UP|Louisiana http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/forums.html Sun, 11 May 2008 18:18:02 -0500 30 UP|Louisiana http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/forums.html New Orleans Development Thread
http://www.wdsu.com/video/16226213/index.html

Before they start constuction, they want 400 units sold now they have 180 reserved.]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 17:07:34 -0500 nola17 Wikipedia
I'm not sure what's going on at the wiki page, but I am sure we have more than enough pictures to load it up. That page has gone through way too many changes. I'm 86'ed from that project.
dontknow.gif

]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 16:52:33 -0500 Louisiana Thunder Wikipedia ]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 14:13:04 -0500 buckett5425 Wikipedia
]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 13:44:22 -0500 byrde Baton Rouge Growth and Development could contain residnetial space, pretty much turning this once acclaimed "mixed-use" development into a strip mall. dry.gif

"Projects along Perkins Road picking up steam

Changes long in the works are beginning to take place on a vibrant stretch of Baton Rouge road less than a mile long.

The Perkins Road overpass area, home to a high concentration of local bars, restaurants and goods and service retailers, will see its namesake bridge rehabilitated, it’s “anchor” revived (albeit in a different form) and the start of the long-awaited redevelopment of the former Acadian Village shopping center."

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/18809089.html]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 11:54:16 -0500 dan326 The Grove
If it is office space, the connector on Mint Ave won't be burdened with too much traffic.

I'd really like to see the Picardy/Perkins connector pulled forward now. That would really help traffic in that area. If not, then they need to connect The Grove with Willow Grove]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 11:22:54 -0500 cajun Red Light Cameras
QUOTE (twstdndmntd @ Feb 14 2008, 11:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I love the idea greatly. I think BR has a serious problem with red light runners, it really is a driving hazard. I can think of many more intersections to put them at than just the 4 mentioned. I have an issue with where the money raised will be going. It will go into the general city/parish fund. I'd actually like to see the money raised go to city road projects. At first I said roads and police raises, but given the recent spike in crime, I say it should go all to road projects.


You should bring that up, although I think installing the cameras came from the general fund....

Also, the funding for the courthouse is kind of screwy too. No new taxes were passed, so they trippled the court fees several years ago to pay for this.

That's illegal since the taxpayers didn't agree on it, in my opinion. This is Napoleanic code here...it's a real democracy therefore it should have been on a ballot somehwere five or six years ago and it wasn't.

I also have concerns about the sales tax- Green Light Plan. Baton Rouge just extended it's sales tax for decades to pay for a plan so big and expensive that it will take 30 years to finance (even through bonds....construction prices are high and sales tax revenue isn't going up fast enough).
I say good luck, because I doubt that in 10 years only a quarter of those projects will be complete or underway. I don't think anything shady is going on, but deciding which project get's priority in the future is going to be political hot potato between Central, North Baton Rouge, South Baton Rouge, and the Zachary area. I don't think they were clear enough on how fast they were going to complete these projects. They are only just getting started....the idea is that construction projects are going up so much and baton rouge is growing so fast that they would borrow against future tax revenue through bonds and try to get 40 years of projects done in 10 years. It's already been 2 years and only one or two projects are undeway. They need to get a move on! I am sure the construction companies won't mind the extra business. The longer projects need to get a head start....like the Central Thruway is now. Brightside, Nicholson, Perkins, Jones Creek....all are very high priority projects and they simply are not happening fast enough (that is only the projects that i know of now).]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 11:09:46 -0500 cajun Baton Rouge Coffee House
Anyone here ever been to Portland or Atlanta...or the woodlands, tx? That is one thing that Baton Rouge is missing that wouldn't be that difficult to install.

Pine, Oak, Cypress.....all good trees that can go in the vacant land on the cloverleaf interchanges, alongside the interstate by the sound walls....etc.

It's dissapointing to see them clear cut everything to build on. They cant keep some trees?]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 11:04:38 -0500 cajun Baton Rouge Photo of the Day
QUOTE (richyb83 @ May 10 2008, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's a very nice sketch/drawing LT shades.gif

I used a program to create that, my drawing skills are terrible]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 10:24:55 -0500 Louisiana Thunder New Orleans Development Thread
QUOTE (nola @ May 10 2008, 11:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think I'm the only one who loves the new rendering! I'm so relieved its modern


I'm very glad that it is modern. The last thing NOLA needs is some cheap imitation of an early 20th century builting (e.g., Astor Crowne Plaza).
]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 01:24:59 -0500 JPKneworleans The Grove laugh.gif

From Deveopbits Thread
dan326:
"I've got exciting news. I passed by The Grove site the other day and I saw two very good things. One was that there were vehicles that were continuing to level the land. And number two, the creek that runs through the development was a little higher than before and was moving. Seeing as it hadn't rained recently when I saw it, it could only mean water was being pumped into creek! ! I've said it before and I'll say it again, of all the projects, I want this one to get done the most. "

richyb83:
"Good deal; thanks Dan for that news I thought you would a revved up the Grove thread again?? I'll have to check it out. The Grove sure is one HUGE development; esp. when you add the new Power Center now going up+ Rave Cinema+ The Boulevard that's hooked onto the Mall of La. They spared "no" trees at The Grove.

I still think my propsal of a waterway with water taxi would be cool connecting The Grove with Perkins Rowe. That would compliment the BREC bike trails too. "]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 00:49:01 -0500 dan326 Baton Rouge Developbits
  • The new Holiday Inn has started putting up the walls
  • Possibly the last floor of City Plaza II has finished, now time for the crown and spire !
  • The lights were on in the empty tenant of Esplanande Mall, they must be working around the clock, but for what ?
    • ]]>     Sun, 11 May 2008 00:44:12 -0500 dan326     New Orleans Development Thread expanding the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal and different opinions on the necessity of that expansion.]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 00:42:23 -0500 blackcoat Baton Rouge Coffee House . Afterwards we I took a ride around, I don't know if there was a special event downtown or what, but Third Street was alive! The parking lots and street parking were packed! They were walking the sidewalks, hanging out around all the bars and hotel and eating on the sidewalk seating. There was even a mascot waving at the traffic at the new pizza place. Also they added a nice, semi-circular marquis sign above the entrance of the Roux House that reads the name and acts of the night, further adding to the Third Street "Times Square" feel. One Eleven appeared to be fully framed so I guess the walls will be added soon? This is all too exciting. grin.png grin.png

    Random fact: Swans have the most vertibrae in their neck of any other animal.]]>     Sun, 11 May 2008 00:34:51 -0500 dan326     New Orleans Development Thread someone metioned that building had a website....i can't find it though anyone have a link?
    and are there any rendering of nine27 poeyfarre which from the looks of it is already beginning construction]]>     Sat, 10 May 2008 23:48:58 -0500 nola     Red Light Cameras
    Cameras snare 2,605 drivers

    “We have one video that shows three cars in a row running one red light at Essen and I-10,” city-parish Chief Traffic Engineer Ingolf Partenheimer said. “If you could see some of the stuff we’re seeing on these videos, you’d be mortified,” he added.

    The two cameras at Interstate 10 and College Drive generated 1,054 citations, while the three cameras at Essen and I-10 produced 1,193 citations.

    The single camera at La. 19 and Blount Road resulted in 180 citations, and the lone camera at Airline Highway and Old Hammond Highway caught 137 violators.

    The first intersection where cameras were activated has the fewest citations. Records show that only 41 citations have been issued at the intersection of Coursey and South Sherwood Forest boulevards since photo enforcement started on Coursey’s eastbound lanes on Feb. 18.

    Four other intersections were activated in mid-March, and have been generating far more citations.

    http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/18824234.html]]>     Sat, 10 May 2008 23:38:10 -0500 richyb83     Shreveport/Bossier City Development
    QUOTE (woob @ May 10 2008, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    I think that it could work! It should just be built on the Bossier side haha


    Here we go... rolleyes.gif]]>     Sat, 10 May 2008 23:28:42 -0500 Metlife     Shreveport/Bossier City Development
    QUOTE (Metlife @ May 10 2008, 02:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    2nd article regarding the aforementioned aquarium. Hopefully, this project has some legs to it...
    http://search.shreveporttimes.com/sp?eId=1...mp;siteIdType=2



    I think that it could work! It should just be built on the Bossier side haha]]>     Sat, 10 May 2008 22:51:16 -0500 woob     Baton Rouge Photo of the Day ]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 21:53:46 -0500 richyb83 New Orleans Off-Topic A little fun to spice this board up:










    This is my favorite one I've done:

    Enjoy]]>     Sat, 10 May 2008 20:48:36 -0500 UptownNewOrleans     Baton Rouge Photo of the Day ]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 18:43:48 -0500 Louisiana Thunder Shreveport/Bossier City Development http://search.shreveporttimes.com/sp?eId=1...mp;siteIdType=2

    ]]>     Sat, 10 May 2008 14:58:16 -0500 Metlife     Hi Sort of embarrising. blush.gif whistling.gif That just shows to be careful when you have multiple tabs open.]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 10:54:03 -0500 dan326 New Urbanism
    Thanks for the post, I missed that one. I usually scan the Daily Report, but that one is kind of hidden in that article. I wish they would have done a full article with some more detail.]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 18:10:27 -0500 Zackman     New Hotels
    QUOTE (richyb83 @ May 9 2008, 12:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Wonder what will finally happen to the Krispy Kreme building next door?? That property ain't cheap!


    The former Krispy Kreme location is now an AT&T Store.

    Very good news about the Renaissance. thumbsup.gif]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 17:39:07 -0500 byrde     New Hotels ]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 16:14:58 -0500 dan326 Baton Rouge Growth and Development
    More expansion news; impressive increase to an already large facility

    Coca-Cola expanding, adding 113 jobs

    Baton Rouge Coca-Cola announced today it is increasing the the size of the bottling and distribution plant it is building near Baton Rouge Metro Airport by 50%, a move that will add up to 113 new jobs over the next four years. The expansion will allow the plant to produce and distribute Powerade and Vitamin Water drinks for Louisiana and neighboring states.

    Coke officials made the announcement along with Gov. Bobby Jindal, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret, Mayor Kip Holden and Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce President Adam Knapp. Darian Chustz, president of Baton Rouge Coca-Cola, says the first phase of the new plant will open at the end of the year. "Baton Rouge is perfectly positioned to be a southeastern regional hub for the Coca-Cola system, and we are excited to play a key role in the expansion of our industry, as well as serve as a driver of economic growth in our community," he says.

    The new jobs will have an average salary of $45,000. The 270,000-square-foot expansion will bring the size of the plant to 770,000 square feet and raise Coke's investment to $178 million. The plant will begin producing Powerade and Vitamin Water next year, followed by additional drink lines in 2010 and 2012. With the additional hires, Baton Rouge Coca-Cola will have more than 600 employees.

    http://www.businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/latest/



    ]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 16:12:36 -0500 richyb83     Baton Rouge City Profile
    QUOTE
    CityStats project to hold final meeting
    The third and final community meeting for the Baton Rouge CityStats project is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at BREC headquarters on Florida Boulevard. The project, led by Ben Warner of Jacksonville Community Council Inc. and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, seeks to define a vision for Baton Rouge and select indicators to measure the progress toward that vision. The indicators could be anything that reflects quality of life, from the murder rate to art gallery attendance. The first meeting, BRAF spokesman Mukul Verma said, was attended by about 100 people and was primarily an introduction to the process. The second, attended by more than 70, was about creating the vision and beginning to pick the indicators. Tuesday’s meeting should result in the creation of about 60 indicators that will be researched by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber over the summer. BRAF will release a report and a Web site early next year, and continue to revisit those same factors each year to guide its projects; they expect other community organizations will do the same. To download the draft vision statements from the last meeting, click here . To read a Business Report story about the CityStats effort, click here .
    ]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 15:54:43 -0500 dan326     River Park Can't wait to see some renderings! This project should form a nice little skyline north of the State Capitol!

    Master plan complete for riverfront project
    Developer Pete Clements says the master plan is complete for River Park, his mixed-use development on 36.3 acres next to Hollywood Casino. Mayor Kip Holden and Clements will announce the details at Tuesday’s 8 a.m. meeting of the Downtown Development District at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum planetarium. Clements declined this morning to discuss specifics of the plan before Tuesday, but has indicated the development could include condos, office and retail space, a hotel and a restaurant.--David Jacobs

    http://www.businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/latest/]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 15:21:27 -0500 richyb83     Baton Rouge Developbits
    QUOTE
    Master plan complete for riverfront project
    Developer Pete Clements says the master plan is complete for River Park, his mixed-use development on 36.3 acres next to Hollywood Casino. Mayor Kip Holden and Clements will announce the details at Tuesday's 8 a.m. meeting of the Downtown Development District at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum planetarium. Clements declined this morning to discuss specifics of the plan before Tuesday, but has indicated the development could include condos, office and retail space, a hotel and a restaurant.--David Jacobs






    ]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 15:15:31 -0500 buckett5425     Celtic Media Centre

    http://www.thecelticmediacentre.com/

    My prediction is that in the near future we will start seeing perkins-rowe type developments at these big studios that will house workers and their offices as well as double as sets...including city scapes, european style buildings, suburbia style areas, and maybe some other styles.

    Universal city in Los Angles has this...and Celtic Media Centre is much, much smaller though....but the one proposed in West Baton Rouge is pretty close to that size.
    If you have 500 people working in West Baton Rouge- you also get 500 people going downtown for drinks and what not since there isn't much in Port Allen.]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 06:22:22 -0500 cajun     New Hotels FINALLY! Fri, 09 May 2008 01:20:28 -0500 buckett5425 New Hotels
    yahoo.gif
    Bonds sold for hotel project 300-room, 12-story Renaissance set to open by early 2010

    A partially completed dormitory building on the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries campus on Bluebonnet Boulevard is on track with a $50 million bond sale to be transformed into a 12-story, 300-room hotel called Renaissance Baton Rouge. The hotel will include an upscale restaurant operated by Dickie Brennan's of New Orleans.

    Wampold, who began considering the hotel project several years ago, acknowledged Thursday that completing it has taken longer than he anticipated. He said the hotel plans have been hampered by fluctuating materials costs.

    Wampold said costs for residential-building materials have fallen with the nation’s housing meltdown. But materials such as concrete, steel and copper used in larger projects are in big demand in China and other Asian countries that are in the midst of expansion booms.

    “In the credit climate and the construction climate, with rising material costs, it’s a new world every day in costs,” he said. “It’s a little disconcerting, but we’re getting our hands around it.”

    He also said Wampold Companies has been distracted by its other high-profile projects, like the City Plaza II office building downtown and The Crescent at University Lake condominiums on Stanford Avenue.

    ]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 00:52:58 -0500 richyb83     New Hotels I am guessing the Drury Inn is trying a new floor plan? Normally the lobby is located at the end of the building with a glass wall and seven story atruim. but it looks like the lobby is going to be in the center of the hotel in this configuration. none the less, good location, and i like the height. Fri, 09 May 2008 00:30:14 -0500 buckett5425 New Hotels
    The 7-story 180-room Drury Inn going up quickly off I-10 near Essen
    *taken on a cloudy Monday afternoon
    ]]>     Fri, 09 May 2008 00:01:59 -0500 richyb83     Celtic Media Centre
    There's been a name change in the street; formerly Mayfair Drive; it's now Celtic Drive. Celtic Media Centre continues to grow; soon this field will house one of the the largest studio's in the complex


    The Rebecca bldg. went up quickly; even from the back of the Celtic complex the roof can be seen from the I-12-Airline Hwy. overpass shades.gif A few more buildings about to get started will make this one seem small.
    ]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 23:54:28 -0500 richyb83     Reinventing the Crescent Sean Cummings is not in violation of ethics rules, though they did express concern about his purchase of a warehouse in the Marigny. Cummings will need to appear before the board again if he acquires any additional properties near the riverfront or the World Trade Center building, or if plans for Reinventing The Crescent or the World Trade Center project are altered.]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 23:50:06 -0500 blackcoat Baton Rouge Developbits I thought you would a revved up the Grove thread again?? I'll have to check it out. The Grove sure is one HUGE development; esp. when you add the new Power Center now going up+ Rave Cinema+ The Boulevard that's hooked onto the Mall of La. They spared "no" trees at The Grove.

    I still think my propsal of a waterway with water taxi would be cool connecting The Grove with Perkins Rowe. That would compliment the BREC bike trails too.]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 23:30:53 -0500 richyb83     New Urbanism Hopefully we will hear postive news about this next week!

    Here's a nice take from Rolfe McCollister of Business Report on this subject...

    They’re at it again

    The same group that whined and complained about the concept of a signature library downtown until it got to keep its “main branch” on the beautiful soccer fields of Independence Park is at it again. This time, Stan Bardwell and John Berry are pushing to kill the idea of the Southdowns branch in Rouzan. They want to return the new branch to the swampland donated on Burbank Drive-where it could stand alone as an icon to Louisiana’s welfare mentality that free and cheap are always best.

    Library board members Bardwell and Don Browning advanced this idea at the last meeting. It is a bad one and should be discussed no further. Berry, who opposed the entire Rouzan development, is clearly trying to use the library to force a change in Rouzan’s plans, which would require the developer to return to the Metro Council for approval. This would give Berry one more chance to publicly whine and complain some more. Enough already.

    http://www.businessreport.com/news/2008/ma...e-headquarters/


    ]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 23:21:15 -0500 richyb83     Baton Rouge Developbits I passed by The Grove site the other day and I saw to very good things. One was that there were vehicles that were continuing to level the land. And number two, the creek that runs through the development was a little higher than before and was moving. Seeing as it hadn't rained recently when I saw it, it could only mean water was being pumped into creek! ! w00t.png I've said it before and I'll say it again, of all the projects, I want this one to get done the most.]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 22:26:05 -0500 dan326 Baton Rouge City Profile
    QUOTE (dan326 @ May 8 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    I really wish that the would have put a better picture than this. While the Nottoway Plantation is nice, most of the other sizable cities got skyline pictures. dry.gif I guess I can't complain too much, this house looks way nicer than some of the others. grin.png

    " B.R. real estate market among nation’s hottest
    Baton Rouge ranked ninth on a list of the 10 fastest-growing real estate markets, according to Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com. The report says Capital Region home prices are expected to rise by 2.8% this year and 2.1% in 2009. In comparison, home prices are expected to drop in 75 of the 100 biggest U.S. cities. Some markets are expected to keep on dropping until 2010. See the story here ."



    "B.R. ranks 42nd among mid-size cities for relocation
    Baton Rouge ranks 42nd on a list of the best cities for relocating families. The survey, which was prepared for Worldwide ERC and Primary Relocation, companies that specialize in employee relocation, looked at factors such as job growth, the number of pediatricians per capita and environmental incentives. Baton Rouge was one of 50 cities in the mid-size metro area list, which covered places with populations between 600,000 and 1.3 million people. Omaha, Neb., topped the list, while New Orleans ranked No. 41 and Stockton, Calif., ranked last. In the small metro area category, which covered places with populations between 360,000 and 600,000, Rockingham County, N.H., led the list and Shreveport-Bossier City was 16th. Pittsburgh was named the best large metro area for a relocating family."



    Thats great.

    ]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 19:11:52 -0500 BRPJ     New Urbanism
    QUOTE (cajun @ May 8 2008, 05:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Got any email addresses that you'd like to PM me? I'd write a letter to them.

    Cajun, you've got mail.

    For anyone else, I'll be glad to PM the email addresses or you can get them at the Library Board of Control Members website.]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 18:09:02 -0500 Zackman     New Urbanism
    QUOTE (Zackman @ May 8 2008, 04:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Love the last part. shades.gif

    I think the library board members are getting some similar messages in their inbox. whistling.gif

    They could always use more... thumbsup.gif


    Got any email addresses that you'd like to PM me? I'd write a letter to them.]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 17:31:10 -0500 cajun     Baton Rouge City Profile I guess I can't complain too much, this house looks way nicer than some of the others. grin.png

    " B.R. real estate market among nation’s hottest
    Baton Rouge ranked ninth on a list of the 10 fastest-growing real estate markets, according to Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com. The report says Capital Region home prices are expected to rise by 2.8% this year and 2.1% in 2009. In comparison, home prices are expected to drop in 75 of the 100 biggest U.S. cities. Some markets are expected to keep on dropping until 2010. See the story here ."



    "B.R. ranks 42nd among mid-size cities for relocation
    Baton Rouge ranks 42nd on a list of the best cities for relocating families. The survey, which was prepared for Worldwide ERC and Primary Relocation, companies that specialize in employee relocation, looked at factors such as job growth, the number of pediatricians per capita and environmental incentives. Baton Rouge was one of 50 cities in the mid-size metro area list, which covered places with populations between 600,000 and 1.3 million people. Omaha, Neb., topped the list, while New Orleans ranked No. 41 and Stockton, Calif., ranked last. In the small metro area category, which covered places with populations between 360,000 and 600,000, Rockingham County, N.H., led the list and Shreveport-Bossier City was 16th. Pittsburgh was named the best large metro area for a relocating family."]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 17:08:10 -0500 dan326     New Urbanism
    QUOTE (richyb83 @ May 8 2008, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    This is the letter I wrote to the library board the other day.....I hope they will strongly consider this. They haven't me written back.
    ...
    It's a shame a few vocal people can be so relentless to the point that the Burbank site be considered once again; especially when they are the main cause for delays. Please move Baton Rouge forward and not backwards!


    Love the last part. shades.gif

    I think the library board members are getting some similar messages in their inbox. whistling.gif

    They could always use more... thumbsup.gif]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 16:02:57 -0500 Zackman     New Urbanism
    A proposed new Southdowns branch library at the Rouzan TND off Perkins Road is a “GREAT” idea!! It will be within “walking” distance of thousands of residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. The village-like setting would be an added bonus.

    The Burbank location for the library would be a big mistake! Only accessible by “car”. With the price of Gas going only up in the future; this would not be a good idea.

    I have no agenda and I am not associated with anybody. I live across town in the Millerville/I-12 area; and only wish that a Rouzan “type” development would have been built nearby at the old Fairwood Country Club. I do work at the nearby Lee HS.

    It’s a shame a few vocal people can be so relentless to the point that the Burbank site be considered once again; especially when they are the main cause for delays. Please move Baton Rouge forward and not backwards!

    Thanks,
    Richy B.

    ]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 15:49:50 -0500 richyb83     <![CDATA[Baton Rouge's Companies]]>
    QUOTE (burt @ May 8 2008, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    I can't say what Albemarle Corp's headquarters will do for Baton Rouge in the way of personnel, but it only has about 25 people in its Richmond office. We are sorry to lose a Fortune 1000 headquarters (it will bring our 1000 count down to 13), but if it has to go, Baton Rouge is a perfect location. Congratulations!


    I think they are just moving the offices and corporate HQ to where all the research and development, manufacturing, and field personnel are located...it's obviously cheaper to move 25 people into a rennovated office (they are spending $5 million to rennovate a office space for 25 people....yikes!) than it is to move their core employees to Virginia.

    I doubt them leaving has as much to do with the quality of life in Richmond as the business climate in Baton Rouge and their tax package from the state of Louisiana and East Baton Rouge.

    Hopefully Cane's will do an IPO and move into the fortune 1000 sector soon. I don't see as much potential for growth with Lamar as I do Albermarle, Shaw, Turner, Cajun, and Cane's. Picadilly may have had a chance but their combined poor business decisions and being bought out ruined that.]]>     Thu, 08 May 2008 10:46:48 -0500 cajun     <![CDATA[Baton Rouge's Companies]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 10:16:52 -0500 burt Baton Rouge Photo of the Day

    One American Place; BR's 2nd Tallest at 310'ft. BR needs a new 2nd Tallest
    ]]>     Wed, 07 May 2008 23:50:10 -0500 richyb83     Baton Rouge Growth and Development
    It would have been very cool if Shaw had built downtown, since they are the only Fortune 500 company in BR. I had hoped Amedysis would've built downtown or occupied one of the buildings so that they couldve lent their signage to a downtown tower. Shreveport businesses have done a really good job of adding signage to their downtown buildings, as well as lighting them up (Dallas does an awesome job of adding light to their nighttime skyline- BR needs to incorporate something like that).

    ]]>     Wed, 07 May 2008 20:48:31 -0500 Southdowns