Biloxi Historic Barq Building Now Open for Residents
The restored 1923 landmark at Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street offers 13 new residential condominium units.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Construction
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The Barq Building in Biloxi has officially opened its doors to residents, marking the completion of a renovation project that features 13 distinct condominium units. The historic structure, originally built in 1923, is located at the intersection of Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street.
Why it matters
The redevelopment preserves a significant local landmark while introducing residential and commercial growth into a designated Opportunity Zone. By incorporating both housing and future retail spaces, the project supports ongoing revitalization efforts in the downtown area.
The development includes 13 residential units, with the largest Flagship unit spanning more than 1,300 square feet. Seven of these condos feature private balconies overlooking Howard Avenue.
The players
LaCour's Grocery
This local business is scheduled to operate the new restaurant space on the first floor of the building.
The Root Bar
This future establishment will occupy the second floor of the historic site.
The details
Developers restored the original brick façade and installed decorative iron railings to maintain the building's historical integrity. Construction crews are currently finishing interior work to prepare for the addition of LaCour's Grocery and The Root Bar.
Timeline
1898: Barq's root beer was first bottled in Biloxi.
1923: The Barq Building was originally constructed.
Spring 2027: Planned opening of the restaurant and bar.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic downtown structures to anchor local economic development in Mississippi. By layering residential inventory with ground-level retail, the development positions itself to compete with modern housing projects in the evolving urban core.
The opening of the units adds new housing options to the Howard Avenue corridor, potentially increasing foot traffic for nearby local businesses. Prospective residents and visitors should note that while the condos are ready, the building's retail amenities remain under construction.
The takeaway
Historic preservation projects can successfully blend residential living with commercial utility to breathe new life into older districts. Residents interested in urban living should consider the long-term benefits of moving into revitalized properties located within federal tax incentive zones.
What happens next
The ground-floor restaurant and second-floor bar are currently under construction and are expected to open in the spring of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local development updates in the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biloxi Sun Herald.
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