City Finalizes Sale of 1010 Gause Blvd. Business Campus to Textron Systems
The City of Slidell and Textron Systems Corporation (Textron Systems) are excited to announce the completion of the sale of the 1010 Gause Blvd. Slidell Business Campus, marking a long-term investment in Slidell’s economic future while eliminating ongoing maintenance expenses for taxpayers.
Last week, representatives from the City of Slidell and Textron Systems signed the final paperwork, finalizing the sale of the 1010 Gause Blvd. Business Campus to Textron Systems for a total of $3.4 million.
“We are grateful to Textron Systems for their continued investment in the City of Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “Their decision to purchase the 1010 Gause Blvd campus demonstrates confidence in our community, our workforce, and our future. This sale not only removes a financial burden from our taxpayers, but it also keeps this important property in the hands of a company that has been a valued member of our business community for many years and will continue to be for many more years to come.”
The 1010 Gause Blvd. campus has been an important part of Slidell’s history for more than six decades. Built in the early 1960s, the facility originally served as NASA’s computer and data center during the early years of the space program and housed one of the most powerful mainframe computer systems of its time.
Officially known as the NASA Eastern Operations Support Center, the facility played a supporting role in America’s race to the Moon alongside the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and the Mississippi Test Facility, now known as Stennis Space Center. As President John F. Kennedy challenged the nation to land a man on the Moon before the end of the decade, NASA needed new facilities, a skilled workforce, and advanced technology to make that goal a reality. The Gulf South became a vital part of that effort, and Slidell was proud to play a role in one of the nation’s greatest achievements.
The facility later became home to the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). In late 1994, the federal government transferred ownership of the property to the City of Slidell through a quitclaim donation. The city later redeveloped the campus into a business complex that has been home to several businesses over the years, including Textron Systems.
The sale provides the city with $3.4 million in proceeds that can be reinvested into infrastructure improvements and other priority projects that benefit residents throughout Slidell.
“Not only are we saving taxpayers money, but we now have a significant amount of capital to invest in projects needed across the city,” said Slidell Councilman Trey Brownfield, who helped broker the deal between the city and Textron Systems. “Today, we are investing in a future where our young people can work, live, and stay in the city we all love.”
Textron Systems has maintained a longstanding presence in Slidell and remains one of the community’s key employers and defense industry partners. Textron Systems officials say the purchase of the 1010 Gause facility reflects their commitment to expanding operations in Slidell and continuing to invest in the local workforce and economy.
“Textron Systems is proud of our decades-long presence in Slidell, supporting the U.S. military and our international allies,” said Ryan Schaffernocker, Senior Vice President of Air, Land & Sea Systems at Textron Systems. “This investment strengthens our ability to deliver advanced capabilities to the warfighter while continuing to contribute to local economic growth and job creation.”
The sale represents another step in the City of Slidell’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and creating opportunities for economic growth. By selling the facility to one of Slidell’s longtime tenants, the city is preserving jobs and encouraging future investment in Slidell.
