Each week, we’ll offer insights into new businesses, developments and closings in the area. And we’ll answer your questions about what’s happening in a vacant store or empty lot. Email us at wpotter@theadvertiser.com.

ASH Industries, a manufacturing company specializing in injection molding, received a new construction permit for a $1.2-million project last week, just over a month after it announced a $5-million investment in its Lafayette facility.

The company’s corporate headquarters is located at 1330 West Willow Street, which is also listed as the site for the project on Lafayette Consolidated Government permit documents. The documents say the project consists of a new pre-engineered metal warehouse.

ASH expansion:Hundreds of jobs coming to Lafayette after manufacturing facility expansion

In mid-July, the company announced it would be investing millions in the Lafayette facilities, which would include adding 20,000 feet of workspace on the manufacturing floor and new equipment.

The project would also create 85 new jobs with an average annual salary of $40,600 while retaining 67 jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimated 120 indirect jobs as a result of the project, which would add a combined 205 new jobs to the region.

“ASH Industries is optimistic about the future of manufacturing in Louisiana and so far has launched phase one of a three-phase program to invest in jobs in our community,” company President Hartie Spence said in July.

New Airbnb opening in Downtown Lafayette, official grand opening of event venue

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited is celebrating the opening of a new Airbnb in the downtown district, The Gauthier House, located at 1011 Lee Avenue.

There will be an open house for the property from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The historic property is owned by Jason Bloom, who noticed the home while bringing his daughter to First Baptist Christian School, according to a press release from DLU. He decided to turn the house into a short-term rental property ideal for larger groups traveling to the area for weddings, conventions, graduations or other events.

Cajun Stays, a local company that manages short-term rental properties, will assist in managing the Airbnb.

“I’m thrilled for the community to have the opportunity to check out the renovation of such an important historic property in our district,” said Anita Begnaud, president and CEO of the Downtown Development Authority and DLU. “Downtowns are typically the most popular lodging destination for travelers, and having a short-term rental of this character and caliber will assist in driving visitors to stay, shop, eat, and play downtown.”

Downtown Lafayette also recently celebrated the official grand opening of Espirit de Coeur, a reception and event venue with a ribbon cutting on Friday. The venue is located at 402 Garfield Street.

Another downtown business, Root Floral Design, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ribbon cutting on Saturday.

Community Foundation of Acadiana names new president and CEO

Missy Bienvenu Andrade will be the Community Foundation of Acadiana’s new president and CEO beginning in early September, the organization announced.

Andrade was selected after an exhaustive search and selection process, the group said in a release, replacing Raymond Hebert after the CFA board announced its decision to restructure. Hebert will serve as the executive director of affiliate and philanthropic engagement.

“Our board of directors is thrilled to welcome a leader of Missy’s caliber to guide CFA’s next chapter of community impact,” said CFA Board Chair Jason Freyou in a release. “Missy has spent the last ten years in key regional and statewide executive leadership roles, and we believe she is uniquely qualified to build upon CFA’s strong philanthropic legacy and financial stability. She has deep roots in Acadiana and is the right choice to guide strategic civic leadership initiatives to improve the future for all people in the region.”

Spectrum adding high-speed internet to more than 300 homes and businesses in St. Landry Parish

Spectrum announced last week that it was awarded a $1.4-million grant to bring gigabit high-speed internet to more than 300 homes and businesses in St. Landry Parish.

More:Lafayette utilities system fiber will have fastest home internet speeds in US: Here's how

The Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities, or GUMBO, grant was one of three given to Spectrum to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure in parts of the state that lack high-speed connections.

Spectrum is investing more than $600,000 to extend its network in the area, with the total investment for the project being around $2.07 million. Spectrum has been awarded more than $10 million in GUMBO grants to connect 2,167 homes and small businesses to high-speed internet across three parishes.

Contact reporter William Taylor Potter with tips or questions at wpotter@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter at @wmtaylorpotter.

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This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Business Buzz: ASH Industries gets permit for Lafayette facility updates