A historic property donated by JohnPac’s owners, David John and Peter John, could soon play a role in Louisiana’s growing aerospace industry.
At JohnPac, our Louisiana roots run deep. For decades, the John family has maintained a strong connection to the communities that have helped shape our company’s history.
One example of that commitment is the former Pecan Island School in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, a property with a rich history that is now attracting attention as part of a proposed SpaceX development.
Preserving a Piece of Louisiana History
Originally built in the 1960s, Pecan Island School served generations of students in the coastal community. Following Hurricane Rita in 2005, the school eventually closed as the region experienced significant population changes.
In 2008, John Properties LLC purchased the former school property.
Recognizing the property’s potential to serve a greater purpose, David and Peter John donated the school and surrounding property to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in May 2025.
The donation was intended to support the university’s educational and environmental research initiatives, with the property designated as the Peter M. John and David M. John Wildlife and Coastal Preservation Center.
A New Chapter with SpaceX
Now, this historic property may be entering another exciting chapter.
The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has approved agreements allowing SpaceX to lease the former school property through Ragin’ Cajun Facilities Inc., a nonprofit affiliated with UL Lafayette.
The arrangement provides SpaceX access to the approximately five-acre property while preparations move forward for an anticipated purchase in 2027.
The property could support a variety of activities associated with the proposed Starbase Louisiana development, including engineering, research, workforce training, administrative operations and other supporting functions.
While the property’s ultimate role remains to be determined, its potential connection to a major aerospace development represents a remarkable evolution for a former rural Louisiana school.
A Legacy of Community and Opportunity
For the John family, the property’s story reflects something greater than a single building. It represents the importance of investing in Louisiana’s future while respecting its past.
From educating generations of local students to supporting the university’s mission, and potentially contributing to the next generation of aerospace innovation, the former Pecan Island School continues to demonstrate how historic places can find new purpose.
At JohnPac, we’re proud of David John and Peter John’s longstanding commitment to our Louisiana communities and excited to see what the future holds for this unique property.
From its beginnings as a community school to its potential role in Louisiana’s aerospace future, the Pecan Island property is a reminder that meaningful investments can create opportunities for generations to come.
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