BY SARA PAGONES, STAFF WRITER, THE NEW ORLEANS ADVOCATE

More than six years after work began on Tamanend, a huge mixed-use development in central St. Tammany Parish, residential construction is set to begin on the first 400 of what will eventually be 1,348 homes, according to Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Co.

It’s been a long time coming. Tamanend was first envisioned in 2008, when Weyerhaeuser donated more than 40 acres to the parish for an educational campus to serve as an anchor of sorts for a multi-use development that would include homes, offices and other commercial space.

A sign that stands at the entrance to the 848-acre site says, “Future Site of Residential Neighborhood” and includes the slogan “Heart of the Northshore.”

The claim has geographic merit: Tamanend’s location on Louisiana 434, less than two miles from Interstate 12, is smack dab in the middle of St. Tammany, where the homebuilding is one of the main drivers of the economy, according to Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corp., the parish’s economic development agency.

Land along La. 434 has attracted other investment, including Northshore Medical Complex, the former Lacombe Heart Hospital that’s now a post acute care center, a Folgers warehouse and the Social Security office. Tamanend itself is right next door to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office.

The woodlands of central St. Tammany have long been viewed as a logical place for growth in a parish that continues to see its population swell.

“It’s in a very important part of the parish, the center of the parish,” Masingill said, ticking off opportunities for commercial, industrial and residential development. “It’s where the growth is going.”

Tamanend will have a mixture of housing types, including apartments, townhomes, single-family homes and estate-type homes, according to Rose Fagler, economic development manager with Weyerhaeuser.

The development will also have office, retail and light industrial space. A site plan provided by the company shows two office parks, and a news release from the company says Tamanend has two sites spanning 80 acres that are certified for office and warehouse development by the state’s economic development agency.

Beau Box, whose company Beau Box Commercial Real Estate represents Weyerhaeuser in commercial real estate transactions for the development, said they are mainly talking to potential office users and some light industrial users.

Fagler said that most commercial opportunities “like to see a lot of rooftops,” before they commit, although she predicted that the college will help attract some development, including retail and fast food, more quickly.

“The technical college is a great asset,” Box said said. “It’s a good generator, a good hub for families. And it’s of course on I-12, out of the flood zone.”

Parish officials trumpeted the arrival of the college with a ceremonial groundbreaking in 2015, and the new Northshore Technical Community College campus opened in 2017. But another public asset, a new home for the St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center, is on indefinite hold, according to Parish President Mike Cooper, who cited economic uncertainties.

Work on the development itself has been moving forward, Fagler said. The main entrance, a divided boulevard with a wide median and decorative lights, ends abruptly but a phalanx of bulldozers and other equipment were parked where the pavement ended on a rainy morning last week.

Three roundabouts are in place, as well as a sewerage plants, a water tower and utilities. Most recently, new landscaping has been put in place on the south entrance, Fagler said.

The first residential construction will be medium-density homes in the $230,000 to $260,000 price range, Fagler said. The company isn’t ready to announce the builder, but Fagler said new homes will be for sale by the end of the calendar year.

Masingill described St. Tammany’s housing market as extremely healthy, with homes commanding good prices. But there’s a need for quality affordable housing, which he described as $200,000 to $230,000 homes, he said, “so firefighters, teachers, nurses and police officers are able to afford to live in St. Tammany Parish.”

He sees Tamanend as presenting an opportunity for that market.

Fagler said that the developer is going to make sure the builders present a mixture of home styles. “They will not be competing in the same style and price range,” she said, adding that there might be single-family rental property as well.

When Weyerhaeuser, the largest landowner in Louisiana, merged with Plum Creek Timber Co. in 2016, Fagler said that the resulting company took a look at all the properties in the shared portfolio had to see which should move forward with the best chance to be successful.

“This was one of the best in our portfolio,” she said.

As we close out this year of a global pandemic, economic constraints and overall increased stresses, it is easy to focus on the negatives over the past 12 months. While it may be challenging to think of the positives, it makes it easier when you think about our favorite place, St. Tammany Parish. Here are just eight examples:

1. The Residents – The people who live in St. Tammany Parish seem to share one common trait, a true sense of community. The Golden Rule definitely is evident here.
2. Healthcare Heroes – Physicians, nurses, technicians, administrators and other staff members all wore invisible capes this year. True superheroes!
3. First Responders – Thank you, thank you, thank you to these unstoppable folks! We vote for a First Responders Year in 2021, instead of the typical day or week.
4. Essential Businesses – Grocery stores, pharmacies and all other essential businesses kept us stocked and safe for our WFH and virtual schooling.
5. St. Tammany Parish School System – We applaud all schools, including private and charter, too. We give the public school system a special shout-out here due to its geographic area, population served and logistics expertise.
6. Our Business Community – Local businesses and other organizations continually pulled together for the greater good of the parish (as they always seem to do).
7. The Visitor’s Bureau – Louisiana Northshore had the challenging task of promoting our parish in the midst of a statewide shutdown. Might we say they did so in a fantastic manner, and continually kept us apprised of everything current on the Northshore.
8. Holiday Festivities – The show must go on, and while we had some adjustments and reconfigurations, we had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spirit of the season.

While this list could be longer, suffice it to say we experienced many positives this year on the Northshore. Cheers to 2021!

This time last year, we were gearing up for some amazing fall festivals. As with spring and summer, autumn is definitely different for the 2020 season. One of the many things I love about St. Tammany living is you never lack for outdoor activities. Social distancing is somewhat built-in! Here are three cool options to enjoy as the weather cools:

Leisure in Lacombe

The first time I tried to paddleboard may likely be my last. While I knew my balance was a little off due to less exercise during coronavirus, I had no idea just how much it was! That’s my story and I am sticking to it. Let’s just say I am more of a kayak girl. Thank goodness you can do either at Bayou Adventure. As I have said before, it is the best place to rent a kayak, paddleboard or to join a tour. You really do have a different perspective on the water. Even though the weather is cooling down, be sure to pack your insect repellant and lots of sunscreen!

A Meal in Mandeville

Dining out these days often means dining outside. One of the Northshore’s favorite restaurants, The Lakehouse, continues to provide a superb culinary experience. Even with the recent storms, flooding and the on-going pandemic, The Lakehouse does not seem to miss a beat. We recently enjoyed a romantic meal of pan-seared scallops and seafood gnocchi while overlooking a moonlit Lake Pontchartrain. Of course, no matter how full I was from the meal, I had to have the cinnamon roll beignets. Perfection. Be sure to make reservations!

Covington Cravings

St. Tammany Parish is known for its farmer’s markets, and the one in Covington is among the best. Two times per week, you can come out for all you crave in homemade foods, flowers and a variety of crafts. It is always a treat to see what fresh goods are being served up. On my recent trip, I saw a menu board with rabbit meat (I passed, as Thumper came to mind). The market is held on Columbia Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

These three activities are just a sampling of the Northshore’s outdoor options. With autumn now underway, it is a great time to be outside!

While I typically write about all the really cool things to do on the Northshore and surrounding places, it seems appropriate this month with the Coronavirus pandemic to write about the really cool residents of our Parish. The people of this amazing area of Louisiana always seem to show that lovin’ feeling when it comes to taking care of each other.

Our Schools

While our parents had to learn “new math,” we have all had to adapt to a new way of learning. Teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students have all experienced an adjustment period. The St. Tammany Parish Public Schools have done an incredible job of providing online resources for parents and children, along with access to their Cares Helpline to address mental health issues. Also, the weekday hot lunches and “grab and go” boxes with 10 days’ supply of food have been a lifeline to many students.

Our Frontline Workers

Calling them Healthcare Heroes even seems a bit inadequate. Doctors, nurses, technicians, EMTs and paramedics are indeed on the frontline. Add in the amazing St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the individual town police departments, fire departments and 911 operators, and it creates an incomparable team of professionals going way beyond. I love that Parish residents are helping with donations to the Ochsner Employee Assistance Fund. This fund provides assistance for employees directly impacted by COVID-19 with financial grants. The support shown for all frontline workers by businesses, groups and organizations has been wonderful, with meal, supply and financial donations.

Our Community

I have come to realize St. Tammany Parish is all about community. For example, the Tourist and Convention Commission is keeping us updated on the who, what, where and when of area business operations. Northshore Food Bank has more than doubled the distribution of food. The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce set up a Facebook page, St. Tammany Eats, as our go-to source for restaurant menus, specials and delivery options.

As I have said time and again in this blog series, the Northshore is truly remarkable. Yes, it has all the ingredients for the “perfect” place to live. It also has some of the most generous, friendliest people, as we have witnessed even more so over the last month. On the Northshore is off the charts when it comes to community!

New Orleans may be the first thing to come to mind in everything that is Mardi Gras. However, the Crescent City does not have a hold on all the fun. St. Tammany Parish knows how to celebrate the season in perfect fashion. After all, the public schools take an entire week off to enjoy the festivities. The following are three places to partake in Mardi Gras fun without crossing Lake Pontchartrain.

Parade Around Covington

In the bustling town of Covington, you get two for the price of one (both free, so really doesn’t matter). Beginning at 10 am in downtown, you will see floats, horseback riders, vintage cars and more at the Lion’s Club Parade. Following right behind is another parade, presented by the Mystic Krewe of Covington. This krewe was founded by the Knights of Columbus and is one of the oldest krewes in the parish. When you have had enough parading around, there is more fun to be had at the Covington Trailhead. You will enjoy live music, food, crafts and games.

Parade Around Lacombe

If you are itching for more parade action, you can travel down I-12 just a bit to Lacombe. You will find the Krewe of Chahta’s festivities beginning at 1 p.m. Chahta is apparently named by those who attended Chahta-Ima High School over 30 years ago (it since burned down and rebuilt to what is now an elementary school). I’ve been told to expect the unexpected here, so that just upped the ante for me heading over there.

Parade Around Folsom

The charming town of Folsom is where you will find the final parade stop in St. Tammany. If you are still searching for that perfect string of beads, here is your chance. With a lineup that includes vintage tractors and horse-drawn wagons, I feel this parade may provide the most old-fashioned, hometown feel. It’s also probably your last chance at free beads on Fat Tuesday!

No matter how you plan to spend Mardi Gras, you can parade around the parish as if you own the place. Or, at least you can do so with some beads around your neck!

Over the last several months, I have spent time in various towns and areas of St. Tammany Parish. It was time to visit Lacombe, which is basically in the backyard of Tamanend.

While Lacombe is considered a small town, I soon discovered it is big on recreation. I wanted to work up an appetite for a delicious meal that lay ahead, so it was time for exercise. Tammany Trace has a Lacombe trailhead, however I wanted to venture into new territory. I headed to Big Branch Marsh, as I read it boasted a two-mile walkway through gardens. Much to my surprise, this national wildlife refuge comprises 18,000 acres of amazing flora and fawna dedicated to wildlife preservation. The Southeast Refuge Visitor Center provides extensive information for you to become an “expert.” It is well worth the stop, and it’s free!

It was time for lunch, and while Lacombe has a choice of restaurants, including the local favorite, Sal and Judy’s, I wanted to try a place a friend recommended. Janie Brown’s Restaurant on U.S. 190 appears to be a basic diner on the outside, however the food inside is fantastic. If you’re looking for strictly healthy food, you might be disappointed. I ordered the catfish filet, and it was absolutely delicious.

Before I left Lacombe, the number-one item on the must-do list was to enjoy the Louisiana experience of kayaking. The locals say the best place to rent a kayak and all the supplies is Bayou Adventure. They offer everything you need, including a sunset tour from Cane Bayou. I must admit I was a bit apprehensive at first, but the guide put me at ease by encouraging me to be present in the moment to fully experience the views and surroundings. Being so caught up in the moment, I forgot to take a picture! I highly recommend you check out all that Bayou Adventure has, from swamp tours to bike rentals. It really is a Northshore gem.

As with all my other St. Tammany Parish excursions, Lacombe exceeded my expectations. The Louisiana Northshore truly is a cool place, whether for the day or for life.