demolition of abandoned structures on the former Central Louisiana State Hospital (CLSH) campus.
The inclusion of this project follows a dedicated push by Mayor Joe Bishop, who recently traveled to the nation’s capital to meet directly with Senator Kennedy’s staff. During these meetings, Mayor Bishop advocated for the project’s vital importance to the region, successfully moving the proposal through a highly competitive selection process.
Pineville’s proposal was chosen to advance to the next milestone from hundreds of requests submitted to the Senator’s office from across the state after a rigorous selection process. The project’s advancement highlights the critical need to address the more than 400-acre property and the strength of the city's vision for the site.
"Securing this recommendation was a team effort, and I want to thank Senator Kennedy’s office for recognizing the urgency of this project," said Mayor Joe Bishop. Out of the hundreds of requests made, our campus efforts stood out because it represents a massive opportunity for economic and community growth."
The $2.5 million request is specifically dedicated for the removal of hazardous, derelict buildings on the historic CLSH campus. By clearing these structures, the city aims to:
*Eliminate Blight: Remove unsafe, abandoned structures that have sat dormant for years.
*Unlock Land Value: Prepare the massive 400-acre site for future development and modern use.
*Economic Stimulus: Create a "shovel-ready" environment for potential commercial, residential, or public projects.
While the project has cleared this significant hurdle, it will now undergo final review by the Senate Appropriations Committee as part of the federal budget process. Mayor Joe Bishop remains committed to seeing this project through and working with Senator Kennedy to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Pineville community.
