May 23, 2025

The Late Robert Daigle – A Look Back at Why He Invested in Upper Lafayette

27 minutes

Robert Daigle on Why He Invested in Upper Lafayette
Originally recorded in October 2013 /Aired on Upper Lafayette On the Move

This episode of Discover Lafayette takes us back to an insightful conversation with the late Robert Daigle, the visionary managing partner of River Ranch Development Company and the developer of the Village of River Ranch, a 320-acre traditional neighborhood development that reshaped residential life in Lafayette.

In October 2013, Robert addressed an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting to share why he and his team chose to invest in the northern part of Lafayette Parish—an area traditionally overlooked but ripe with potential. His message, filled with clarity and foresight, remains strikingly relevant today as growth continues to expand beyond I-10.

David Welch, Robert Daigle, Jan Swift, and Lewis Stirling at an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting in 2013.

Robert’s personal connection to Upper Lafayette, having grown up on Louisiana Avenue across from the municipal golf course, sparked his early interest. But sentiment alone didn’t drive his decision. He outlined six strategic reasons that led to the launch of Couret Farms, a smart growth community designed to meet the needs of a modern workforce and lifestyle needs in the northern part of Lafayette Parish:

Job Growth – Post-hurricane recovery and shifting insurance priorities led to a surge in businesses relocating north of I-10. Proximity to job centers, including major employers like Halliburton, made Upper Lafayette a natural location for residential development.

Real Estate Value – With South Lafayette experiencing saturation and skyrocketing prices, the undeveloped, high, and beautiful land in Upper Lafayette offered both affordability and opportunity.

Lack of Competition – As with River Ranch, Daigle sought to create a unique offering. At the time, Upper Lafayette had no smart growth communities, positioning Couret Farms as the only game in town.

Community Support – Daigle emphasized the importance of being “wanted.” In Carencro, support from Mayor Glenn Brasseaux and a cooperative endeavor to extend utilities exemplified the kind of local partnership he considered essential to success.

Access to Retail and Services – Developments flourish when services and shopping are nearby. Daigle cited the Target center and Super 1 Foods as game-changing additions that signaled a tipping point for further investment.

Public Education – The long-standing challenge of underperforming schools in Upper Lafayette had been a deterrent. But the winds of change were blowing. Daigle’s commitment to establishing a charter school within Couret Farms showed his belief that quality education is not just a necessity—but a catalyst for community transformation.

Robert Daigle breaking ground at Couret Farms, along with Kevin Hawkins and Bobby Hines.

Robert closed his talk by urging the community to prioritize education reform, emphasizing that the future of Upper Lafayette hinged on the success of its schools. His legacy continues to inspire development rooted in thoughtful planning, civic cooperation, and long-term community investment.

This timeless interview reminds us that true visionaries see not just what is, but what could be—and are willing to take the arrows that come with being pioneers.

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By Jan Swift

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