Request for Proposals - 200 N Public Road
Project Background
In the fall of 2025, the City of Lafayette acquired the properties at 200 N. Public Road and 108 N. Public Road in the heart of Old Town. The site includes a former Chase Bank building and a surface parking lot that provides 35 public parking spaces supporting nearby businesses, events, and visitors.
The parking lot has served downtown since 2016, and the bank building has been vacant since 2024. When the properties were listed for sale together, the City and the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority (LURA) pursued acquisition to preserve public parking and create an opportunity for reinvestment at a highly visible downtown location.
Why Did the City Purchase the Property?
The City and LURA purchased the property to secure a critical public parking asset and to return a prominent downtown building to active use.
The 108 N Public Road parking lot will remain a city asset and available for public use and community activities such as the Lafayette Farmers Market and seasonal pop-ups. The 200 N Public Road former bank building presents an opportunity to attract a sales tax–generating business that complements existing downtown uses and strengthens Old Town as Lafayette’s central business district.
Where Does the Project Stand Today?
The City conducted a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify the best redevelopment opportunity for the property. The process included proposal review, financial and technical evaluation, community engagement, and recommendations from a multidisciplinary evaluation committee.
On August 4, 2026, City Council authorized staff to begin negotiations with Read Queen Bookstore & Café, the top-ranked proposal selected through the RFP process.
The proposal envisions a flagship store for the Read Queen Bookstore & Café with expanded retail, community event space, outdoor gathering areas, and an active, year-round destination.
What Happens Next?
Staff and the Read Queen are working through negotiations now and will return to Council with a Purchase and Sales Agreement this fall.
