St. Nicholas Center for Children purchases Bank Street property from St. Louis Catholic High

Published 8:33 am Wednesday, December 31, 2025

The St. Nicholas Center for Children and St. Louis Catholic High School finalized the sale of Phase One of the Bank Street property, which is currently home to the school. The transaction marks an important step forward for both organizations —  advancing St. Nicholas Center’s mission to provide therapy and family support for children with autism and developmental delays and honoring the legacy of Catholic education and community tradition in Southwest Louisiana.

The St. Nicholas Center for Children is an already established community partner with the Diocese of Lake Charles and member of the Southwest Louisiana community. The center has an interest in preserving the integrity of the Bank Street property and serving as a continued good neighbor for nearby homeowners and the community at large.

The St. Nicholas Center for Children is currently operating in a temporary facility at 4066 Ryan St. due damages their former facility received during Hurricane Laura. The SNCC is preparing to build a pediatric therapy center on the new site with room for future expansions. There will be three phases during the sale. Phase one includes the area where the former St. Louis Catholic High School main structure and the Vianney House were located along Bank Street spanning from 7th Street to 9th Street. Phase two includes the area where St. Louis Catholic High School is currently conducting operations and phase three includes Landry Gym and the gym parking area.

The first phase will allow St. Nicholas Center to expand its programs and services to meet the growing needs of families throughout the region. The importance of preserving the heritage and community connection tied to the campus has been emphasized through its leadership as the organization prepares for future phases.

“As a second-generation graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School, I’m deeply honored that St. Nicholas Center will have the opportunity to expand and grow on a property that means so much to my family, while also safeguarding the spirit of tradition that means so much to generations of St. Louis Catholic alumni and the wider community,” Christy Papania-Jones, founder and executive director of SNCC said.

Assistant Executive Director Melissa Priola will be leading this project on behalf of the center.

“I’m both humbled and excited to have been asked to lead the charge. Relocating to this new property will provide the enhanced space our exceptional staff needs to continue delivering the life-changing services they deliver every day. It will also allow us to serve more as the rate of autism continues to rise,” Priola said.

The Board of Pastors expressed said the sale of the Bank Street property to St. Nicholas Center for Children fulfills Bishop Glen John Provost’s desire that the property be used for a good and honorable purpose that uphold the values of Catholic education, while at the same time, ensuring that Saint Louis Catholic High School moves to its new campus on Corbina Road.

“The Diocese is grateful for the thoughtful stewardship shown by St. Nicholas Center,” the very Rev. Ruben J. Buller, V.G., Rector said. “Their commitment to preserving the legacy of St. Louis Catholic High School reflects the shared values of faith, service and community that have always defined this campus.”

To learn more about St. Nicholas Center for Children and its building plans visit stnickcenter.org/catchthespirit/. To learn more about St. Louis Catholic High School and its building process, visitslchs.org/capital-campaign/.