Willis-Knighton was pleased to learn that the Caddo Parish School Board has accepted its bid for the Hamilton Terrace school property. “While we see possibility in this property, we have no firm plans at this time,” said James K. Elrod, President and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System.

Willis-Knighton has developed some internal ideas for Hamilton Terrace but has deferred planning until it could first acquire the property and then visit with local community groups about potential uses. A meeting is being planned in February to seek input from governmental, business and historic preservation interests. 

“We hope to identify and develop a plan that will enhance healthcare, which is our mission, while demonstrating that we recognize and respect the building’s beauty and the historic significance of the property,” Elrod said. 

The new WK Rehabilitation Institute, formerly the site of Doctors’ Hospital, is scheduled to open later this spring. Hamilton Terrace’s proximity to this hospital offered a way to expand the new campus. Leaders at Willis-Knighton anticipate that developing the Hamilton Terrace property will continue the revitalization of the neighborhood that was begun when WK announced plans for its Rehabilitation Institute. 

“We look forward to sharing plans with the community as they develop,” Elrod said. “As Mayor Tyler has noted, this area is the front door to downtown, and we are pleased that we can support the revitalization of the neighborhood and this important corridor.”