Downtown Development DistrictA Passion for ProgressDowntown Events Coming Up...




Recent developments usher in new era for Downtown

The summer of 2010 is shaping to be another great one for Downtown. We hope that you are enjoying the addition of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series and our bountiful weekend markets. This is an exciting time for Downtown and we want to bring a few great developments to your attention.

As new businesses continue to locate Downtown and more public events are held attracting tens of thousands of people to our city's core, there is a growing need to provide quality public spaces for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike.

"Many of our plans and designs for downtown are becoming a reality in 2010, with construction starting on our Town Square and much more to come. When these projects are complete, Baton Rouge will take its rightful place among the great riverfront cities of America." says Mayor-President Melvin 'Kip' Holden.

Initiatives such as North Boulevard Town Square for which construction is set to begin in December, the redesign of Galvez Plaza including a permanent event stage in design development, the redesign of Repentance Park and the Downtown Greenway that will link downtown with surrounding communities and parks are all part of a larger initiative to 'green' Downtown and place Downtown on the national stage for premiere urban spaces.

The 'Greening of Downtown'

North Boulevard Town Square
While the area is currently unusable with virtually no tree cover to protect visitors from the relentless Louisiana heat, it will soon become the city's primary public gathering space with more than an acre of open green space, café seating and a media tower equipped with large format screens and a state-of-the art sound system. The Town Square also includes water features to naturally cool the landscape and a bio-retention water system. Construction to begin October 2010.
Event Stage at Galvez Plaza
The redesign of Galvez Plaza calls for the development of a permanent stage and first class outdoor entertainment venue. Located in the heart of the Downtown Arts & Entertainment District, this signature landmark and corresponding landscape will serve as a vital corridor connecting many of the civic and cultural attractions that downtown has to offer such as the Shaw Center for the Arts, LASM and many others. Completion by Fall of 2011.
Repentance Park
Repentance Park is to be reconfigured as a public open space with possible interactive fountains and passive green lawn areas that will serve as a main component of Plan BR II's 'Central Green' concept. Connection to Galvez Plaza and Town Square will be a key design intention, unifying the components of the Central Green.
Downtown Greenway
The Downtown Greenway is a 2.75-mile pedestrian and cycling corridor that will feature lighting, landscaping, signage and public art. By connecting greenspaces and cultural attractions over a large geographic area, the greenway expands the boundaries of downtown and unites the area with its surrounding inner-city neighborhoods and destination parks. Phased construction and implementation of the greenway will begin as funding becomes available.

Other initiatives such as a police substation on Third Street providing an increased level of security and pedestrian improvements at the intersections of River Road/North Boulevard and River Road/Florida Street are addressing the increase in foot traffic and residential demand that is being experienced as Downtown continues to move toward becoming America's next great city. Third Street residential loft developments Oneleven and Kress are both in capacity and we are working on incentives to make even more housing possible.

Florida Street Crossing
Perhaps the greatest barrier to reconnecting downtown to the river is traversing River Road and the railroad tracks to gain access to the river. The image above illustrates the concept of a street crossing and levee access point at Florida and River Road as addressed by the Riverfront Master Plan.
North Blvd. Crossing
Also proposed by the Riverfront Master Plan, this concept will create a safer environment for crossing at North Boulevard and River Road. Improvements here will provide LASM visitors a much more comfortable experience when crossing this busy intersection.
Police Sub-station
The City police will soon have a new home Downtown on Third Street. The space will accomodate the Downtown Bike Patrol, evening uniformed officers, and community resource officers assigned to the Downtown area.

Our cultural attractions continue to expand. The Library Board has approved a $19 million dollar budget for the River Center Library, complimenting the $19 million dollar expansion of the River Center that is in progress and includes expanded meeting space, a new entry and plaza, and an iconic shade structure at the waterfront.

In the near future, we will also see the opening of the new 13-story 19th Judicial District Courthouse and the two-waying of St. Louis and St. Ferdinand Streets.

Renovations continue on Hotel Indigo, Downtown's new boutique hotel that delivers a refreshing and inviting guest experience. Located across the street from the newly renovated Hilton Hotel, Hotel Indigo is truly reflective of the local community.

River Park is also taking definite steps forward. In addition to the construction of the underpass, planning is also underway for an entertainment complex and waterfront park that will help drive the future development.

The Mentorship Academies are providing another educational option for existing and potential residents. Downtown will be the new classroom for 250 students this fall as two new technology-focused charter high schools open their doors. Enrollment in the two charter schools will grow to 1,000 students by 2013.

Two Downtown churches are getting a facelift. Five million in improvements are currently underway for First Presbyterian Church including the entire campus, sanctuary, a new playground, and an outdoor fireplace. First United Methodist is also undergoing six million in renovations including youth meeting spaces and a 300 seat conference center.

Your commitment and support has been invaluable in this journey and we are greatly appreciative. We encourage you to keep tabs on Downtown events, meetings, and initiatives by joining our email list at http://www.downtownbatonrouge.org/ , becoming our friend on Facebook, and following us on Twitter. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.



For more information on the Downtown Development District, visit our website.


227 Florida St.  |  Baton Rouge, LA 70801  |  (225) 389-5520 Office (225) 389-5523 Fax  |  8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F


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