Gonzales, LA – At City Hall on Friday morning, February 21, City of Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux, along with the City Council and administration, held a press conference announcing the naming of the new $10 million conference and event center in honor of Mr. Price LeBlanc. Mr. LeBlanc was well known in the region for his philanthropy and many contributions to the community. As a way to continue Price LeBlanc’s tradition of giving, his children also offered a groundbreaking contribution of $1.5 million to the construction of the PACE Center to honor his memory. Their offer will be taken up for consideration by the City Council at its next meeting on Monday, February 24.
“The PACE Center has been a dream of the leadership of the city and the community for a long time, and we are very happy that it is finally coming true,” said Mayor Arceneaux. “The center will be a tremendous asset to enhance the quality of life for citizens throughout the region. I want to thank the LeBlanc family for this generous offer and unprecedented donation for its construction. We will be formally taking their offer up for consideration at our council meeting this coming Monday.”
The PACE Center will be the central attraction at the new Heritage Crossing Development at the intersection of Highway 30 and Highway 44. The approximately 25,000 sq. ft. center will bring significant events and opportunities to the region, all of which will significantly add to the quality of life for people throughout the capital region.
“This new center will allow residents of Gonzales, the parish, and surrounding communities to enjoy a number of events it will draw into the area,” said Chief Administrative Officer/City Clerk Scot Byrd. “If approved, the LeBlanc family donation will fund new and exciting design opportunities and features that will only be a benefit to all.”
A number of Price LeBlanc’s family members felt it important to financially gift a community that embraced him.
“Our announcement is to honor the memory of our father in a way that simply continues the long legacy he had of making positive contributions and giving back to the community that he loved so much,” said V. Price LeBlanc Jr.