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




"As downtown continues to grow, corridors of development begin to appear and establish themselves as exciting and economically viable urban spaces. This is evident as Lafayette Street has entered a new phase, playing a new role in downtown Baton Rouge."
-Davis Rhorer, Executive Director

North Boulevard Town Square Phase II and successful businesses anchor the south end of Lafayette Street as new development grows north towards the State Capital. In addition to the near completion of Phase I, North Boulevard Town Square Phase II will be complete by the summer of 2012. Phase II will improve the west end of North Boulevard with specialty paving and improved pedestrian crossing points at Lafayette Street and River Road.

The Shaw Center for the Arts continues to make a dramatic impact on downtown as they continue to host exciting new exhibitions. Located within the Shaw Center, the Manship Theatre hosts exciting acts while the Harley Vey Studio will see an increased role in accommodating events as a new marquis entrance facing Town Square has been planned.

The four diamond rated Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center continues to serve as an anchor of the downtown community and Hotel Indigo has seen much publicity and success as it continues to establish itself as one of the premier hotels in the region. A Viking Culinary School located on the pool deck of the Hilton will be opening in October adding a new culinary element to downtown and to the rest of Baton Rouge. The King Bistro in Hotel Indigo has grown to be a favorite among many downtown patrons and the new complimentary bicycle service provides guest with a unique experience as they explore downtown. This opens up a whole new degree of mobility for visitors as guests can experience all that downtown has to offer, and even wander outside of downtown along the levee bike path.

Renovations at the Tessier Building will breathe new life back into an important historical structure in Baton Rouge as the building will host a new graphic design firm, Tilt, as well as adding residential units. 453 Lafayette Street on the corner of Lafayette and Main will see the introduction of a new downtown restaurant, Azteca Mexican Cuisine, on the first floor. The second and third floors are occupied by an event banquet facility called The Third Floor, LLC that provides breath taking views of the river while accommodating up to 45 people.

Arrangements continue as site preparation begins for the Hampton Inn and Suites site on the southeast corner of Main and Lafayette. This hotel marks a major north end development along Lafayette Street adding additional guests to this portion of downtown.

View a map of these and other developments around Lafayette Street


North Boulevard Town Square Phase II
Phase II of North Boulevard Town Square will improve the pedestrian experience along North Boulevard with wider sidewalks, specialty paving, and additional plantings. The 'curbless' environment will improve ADA access with detectable warning pavers and enhanced pedestrian crossing points. Major components include the St. Phillip Promenade connecting to Repentance Park, a West Promenade to River Road, and an East Promenade with café style seating adjacent to City Plaza.
www.batonrougeriverfront.com/


Hartley Vey Studio / Marquis Entrance
The Hartley Vey Studio has proposed a new facade and entrance that will face the North Boulevard Town Square. This entrance will allow users better access to the studio while providing a connection to the programming within the Town Square. The architectural firms Remson Haley Herpin and Schwartz / Silver Architects are designing the entrance.


Viking Cooking School
The Viking Cooking School outdoors on the third floor pool deck of the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center is currently under construction and classes are slated to begin on October 9, 2011. The fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring grills, smokers, and outdoor burners from the Viking Range Corporation overlooks Downtown Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River. The schedule is currently open for classes in October and includes instructional courses such as Barbecue Basics, Grilling Fish, and French Steakhouse. Reservations can be made online by visiting http://www.vikingcookingschool.com, emailing viking@hiltoncapitolcenter.com or by calling 225-906-5882.

Tessier Building
The Tessier building, located at 342, 346, 348 Lafayette St., is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and will serve as mixed use featuring residential units and office space. The Tessier building, often regarded as the Lafayette Gallery, is the oldest known European built structure in Baton Rouge. The building is currently undergoing an extensive restoration that was made possible through the implementation of historic tax credits and other economic incentives.

For information on leasing this space contact Robert Pettit at 769-0405.

Hampton Inn & Suites
Construction equipment has been moved on site to prepare for the construction of the new Hampton Inn and Suites located at 462 Lafayette St. on the corner of Lafayette and Main. This 137 room 7 story Hampton Inn will open a tremendous infusion of economic activity in the area. Developer Windsor/Aughtry said the "upscale, urban" look of the Hampton Inn Hotel "fits in perfectly with the contemporary look and feel of Downtown Baton Rouge." Construction is slated for completion in 2012. For more information contact Ross Wagers at info@hamptoninnandsuitesbatonrouge.com

Aztecas Mexican Cuisine
Located at 453 Lafayette, Aztecas will serve a full spectrum of Mexican favorites from ribs and fajita platter and grilled lime garlic shrimp, to Santa Fe egg rolls. There are also many choices of burritos, enchilada dinners and chimichangas to select. The restaurant will be open within three months.

Hours
Monday - Thursday: 11AM - 9PM
Friday: 11AM - 10PM
Saturday: 5PM - 10PM
www.aztecascuisine.com

The Third Floor, LLC
The Third Floor, LLC is located in Downtown Baton Rouge at 453 Lafayette and is the perfect location for your social or business functions. It has a large balcony with a wonderful view of the Mississippi River and Bridge. The seating area has a large flat-screen television and can comfortably accommodate 40-45 people. Unlike most banquet facilities, there is not a required caterer at The Third Floor, LLC. Guests can hire any caterer of their choosing, bring in their own food, or even cook on-site in the gourmet kitchen! They host birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, board meetings, company Christmas parties, and more!
www.excelrealestatela.com/the_third_floor.php


View a map of these and other developments around Lafayette Street


For a full listing of upcoming events, 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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