Baton Rouge Growth and Development

[Southdowns]

The proposed master plan for River Park, a potentially $600 million multi-use development on 36.3 acres next to Hollywood Casino, was unveiled at this morning

[richyb83]

In today's Daily Report, it talked about The Planning Commission set to vote on demolishing an office building at Laurel and North 4th streets downtown.

^ This is good news! That little flat one-story is out of place in the middle of the CBD. Hopefully they realize the potential of that corner + combined with the surface parking lot! It would be the perfect location near the Chase Towers to build a premier landmark mixed-use office tower!

This might be wishful thinking; but I'd like to put my 2 cents in.

[drew6974]

Has anyone noticed the new construction starting on the north side of I-12 next to the Essen/Jefferson west bound on ramp on Brentwood drive? It's a small lot on a single family residential street but this isn't a single family residence. Anyone know what this is going to be?

[richyb83]

Good question Drew, I was wondering what they are clearing that land for?? The lot at the corner of Brentwood & Jefferson Hwy. is zoned light-commercial. Then there are a few houses like you said. I' was guessing a small office building?? Being right next to the office park. That little dead-end section of Brentwood needs to be repaved; it sure looks old and rough.

[richyb83]

Must say I'm suprised at the new parking structure at the Belle of BR.

[richyb83]

Small news, still a nice story and move in the right direction for downtown BR.

Convention bureau to move into downtown HQ

The BR Convention & Visitors Bureau new site on Third at Laurel would be more convenient for visitors, close to the Capitol Park Visitors Center on River Road and near numerous downtown attractions.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/19140464.html

Edited May 23, 2008 by richyb83

[dan326]

The new garage definitely makes an impression, although more detail, even like that of the new state garages could have went a long way. I wonder what those poles on the top are? Maybe they'll put a big marquee sign on top.

[dinner roll]

The new garage definitely makes an impression, although more detail, even like that of the new state garages could have went a long way. I wonder what those poles on the top are? Maybe they'll put a big marquee sign on top.

Dan, the poles are going to be street lights for the roof-top parking level.

[dan326]

A new and/or expanded car dealership is going up of Florida Boulevard east the former Kornmeyer's. It is being built by Hollingsworth and it seemed pretty big. This is great to see large development going up on Florida because along with the expanded Toyota place, they could have easy moved out to southern Airline Highway.

Edit:

"Hollingsworth Richards Mazda, 7777 Florida Blvd., Scott A. Ritter, architect; $1,004,000 new construction of auto dealer showroom and 114-bay parking lot; 8,960 square feet; Eugene Rogillio III, contractor."

Edited May 23, 2008 by dan326

[buckett5425]

This is what the Stroube's Chophouse will look like. I love it. It combined with the other modernized building down the street, will really give 3rd street a progressive feel.

So....I've got some bad news...

My friend MobileLSUboy is interning with White-Spunner on the OneEleven and Stroube's project. White-Spunner is the contractor. Well, the plans for the second story of the chophouse and "gateway" to third street have been scrapped. The Architects, Remson l Haley l Herpin redesigned the project after White-Spunner had already bid for it, so after the architects redesigned the second story, it was $700,000 over budget. So they are scrapping the second story all together and going with a more modest design. Also, MobileLSUboy told me that the rendering Dan posted wasn't even supposed to be released to the public, but someone did anyway, and now they are in trouble. Either way, I am disappointed, because i really liked the rendering that was released, but I'm sure it will still be a very nice building anyway.

On a more positive note, I got my letter in the mail today, from the LSU School of Architecture, and I made it through the gate, and got accepted into the third year!

[richyb83]

Sorry to hear the plans were scrapped. That would have made a nice "gateway entrance for Third Street into the Arts & Entertainment District and complimented the North Blvd. Town Square. It's ashame this could not have been built/planned 5 to 7 years ago when construction co$t were not so outrageous! Maybe the modified design won't be so bad and they can add a little something to it??

But congrats Buckett on making it thru the gate getting accepted

So....I've got some bad news...

My friend MobileLSUboy is interning with White-Spunner on the OneEleven and Stroube's project. White-Spunner is the contractor. Well, the plans for the second story of the chophouse and "gateway" to third street have been scrapped. The Architects, Remson l Haley l Herpin redesigned the project after White-Spunner had already bid for it, so after the architects redesigned the second story, it was $700,000 over budget. So they are scrapping the second story all together and going with a more modest design. Also, MobileLSUboy told me that the rendering Dan posted wasn't even supposed to be released to the public, but someone did anyway, and now they are in trouble. Either way, I am disappointed, because i really liked the rendering that was released, but I'm sure it will still be a very nice building anyway.

On a more positive note, I got my letter in the mail today, from the LSU School of Architecture, and I made it through the gate, and got accepted into the third year!

[dan326]

Well, that stinks!!! I hope they at least leave the atrium part. It probably shouldn't cost too much since it is hollow??

Congrats on the acceptance Buckett! Now, along with getting your education, you can continue to bring us more insider tips.

[richyb83]

The Maritime Security Operations Center should be a nice addition for the Port of Greater Baton Rouge!!! The exterior "iconic" structure will resemble a Naval Battleship; the center's war room is on the top floor. With an unobstructed view of the Mississippi River and bridge, the third floor will contain a multi-use conference room with high-tech audio-visual components and Internet access that can be converted into a command center during a crisis.

The center will serve as command headquarters for port security, the U.S. Coast Guard, West Baton Rouge emergency agencies and any other federal and state agencies required during an emergency. The public bid process is underway, and port officials estimate the project will break ground in two months, and be completed next summer.

http://www.225batonrouge.com/news/2008/may...new-battleship/

[dan326]

Looks like the Greens at Millerville, it's neat to see whatever this is is underway.

From Bidclerk:

"May 20, 2008

Site work and new construction for a retail center in Baton Rouge. Design plans call for a 400,000-square-foot retail center."

Also from Bidclerk:

"May 16, 2008

Site work and new construction for a retail center in Baton Rouge. Design plans call for a 45,000 to 65,000-square-foot retail center on three acres."

"April 4, 2008

Site work and new construction of a retail shell building in Baton Rouge. Completed working drawings call for the construction of an approximately 43,000-square-foot retail shell building for a future retail plaza. "

"March 21, 2008

Renovation of an existing building in Baton Rouge. Plans are calling for the major renovation of an existing building to house a new restaurant and entertainment venue. " Hum, maybe the much coveted Dave & Buster's.

"February 21, 2008

Site work and new construction of a casino in Baton Rouge. Preliminary plans are calling for a 55-acre site to include a 300-room hotel, restaurants, retail and a 70,000-square-foot 1,500-slot gambling facility. " Maybe Pinnalce reconsidered the hotel room number or does that include the extended stay hotel?

Edited June 6, 2008 by dan326

[richyb83]

I had not seen anything underway at Millerville Greens. All that mess was from the construction/equipment, etc. from 5-laning Millerville Road. I heard the property exchanged hands again. Thanks for the head's up; I'll keep my eye on it since I live in the area. Really wish the golf course Fairwood CC would have stayed.

[twstdndmntd]

The Maritime Security Operations Center should be a nice addition for the Port of Greater Baton Rouge!!! The exterior "iconic" structure will resemble a Naval Battleship; the center's war room is on the top floor. With an unobstructed view of the Mississippi River and bridge, the third floor will contain a multi-use conference room with high-tech audio-visual components and Internet access that can be converted into a command center during a crisis.

The center will serve as command headquarters for port security, the U.S. Coast Guard, West Baton Rouge emergency agencies and any other federal and state agencies required during an emergency. The public bid process is underway, and port officials estimate the project will break ground in two months, and be completed next summer.

http://www.225batonrouge.com/news/2008/may...new-battleship/

I really like that ALOT!!!!! Is it going to be right on the Port Allen Riverfront, where we will be able to see it from our side? If so that would be AWESOME!!! Would bring something "interesting" to look at...

[richyb83]

Agreed! This should look nice in Port Allen from across the river. Especially at night!

[dan326]

Looky what I found on the developer site for The Greens at Millerville. The site was copyright 2008 so maybe it's not dead. I sure hope not as I love retail developments the best(right after hotels ).

This will be a total of 410,421 sq ft.

Edited June 9, 2008 by dan326

[cajun]

Lots of retail for only one main entrance.

It probably needs it's own exit.

[buckett5425]

Yea, only having one entrance sounds like the beginning of a bad story to me. It will be another Seigen Market place, with one entrance, and we know the traffic confusion, and disasters that intersection has caused. But it looks like they have proposed a new on ramp for the west bound lane? That should definitely help some. Either way, I'm sure it will be a nice development, but they sure do need to work on their entrance.

On another note. After spending months relocating, and capping wells, they have begun to clear trees at the site of the future Arlington Creek Centre at Burbank and Lee. I had really assumed this project was dead, especially with the economy slowing down. But, the developer, Victory Real Estate, did take the plans for the development off of their website, so to me, that means they are making changes, or redesigning it. But, I am excited about having the development close to my house, so I wont have to drive to Seigen for the same amenities.

[dan326]

WOW!!! That's still happening?! If I'm not mistaken, they said it would be between 400-700,000 sq ft, that's another Town Center or mall. With this Millerville Greens, La Vie, Perkins Rowe, the Bass Pro outparcels, Cabela parcels, and Juban Crossing that will be 7 new shopping centers. Talk about exponetial growth! I defeintely believe by 2020 we could be knocking at 1,000,000 people. :D I sure wish Cortana would try to keep up though. Edited June 10, 2008 by dan326

[dan326]

"Ground broken on new Woman's Hospital campus

Woman's Hospital broke ground this morning on its $299 million campus at Airline Highway and Pecue Lane. The new facility will consist of three buildings: a 300-bed hospital, a 260,000-square-foot medical office building and 69,105 square feet of support services facilities. The hospital, which is being built on the site of the Briarwood Golf Course, is scheduled to open in 2011. "

[twstdndmntd]

Looky what I found on the developer site for The Greens at Millerville. The site was copyright 2008 so maybe it's not dead. I sure hope not as I love retail developments the best(right after hotels ).

This will be a total of 410,421 sq ft.

Yeah I don't like the whole single entrance part, especially right there. I live in Sherwood so I'm always on Millerville, that would be a HUGE issue as far as traffic is concerned. Problem is knowing how that whole area is developed I don't know where they could possibly put another entrance/exit without it being threw a neighborhood. They could possibly connect to Old Hammond somewhere around the Lakes at Stonegate development.... or expedite some land around Flannery and connect to that. LOL

[richyb83]

^They do have an "emergency" gated entrance to Lakes at Stonegate; if you look at the top left between the two retention ponds. Another infamous stupid single entrance into large development. That almost seems mandatory for the area. You'd think the idiots would have learned from the chaos at the single entrance to Rave Theatre on O'Neal.

Wonder what anchor stores will go there?? Disapointed the plans for the hotel were scrapped by looking at the site plan.

Can't wait to see what happens with Arlington Creek; that area isa starving for that type of development!

Sorry to see Woman's Hospital move; they simply outgrew that place; wonder what will happen to the old hospital??

Edited June 11, 2008 by richyb83

[cajun]

Honestly, I hope this gets rejected or stopped somehow. This should have been zoned for multi-family units and it should have both another on ramp off Millerville and a connecting street.

I can see one or two restarants at the most. There already is a Super Target, Lowe's, Chick-Fil-A, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Hibbett Sporting Goods, and a proposed hotel (and I don't even know what they are building next to Lowe's) on Millerville. There's a Super Wal Mart on O'Neil, a Neighborhood Wal Mart on Coursey, and a Winn Dixie on Old Hammond...all within a 5 minute drive. Also, the new power center at Range Avenue is going up 2 exits away- and it's going to draw more people since it has a Bass Pro Shop.

Long story short- all this retail crap isn't needed here. I wouldn't care if it were on Florida Boulevard in Denham Springs, but Millerville is the only North-South connector road in that area. It will be overly congested now even with the recent widening. This is about as dumb as the Super Wal Mart on the residential section of Bluebonnet Blvd when Burbank is wide open. It's just as bad as the Siegen Marketplace with no outlet onto Perkins, I-10, or Pecue Lane.

BTW- the retail sector is dead. You know what isnt? Rental homes for people other than college students. Build some Apartments, because the choices in Baton Rouge are weak unless you are looking for a student neighborhood. It seems as though there is NO planning anymore....who green lights these? Doesn't the planning commision have to approve? If so, then the mayor might need to be voted out of office, because this "friend of Kip" appointee is screwing up the city. A move this stupid should require an explanation on the planning commision and Mayor's office. A voter should be asking questions about this.

Baton Rouge (and Louisiana) needs to switch from sales and income taxes to property taxes (and end the homestead exemption). That way, the city won't be so crazy about big power centers just because they generate tons of sales tax revenue. How about zoning some residential use that has easy access to the interstate for our growing city (within the city limits). Without the Homestead Exemption, land lords won't be encouraged to keep propertly values low by neglecting their rentals...and in places like Mid City and Downtown- they can't afford to sit on an abandoned property, which promotes privatized redevelopment. Houston does a great job with this...and it's probably the only thing I like about Houston. The closer to downtown, the higher demand- the higher demand, the higher the property taxes, the higher the propety taxes, the more dense the developer has to build. It's a great system and it's simple. Why does Baton Rouge's tax structure have to be so complicated?

Edited June 11, 2008 by cajun