Ascension Business Report

A historic three-story building in Donaldsonville, dating to 1895, has been sold for $265,000 and will undergo renovations. The Cane Sugar Toffee Company will expand into an adjoining space, while the Masons will retain the top floor for at least a year. Renovations on the second floor will focus on structural and utility upgrades, with plans for office or residential use pending.

Ascension Parish’s housing market saw increased home sales, listings, and prices in June 2026, with a 15.1% year-over-year rise in sales and a 3.1% increase in median home prices. The parish recorded the highest home prices in the Baton Rouge area, with demand concentrated on homes below $400,000 and limited inventory.

Cajun Cookware, a Louisiana-based company known for aluminum cookware and outdoor equipment, has opened a 10,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse in Gonzales, expanding beyond its wholesale business. The facility supports retail partnerships, e-commerce growth, and direct consumer sales while increasing employees from three to seven.

Marchand’s Interior and Hardware is expanding its Gonzales campus with a new 12,783-square-foot warehouse and drive-through project pickup service to improve home renovation convenience. The project includes a 3,600-square-foot flooring showroom expansion and aims to streamline operations by centralizing inventory and enhancing order fulfillment efficiency.