Future Development
Live Oak Renovation, Expansion Announced
Live Oak Retirement Community, which has served Shreveport for 25 years, will grow dramatically thanks to plans announced today by James K. Elrod, President and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System at Live Oak’s 25th anniversary celebration for residents, their friends and family. “We hope to make Shreveport-Bossier a retirement destination,” he said. “Twenty-five years ago, the founders of Live Oak turned an inspiration for senior adult living into a reality. The next phases of Live Oak’s growth will offer active seniors a remarkably enhanced lifestyle.”
Earlier this year Live Oak’s board of trustees merged with Willis-Knighton after the health system purchased 200 acres adjacent to the retirement community. Willis-Knighton and Live Oak officials have spent time investigating active adult senior living and have identified features to bring to the Shreveport-Bossier area. Elrod announced renovation plans for the existing structure and expansion of the community to include a four-story residential tower to appeal to active adults.
“The expansion of services to seniors is consistent with Willis-Knighton’s mission to continuously improve the health and well-being of the people we serve,” Elrod said. “With the dramatic growth of the senior population, we want to broaden our continuum of care to better serve the senior population’s desire for good health and an active, carefree lifestyle.”
According to Live Oak Board chairman Jim Bolin, the investment by Willis-Knighton at Live Oak marks the beginning of a new era for senior living. “We have always planned to expand our services to seniors,” he said. “Now, with the support of Willis-Knighton, we are going to achieve those goals and more.”
Renovation to the existing facility will include new facades for existing buildings, providing a fresh, modern appearance. The independent living apartments are being updated with new cabinets, carpet, tile, and countertops and bathrooms with senior-friendly structures.
The Alta and John Franks Community Building will be expanded by more than 12,000 square feet, including a new entrance, enhanced dining facilities, gift shop, library, common area and a multipurpose auditorium. Live Oak’s spiritual heritage as a multi-faith community will be honored with the construction of a 2,500 square foot chapel overlooking Lake Herman and the wooded landscape.
Changes at the Winona B. Ward Health Center, which provides skilled and intermediate care, will respond to a need for additional private rooms. All resident rooms will be updated and additions to the health center will include a new activity room, sun rooms, and an expanded nail and hair salon. Nursing stations will be updated and reconfigured for enhanced patient care. Physical medicine and rehabilitation will receive new priority, with Willis-Knighton therapists offering services in an expanded rehabilitation area. A new wing will be designed using 
the “social model” that clusters rooms around living space, providing a more home-like environment for residents.
Planning for renovation and expansion of the existing buildings is being provided by Prevot Design Services and Mike McSwain Architect, both of Shreveport. Work on this project is expected to begin before the end of the year with completion anticipated in the Fall of 2008, representing an investment of approximately $10 million.
Future plans for growth at Live Oak include a senior residential tower designed by THW Design of Atlanta, senior housing design specialists. The fully-connected Independent living series of three and four story buildings will be built around a lake and natural landscaped pedestrian space. Beautifully appointed dining areas will complement modern food preparation facilities. Inside the 190,000 square foot complex, community spaces will focus on this concentration of amenities and other landscaped courtyard spaces. There will be several choices for dining and inviting activities in the main floor that all residents can enjoy including main dining and a café/ bistro. The tower will include a library, theater, card and game rooms, fitness and aerobics as well as an indoor pool.
Construction of The Tower at the Oaks will begin in the Fall of 2008 and will take 24 months to complete at an approximate cost of $22 million. Existing residents at Live Oak will have priority placement for residences in The Tower. A waiting list for Tower residences is being established.
Improvements to the property surrounding Live Oak have been underway for more than six months, with the clearing of underbrush and trees in anticipation for the addition of new water features, common activity area and new construction. An enhanced entrance and gatehouse for controlled access are being added and will complement decorative perimeter fencing.
Live Oak, a not-for-profit multifaith retirement community, is located at 600 East Flournoy-Lucas Road, east of the 3132 Loop. Anyone who wants more information on independent living residential options at Live Oak can call 212-2120.