BREAUX BRIDGE – Investors, contractors and dignitaries last Friday broke ground on Grand Point Estates, a new subdivision built around a five-acre lake a stone's throw from Interstate 10.

Meanwhile, an L-shaped strip center is taking shape on the corner of Latiolais and Rees Street, adjacent to the Wal-Mart Super Center, and at the other end of Latiolais has risen the shell of what will be a major large truck dealership.

Grand Point Estates, represented by Sue Dupont and Coldwell Banker's Pelican Real Estate, will offer front lots starting at $27,000 and lake lots stating at $35,000.

According to city officials, a Cato clothing store and Dollar Tree discount store have already applied for permits to open up in the new strip center on Rees and Latiolais. Strongly rumored to be moving in also are a Chinese restaurant, a nail salon and perhaps a check-chasing business.

At the other end of Latiolais is a long metal building that will house a Mack and Volvo truck dealership under a new (August 2008) agreement between those two companies.