Port Wonder Ushers in a New Era for Lake Charles’ Waterfront

The Lake Charles lakefront is experiencing a transformative revival, and at its center stands Port Wonder — a dynamic new destination for families, students, and nature lovers alike. The vision for this one-of-a-kind facility came to life in March during a celebratory ribbon cutting, attended by dozens of community members, project partners, architects, and construction professionals. In April, Port Wonder officially opened its doors to the public, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Southwest Louisiana.

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A Dual Experience: Where Play Meets Purpose

Port Wonder brings together two major attractions under one roof: the reimagined Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the brand-new LDWF Nature and Science Center. Together, these immersive facilities offer hands-on experiences that inspire, educate, and entertain — all while showcasing the culture and ecology of the region.

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Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana

The 15,000-square-foot Children’s Museum is a sensory-rich playground of exploration, featuring four distinct galleries: Nature, Health, Tech, and City. Designed to reflect local themes, each gallery presents interactive exhibits that spark curiosity in children of all ages.

In the Nature Gallery, little ones can crawl through an alligator nest, while the Health Gallery features a larger-than-life digestive maze that kids can physically move through. The Tech Gallery introduces engineering and innovation, and the City Gallery invites children to roleplay as doctors, grocers, or builders in a scaled-down community.

For the youngest visitors, the Calcasieu Crawlers toddler zone provides a soft, sensory-friendly space complete with private nursing rooms. Parents and educators can also engage with the Maker’s Garage and enjoy a stop at the on-site gift shop, making it a full-family experience.

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LDWF Nature and Science Center

Right next door, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) 5,700-square-foot Nature and Science Center showcases the rich biodiversity of Louisiana’s waterways. More than 15,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums allow guests to see native aquatic life up close, including:

  • A 1,500-gallon Bayou Tank

  • A 300-gallon Oyster Reef Tank

  • A 6,900-gallon Cameron Jetty Tank

  • A 2,200-gallon Rig Reef Tank

  • A 2,900-gallon Stingray Touch Tank

The interactive exhibits go beyond awe-inspiring visuals. They engage visitors in critical topics such as fisheries management, coastal restoration, and the innovative Rigs to Reefs Program. A digital fishing game rounds out the experience, giving kids and adults the chance to “catch” local species in a fun, educational setting.

Just outside the walls, the discovery continues. Visitors can stroll along walking trails, enjoy the ADA-compliant fishing pier, and explore the nearby boardwalk that winds past an actual alligator habitat.

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A Community-Driven Vision

Port Wonder is the result of years of visioning, collaboration, and community investment. First announced in 2018 and breaking ground in 2021, the project represents more than $30 million in public and private funding. It was made possible through a network of partnerships that include:

  • Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

  • City of Lake Charles

  • Calcasieu Parish School Board

  • Visit Lake Charles

  • Port of Lake Charles

  • Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation

Critical funding was also provided by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (TIG) through Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement funds. Private donors and companies like Entergy, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, State Farm, Sasol, and the Zigler Foundation played a vital role in bringing the facility to life.

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Constructing the Extraordinary

LEMOINE served as the general contractor and provided preconstruction services for Port Wonder, joining the team early to ensure constructability, cost certainty, and alignment with the project’s vision.

This wasn’t a typical construction project. Port Wonder presented a unique challenge: there was no direct precedent for a facility of this architectural complexity in the region. The building’s curved roofline, glulam structural system, and integration of large-scale aquariums required careful planning, precision fabrication, and seamless coordination among designers, engineers, and trade partners.

LEMOINE worked alongside the architects to navigate Covid-era material cost escalations, reimagining elements of the structure while maintaining the original design intent. Value engineering efforts helped reduce costs without compromising the project’s impact or integrity.

The glue-laminated beams, which define the building’s visual identity, were prefabricated offsite with tight tolerances and installed with meticulous care. The unique curvature of the roof posed additional safety challenges, especially for the standing seam metal roof installation. Roofing Solutions, a key trade partner, developed a comprehensive Site-Specific Safety Plan, including custom fall protection strategies and fire prevention measures for torch-applied membranes — all to ensure a safe and successful build.

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A Lasting Legacy

Port Wonder is more than just a building — it’s a landmark. It symbolizes what’s possible when a community rallies behind a shared vision for education, recreation, and economic development. It’s a place where families come to learn and play, where ecosystems are celebrated, and where local partnerships have created something enduring.

LEMOINE is proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life. Through early collaboration, expert execution, and a commitment to excellence, the Port Wonder project team has delivered a facility that will serve generations to come.

Welcome to the new Lakefront. Welcome to Port Wonder.

Standing Down for Safety: Highlights from National Safety Stand-Down Week

Each year, OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down Week gives the construction industry a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and re-engage on the importance of preventing falls—the leading cause of fatalities on construction sites. At LEMOINE, safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a shared value and a daily commitment. This year, our team embraced the spirit of Stand-Down Week with energy, purpose, and statewide participation.

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Statewide Site Visits and Engagement

Our Safety Team traveled across Louisiana to conduct in-person Stand-Downs at several of our active project sites, including:

  • Shell Norco Administration Building and Multipurpose Building – Norco, LA

  • Acadiana Crime Laboratory – New Iberia, LA

  • Lafayette High School – Lafayette, LA

  • McNeese Student Union – Lake Charles, LA

  • LEM‍OINE Baton Rouge Office – Baton Rouge, LA

 

Each event centered around fall protection awareness and included live demonstrations, hands-on training, and meaningful discussions with our crews. These conversations focused on best practices, real-life hazards, and how each team member can take ownership of safety on their jobsite.

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Raffles, Lunches, and Vendor Support

A major highlight at each location was the crew appreciation component made possible by our incredible vendor partners. Lunches were generously provided at every Stand-Down event, giving our teams a chance to gather, recharge, and connect.

In addition, raffles were held at each site, offering crew members a chance to win tools, electronics, coolers, safety gear, and more—all donated by our vendors. These giveaways not only added excitement to the events, but also helped reinforce the value we place on investing in our people and their well-being.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our vendor partners who supported this initiative. Your contributions—whether through donated items, food, or your physical presence—elevated every event and made a real impact on our teams.

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Building a Culture of Safety—Together

Safety isn’t something we switch on for a single week. It’s something we build into every task, every conversation, and every decision on the jobsite. National Safety Stand-Down Week is an opportunity to recommit to that mindset—and this year’s turnout and engagement showed just how seriously our teams take that responsibility.

We’re especially proud of the participation and enthusiasm shown by our crews. Their questions, input, and real-time feedback during these events proved that safety isn’t just being taught—it’s being lived.

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Moving Forward

As we wrap up another successful Safety Stand-Down Week, we’re reminded that the most important thing we build each day is the trust and protection of our people. From our field teams to our safety leaders, from our vendor partners to our leadership team—thank you for standing down with us.

Let’s continue standing up for safety—today, tomorrow, and every day moving forward.

2024: A Year of Resilience, Progress, and Purpose

2024 reflection

As we reflect on 2024, we are reminded of the profound impact our work has had on the communities we serve. This year brought both challenges and opportunities — from disaster response to new commercial construction — and our teams stood ready to meet each moment with unwavering purpose.

Responding When It Mattered Most

When real-world events put our preparedness to the test, our Disaster Services teams answered the call. From rapid response to long-term recovery, they provided peace of mind in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Their tireless efforts supported communities in their most vulnerable moments, embodying our commitment to leave each person better than we encountered them.

Building Spaces that Inspire Progress

Our Construction teams reached new heights in 2024, advancing critical projects across education, healthcare, research, entertainment, and transportation. Working on demanding schedules, in bustling urban centers, and with innovative architectural designs, they brought new spaces to life. Every project was an opportunity to create lasting impact, and our teams delivered with precision, passion, and purpose.

Living Our Commitment Every Day

Across every sector and service line, our people remain at the heart of our mission. Whether restoring communities after disaster or constructing the spaces where learning, healing, and growth take place, we approach every project with the goal of leaving each person and each place better than we found them.As we close this chapter and look ahead to 2025, we do so with immense pride in what we’ve accomplished and gratitude for our employees, clients, trade partners, and vendors who made it all possible. Together, we continue to strengthen the communities we serve, one project at a time.

2024 Impact Map

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The Year in Pictures

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LEMOINE’s Building Construction teams have made significant contributions to enhancing communities across Louisiana and beyond. In 2024 alone, the team worked on 60 individual projects, with 36 projects—totaling over $426 million—successfully completed.

Key Education Projects: Edward Hynes Charter School at UNO, Xavier University Parking Garage, Tulane University Natatorium, Truman Early Learning Center

Notable Healthcare Projects: Our Lady of Lourdes Youngsville Physician Clinic, Citizens Rural Health Clinic, East Jefferson General Health Masterplan Projects

Important Cultural Projects: BREC Greenwood Park and Baton Rouge Zoo, Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library, Port Wonder Children’s Museum

These projects reflect LEMOINE’s dedication to building projects that enhance the lives of all involved in the communities we serve.
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LEMOINE Disaster Services achieved a monumental milestone in 2024 through a long-term housing project in Louisiana. Setting out with the ambitious goal of completing 750 homes, our dedicated team exceeded expectations by restoring more than 900 properties. This achievement reflects the relentless commitment and hard work of our team members, whose efforts have brought hope and stability to countless families.

The impact of this work goes beyond physical structures — it restores a sense of normalcy and provides a foundation for brighter futures. We’re proud to play a role in Louisiana’s continued recovery, supporting communities in their journey toward resilience and renewal.
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LEMOINE Infrastructure continued to strengthen its core market services in Civil, Public Works, and Concrete throughout 2024, delivering exceptional results on over 35 projects totaling more than $205 million. Notable Projects include Laurel Ridge Levee Extension, Belle Chasse Water Treatment Plant Intake Pump Station, and Ampirical – Cleco Caneland Substation.

LEMOINE Infrastructure was also honored to receive its first Excellence in Construction Awards from both the ABC Bayou and ABC Pelican Chapters for the outstanding execution of the Taxiway F Phase III project at the Lafayette Regional Airport. These accomplishments reflect LEMOINE Infrastructure’s unwavering commitment to excellence in every project.
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DCMC Partners, a LEMOINE Company, continued to support and expand its service offerings, supporting communities and organizations in recovery and resiliency efforts across the United States and Puerto Rico. DCMC was selected to support recovery and project management efforts for all of Puerto Rico’s power generation services across the islands as part of Genera PR. 

Following this year’s dramatic hurricane season, including the devastating impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, DCMC has played an instrumental role in assisting communities and utilities across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina recover from and rebuild more resilient organizations that are better prepared for future disasters.
Macro, a LEMOINE Company
In 2024, Macro, a LEMOINE Company, responded to a wide range of disasters, including winter storms, potable water crises, wildfires, and one of the busiest hurricane seasons the Gulf Coast has ever faced. With an expansion of their fleet to over 110 potable water tankers, Macro has emerged as the nation’s leading emergency potable water provider.

The deployments for Hurricanes Helene and Milton marked the largest disaster response in Macro’s history, with unprecedented levels of equipment and personnel mobilized from Florida to North Carolina. Through these efforts, Macro demonstrated unmatched resilience, efficiency, and commitment to providing life-saving fuel and water to communities in need.
LEMOINE Program Services
LEMOINE Program Services, the firm’s comprehensive project and program management division, continued to grow its team, expand service offerings, and broaden its reach across the United States. In 2024, our expert program management staff delivered vital support on notable projects, including: The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Amphitheater (pictured), Henan Drummond Center of Innovation, and the University of Alabama BioMed and Psychology Building.

As part of this growth, LEMOINE Program Services established new offices in Madison, Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama, strengthening our presence in the Gulf Coast region and enhancing our ability to serve clients with localized expertise and accessible support.
Looking ahead to 2025, this key division is poised for continued growth, partnering with owners across various industries to successfully execute critical projects.
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This year, The Workforce Group, a LEMOINE Company, has provided ongoing program management support for long-term CDBG-DR and FEMA IA recovery programs in Louisiana and Georgia. Workforce Group also provided 500+ personnel across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina in response to Hurricane’s Helene and Milton.

Our team supported shelter management, program management, debris management, inspections, logistical support, and staff augmentation in over 70 individual project locations across five states.
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We welcomed 183 new team members across LEMOINE’s family of services:  Building Construction, Program Services, Infrastructure, Disaster Services, DCMC, Workforce Group, and Macro. 

In peak response mode, LEMOINE was represented by more than 1,400 people focused on delivering our Brand Promise: The right people. The right solutions. Building peace of mind. 

Our Brand Promise: The Right People.

Celebrating Excellence: LEMOINE’s Achievements at the 2024 ABC New Orleans Excellence in Construction Awards

For nearly 25 years, LEMOINE has proudly participated in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Excellence in Construction Awards, showcasing our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation through local and national recognition.

This year, we are thrilled to announce that the ABC New Orleans Chapter has honored three of our projects with Excellence Awards!

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Taxiway F Phase III – Lafayette Regional Airport

For the first time, our Infrastructure division entered the competition with the Taxiway F Phase III project at Lafayette Regional Airport, earning an Excellence Award at the annual banquet on November 7, 2024. This critical project improved access and efficiency, following the successful completion of the airport’s new terminal, also delivered by LEMOINE Building Construction.

“Throughout the project, LEMOINE demonstrated exceptional diligence, professionalism, and innovation.”
– Steven Picou, AAE, ACE, Executive Director, Lafayette Regional Airport

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Truman Early Childhood Education Center

Also in Lafayette, Louisiana, the Truman Early Childhood Education Center received an Excellence Award for its innovative “sunburst” design, which maximizes functionality by creating dedicated clusters for 480 pre-kindergarten students. This project is a testament to our enduring partnership with the Lafayette Parish School System, which continues with the new Lafayette High School, currently under construction.

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West Jefferson Medical Center

One of our largest healthcare endeavors to date, the West Jefferson Medical Center expansion and renovation project was also recognized with an Excellence Award. Completed in December 2023, this nearly $90 million project transformed 218,000 square feet of healthcare space on the Marrero campus. Key highlights include a new emergency department entrance, advanced trauma bays, and specialized pediatric areas.

This project was meticulously phased to ensure uninterrupted operations despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida, a true testament to the resilience and dedication of our team.

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Excellence in Safety

In addition to project accolades, LEMOINE was once again recognized by the ABC New Orleans Chapter Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) program with a Diamond Award. Safety is our #1 Core Value, and we are honored to maintain this important recognition.

Thank You

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our team members, industry partners, and the clients who trust us to deliver excellence. Thank you to the communities that support our transformational work—we look forward to continuing to make a lasting impact!

Reflecting on a year of Shared Successes and Growth

As the year draws to a close, we extend heartfelt gratitude for your continued trust and collaboration. This past year has been marked by shared successes, and we are sincerely thankful for the positive impact we’ve achieved together. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with rest and reflection. Looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year and the continued success of our partnership. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Expanding Reach, Maintaining Our Promise

In the past year, we are thrilled to share that LEMOINE has not only deepened its roots in our home state of Louisiana but has also extended its reach far beyond. Our dedicated teams have proudly served communities in Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii, exemplifying our commitment to delivering on our Brand Promise: The Right People. Whether close to home or abroad, our collective efforts have allowed us to make a meaningful impact, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and service in the coming year.

The Year in Pictures

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In the past year, we are thrilled to share that LEMOINE has not only deepened its roots in our home state of Louisiana but has also extended its reach far beyond. Our dedicated teams have proudly served communities in Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii, exemplifying our commitment to delivering on our Brand Promise: The Right People. Whether close to home or abroad, our collective efforts have allowed us to make a meaningful impact, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and service in the coming year.
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LEMOINE’s Building Construction teams have continued to deliver success across the state of Louisiana and beyond, completing milestone projects such as the Center for Medical Education at LSU Health Shreveport, Truman Elementary School, and the new patient tower at Ochsner Lafayette General in Lafayette, LA, and the Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health at the Delgado City Park campus in New Orleans (pictured at left).

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LEMOINE Disaster Services has made record progress on Louisiana’s Orphaned Wells Plugging project, plugging over 370 wells since the project’s inception.  Enhancing Louisiana’s environmental resilience, plugging these wells reduces the risk of environmental disasters, ensuring that communities have a stronger defense against future challenges. Pictured, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams visited an ongoing orphaned well site at the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge in October. 

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LEMOINE Infrastructure performed civil work at the Ampirical substations in Arkansas and Mississippi.  Our team’s scope laid the groundwork for the Delta Wind Farm and Driver project, a utility-scale wind farm committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.

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DCMC Partners, a LEMOINE Company, recently opened a new office in the vibrant city of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.  From here, our team will continue to provide first-class service to our many clients there.  Since Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the island of Puerto Rico in 2017, DCMC has been instrumental in resolving many of the most significant problems that surfaced during response and recovery efforts.

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Macro, a LEMOINE Company, deployed to Guam on the heels of Typhoon Mawar in May 2023.  The typhoon struck Guam with the force of a Category 4 hurricane and was the strongest storm to strike the island in years.  LEMOINE Disaster Team members have continued to serve the island in multiple relief capacities.

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LEMOINE Program Services, the firm’s full-service project and program management division, celebrated two years of operations.  The team of 23 has been awarded over 50 projects, worked in 13 states, served over 35 clients, and has a permanent presence in 4 states (Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia).  They have taken on several exciting roles, including program management services for Cullman City Middle School (pictured above), one of four Cullman school projects managed by LEMOINE.

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This year, The Workforce Group, a LEMOINE Company has supported state and local governments across Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and California with ongoing disaster recovery programs by performing over 8,000 damage assessments and 6,000 lead-based paint inspections. WFG has also launched a proprietary program system of record solution, 1Wanda, for the State of Georgia’s CDBG-DR Homeowner Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program, where they are responsible for comprehensive program management and delivery.

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We welcomed 131 new team members across LEMOINE‘s family of services:  Building Construction, Program Services, Infrastructure, Disaster Services, DCMC, Workforce Group, and Macro.