Downtown Baton Rouge

Today, in class, there was a lecture on the downtown development here in Baton Rouge. There were are few concepts that seemed aesthetically compelling and show great potential for the city's downtown. The guest speaker's name is Davis Rhorer, and he is the Executive Director of Downtown Development District.

Mr. Rhorer began by defining the two downtown districts of Spanish and Beauregard Towns. Most of the developments are moving towards residential and mixed use facilities. The mixed use facilities are organized with residential spaces on the top floor, followed by commercial use spaces, and then retail on the ground floor. The goal in the development of downtown is to revitalize the area as well as promote the features that compliment the city, such as a convention center.

There was also discussion about the Facade Growth Program, which gives a new approach to streetscape with the intended user (pedestrian) in mind. For example, buildings are extending their awnings to include shelter from the rain and additional seating along the streets. Events are also being held to draw the community into the downtown area. Events, such as the Live at Five Concert Series, are held 8 times in the fall and 8 times in the spring. The idea is that after the three hour concert series, people will flood the streets and indulge in dining out.
Another innovative idea that is going to hopefully hit downtown Baton Rouge as soon as next year is a terrace that is extended into the river area. There will be 5 decks eventually, with a capacity of 3,00o people per deck.

Among other plans are increased residential spaces to attract the youth into the downtown district, as well as creating a town square. This town square is to incorporate a new Courthouse and the development of a City Hall as well. Currently, there are 2,500 residents in the downtown area, and the hope is to increase that to around 4,000 people.