Bon Carré Technology Park in Baton Rouge is a case study of two forces reshaping commercial real estate: the long decline of shopping malls and the rapid rise of data centers.
The 712,000-sq.-ft. site on Florida Boulevard in Louisiana’s capital city has changed hands several times since the Bon Marché Mall closed in 1990. In recent years, under tech-focused real estate firm EdgePWR’s ownership, the site has undergone a major transformation. Its new identity centers on data centers, offices and technology-focused tenants.
Dallas-based DartPoints now runs the site’s two data centers, and owns that portion of the tech park.
Existing data center infrastructure was a key factor in EdgePWR’s decision to buy Bon Carré, the company told the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. Principal Jim La Marche said the site’s designation as a Louisiana Business and Technology Park allows developers to “support tech evolution.”
Dallas-based DartPoints runs the site’s two data centers, an increasingly popular business, after its 2023 acquisition of the previous operator, Venyu. DartPoints now owns that portion of the tech park, after purchasing it from EdgePWR in April.
Other notable tenants include software company Pixel Dash Studios, IT consulting firm SLT Technology, LLC, security guard tracking app OfficerReports and government offices.
What makes it a prime option for these firms? Location. Bon Carré sits within a 20-minute car ride of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge Community College and Southern University, offering research and workforce development potential. IBM’s offices are also a short trip away, including a Client Innovation Center, one of the tech giant’s collaboration hubs.
But it took a lot to get here. Here’s how Bon Carré’s redevelopment unfolded.
September 2016
Bon Carré up for sale
The former mall-turned-office park hits the market without an asking price. Nonprofit Wilbur Marvin Foundation controls nearly two-thirds of the property. Other owners include former redevelopment authority chair John Noland and several private entities. It attracts just one potential buyer, whose offer is less than the loan amount on the property. It ultimately doesn’t sell.
March 2018
Foreclosure lawsuit
Lender US Bank National Association, the property’s trustee, sues Bon Carré Business Center owner, Commercial Properties Trust, for owing $39.5 million on its $41.5 million loan. Several factors lead to the foreclosure proceedings, including low occupancy rates and troubles attracting new businesses, according to the Advocate.
May 2018
Beau Box takes over as a property manager
Property manager and leasing agent, Beau Box Commercial Real Estate, takes over the office park during the legal battle over Bon Carré’s foreclosure.
August 2018
Bon Carré bought by lender
US Bank National Association buys the property after several other unsuccessful auctions. It announces plans to market the property for sale.
December 2020
A new developer buys in
Real estate firm EdgePWR, which specializes in data center infrastructure, buys the business park. Although the developer does not report the final sale price at the time, it later comes out: $8 million.
April 2021
EdgePWR announces $10M renovation
Bon Carré’s developer announces its deal with a local planner group, Coleman Partners Architects, to do “a whole re-imaging of the property,” per the Advocate. Planned upgrades include a new roof, adding green space, redoing the parking lot and freshening up the exterior.
July 2022
Government agency signs $1.3M lease
The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) becomes the largest tenant at Bon Carré, signing for a 70,000-sq.-ft. space for 250 to 275 employees. The hazard mitigation agency shares the space with FEMA.
April 2025
Data center company buys its building
Dallas-based DartPoints data center purchases the property where its two data centers are located within the tech park. The acquisition marks a major shift, as DartPoints takes over 113,800 square feet of available real estate.
August 2025
Major economic group ends its leaseNonprofit business development org Nexus Louisiana announces it will vacate its Bon Carré offices after 33 years. In July 2026, it’ll move operations to downtown Baton Rouge, downsizing its office space from 47,000 square feet to 28,000 square feet.
EdgePWR did not respond to Technical.ly’s request for comment on future plans for Bon Carré.
