A design and construction team led by KAI Enterprises has completed work on the $6.8 million Jennings Community Center, part of a long-planned redevelopment of the former River Roads Shopping Mall site.
The 15,595-square-foot facility at 2315 Ada Wortley Ave. is the first project finished under a 2019 master plan to remake the area with public amenities, including a park, city hall and outdoor spaces.
KAI, a Black-owned architecture and design firm, served as architect of record and provided engineering, interior design and cost estimating services. Navigate Building Solutions was the owner’s representative, and Aspire Construction Services was the general contractor.
Jennings officials said the project reflects years of planning and community support.
“This is a wonderful day that I really don’t know how to put into words,” Mayor Gary Johnson said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is a big part of our community and a big step toward real progress in our community.”
The project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic but ultimately moved forward after the city broke ground in November 2024.
The facility includes a full-court gymnasium, fitness areas, multipurpose rooms, an after-school study space, computer lab, locker rooms and an outdoor events plaza.
KAI Senior Project Manager Joel Kerschen said, “Jennings’ residents of all ages [have] a great place to go in the community.”
“Residents and visitors can use [the community center] for gatherings, different types of exercise classes, as well as having after-school space for the youth to come in and gather or do homework in a safe environment.
City leaders said the community center fulfills a long-standing goal for the area.
“This has been a dream for the City of Jennings for a long, long time and it finally came true,” said Allan Stitchnote, Jennings Ward 1 councilman and Parks and Recreation Committee chair. “I want to thank everybody for voting for it; this is your community center, and we encourage you to use it. It is a beautiful place; I just love it. I just can’t stay away from it.”