Plan Baton Rouge

[richyb83]

Something complimentary like this could work on one of the nearby  blocks of  Lofts at 6C Esp near North Blvd overlooking the Greenway/Promenade.

It's not the original 4-story building with LAGC no longer in the mix...(LBC will occupy 3 floors) ....but it should look nice up on the streetscape better than vacant parking lot!

 Hopefully Lofts at 6C could be catalyst for more development...a game changer

A MESSAGE FROM THE DDD

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE construction CONTINUES Downtown! Construction downtown over the past several years has been booming, and it's not over yet!!! 47 projects are either planned or under construction and more will be coming soon. Whether on your lunch break, attending an event, or just enjoying the sites and activity downtown, check out the progress on a few of these upcoming developments. LA STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR CONTRACTORS (pictured above) - Located on the corner of 6th Street and North Street, this building is going to transform the previously vacant surface parking lot. Designed by Remson, Haley, & Herpin Architects and constructed by Ratcliff Construction. LOFTS @ 6C (pictured above) - This 142-unit apartment complex is currently being constructed on Sixth Street between Florida and Convention Street and is expected to welcome new residents soon! It is also transforming a once vacant surface parking lot and is adjacent to Convention Street Park. This development is led by local developer John O. Hearin, and constructed by Womack Construction. ELYSIAN II (pictured above) - Bringing an additional 100 residential units to Downtown East, the Elysian II development is led by Gulf Coast Housing Partnership. It is located at the intersection of North 13th Street and Spanish Town Road. COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT (pictured above) - Located on the prominent corner of Third Street and Florida Street, the Courtyard By Marriott will bring an additional 135 hotel rooms and a Starbucks to the heart of the Central Business District. This is the second hotel development in Downtown Baton Rouge by Windsor Aughtry Company. It is designed by Bounds and Gillespie Architects and constructed by Ratcliff Construction. The hotel is scheduled to open in late September. To learn more about these projects and what's going on downtown, check out our website and the Downtown Development Toolkit at the links below!

toolkit >> website >> 

Edited August 18, 2018 by richyb83

[richyb83]

Nice view of the Skyline from the 4th floor

A MESSAGE FROM THE DDD

The Elias Apartments Now Leasing! Downtown Baton Rouge's newest apartments, The Elias, is now leasing! Located in historic Beauregard Town (141 Napoleon St.) this 25 unit apartment building offers the residents convenient community amenities like a gated entry, walk-able distance to the grocery store, restaurants, downtown nightlife, workout room, community bicycles, and amazing views of the downtown skyline! These luxury apartments will have 1 (Maximilian), 2 (Beauregard), and 3 (America) bedroom options. See what floorplan works for you!

The Elias >> Email >>

[richyb83]

DDD Commission Meeting September 11, 2018 8:00 a.m. Kean Miller LLP, II City Plaza, 400 Convention Street, Suite 700 AGENDA

1. Call to Order 2. Declare Quorum 3. Approve Agenda 4. Approve August 14th, 2018 Minutes 5. Board Action 6. Governmental Issues 7. Update from Previous Board Meeting 8. Development Initiatives   • Developments Underway • DDD 30th Anniversary   • Courtyard Marriott Opening   • The Register   • I -10 Improvements   • River Road Improvements   • Downtown Greenway   • Rotary Centennial Project   • Downtown Maintenance Committee   • New Businesses

9. Events   • The Big Welcome concert: LSU / SU / BRCC - September 14 • Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra - September 13   • Fitness Rocks - September 21   • St. Jude's Walk/ Run - September 15   • BayouUnity- September 20   • Baton Rouge Concert Band - September 30   • Live After Five - September 28, October 5   • American Cancer Society - October 6   • Bloom Festival - October 6   • HYPE Fitness Series - October 9   • Preserve Louisiana/ Old Governor's Mansion   • Manship Theatre/ LSU MOA   • Capitol Park Museum   • Old State Capitol   • River Center Events   • LASM   • USS KIDD 10. Strategic Plan   • Plan Baton Rouge II 11. Ongoing Projects   • CPEX • BREADA • DBA

12. Correspondence 13. Public Comment

[richyb83]

 

Compose Digital Design moves into 440 on Third

Compose Digital Design is the latest tenant to move into downtown’s 440 on Third building, joining health tech company Kinesics on the second floor of the mixed-use development.

The new digs for the Baton Rouge communication design firm—previously located on Europe Street in Beauregard Town—includes a studio where clients can walk into a sound booth to record voice-overs for commercials or online marketing videos among other features.

Sarah Powell, the firm’s co-owner and creative director, says the office’s centralized downtown location, near several of her clients, attracted her to the space. She also expects the studio to be particularly beneficial during the campaign season when she creates ads for political candidates.

Completed in 2014, the renovated 440 on Third has 65 luxury apartments, 30,000 square feet of office space and Matherne’s Supermarket, the downtown area’s only full-service grocery store. The local headquarters for USAgencies is also in the building. Originally built in the 1950s, the facility once housed Capital One’s Baton Rouge operations until it was renovated and reopened.

The design firm’s move reflects a trend of businesses moving downtown, with the number of businesses within the district boundaries reaching 644 in July, up from 571 a year before. Average office space rental rates in the area rose by about 15 cents per square foot last year, though Powell declined to comment on her rental agreement.

https://www.businessreport.com/article/compose-digital-design-moves-440-third

[richyb83]

This is the parking lot  on Laurel at Fifth   that has had a few nice project proposals ...but  as of today....still nothing!

https://www.businessreport.com/realestate/wilbur-marvin-foundation-braf-commercial-properties

 

Back in early 06' ...... Laurel Tower/Regions Financial Centre, 19 stories/ abt 240'ft Tall . The New Richmond Apartments, were demolished for the development. The building was supposed to include 640 parking spaces occupying 10 floors. Regions Bank HQ's(instead moved to new  II City Plaza) was to occupy a few floors.  & 28 new condominiums on the Top.
 

After that deal fell thru...

The 2nd proposal in 07'  was some disappointing Brownstones that thankfully did not happen (60 new residential units, 30,000 sf of Class “A” office space? NOT SURE WHERE?  and 10,000 sf of retail and underground parking for over 100 cars.
 

 

The 3rd & Latest proposal in 2014'......40 on Fifth...still NOTHING ( looked to be roughly the same size as Onyx development on Third @ Convention St)......however glad to see Lofts at 6C under construction a few blocks away come to fruition!

Edited September 14, 2018 by richyb83

[cajun]

On 9/13/2018 at 11:47 PM, richyb83 said:

This is the parking lot  on Laurel at Fifth   that has had a few nice project proposals ...but  as of today....still nothing!

https://www.businessreport.com/realestate/wilbur-marvin-foundation-braf-commercial-properties

 

Back in early 06' ...... Laurel Tower/Regions Financial Centre, 19 stories/ abt 240'ft Tall . The New Richmond Apartments, were demolished for the development. The building was supposed to include 640 parking spaces occupying 10 floors. Regions Bank HQ's(instead moved to new  II City Plaza) was to occupy a few floors.  & 28 new condominiums on the Top.
 

After that deal fell thru...

The 2nd proposal in 07'  was some disappointing Brownstones that thankfully did not happen (60 new residential units, 30,000 sf of Class “A” office space? NOT SURE WHERE?  and 10,000 sf of retail and underground parking for over 100 cars.
 

 

The 3rd & Latest proposal in 2014'......40 on Fifth...still NOTHING ( looked to be roughly the same size as Onyx development on Third @ Convention St)......however glad to see Lofts at 6C under construction a few blocks away come to fruition!

I agree that Regions tower would have been awesome. 

 

But those Brownstones would have been nice too.   I'm just not sure that it was the appropriate spot for them.

[richyb83]

Yes indeed Cajun!  Regions HQ would have looked in the BR skyline adding density next to the Chase Towers & One American Place!

For sure those Brownstones are nice. But  think  Mid City & Downtown East would have been a much better fit!

[richyb83]

A MESSAGE FROM THE DDD

Coming Soon! 4 New Restaurants Coming this Fall are 4 new restaurants to downtown! Adding to our many restaurants are Starbucks Coffee, The Bistro, The Salad Station, and Chow Main. These establishments come at a perfect time as downtown is continuing to grow with more residents, workers, and visitors. Stay tuned for other exciting announcements! Starbucks Coffee - full service Starbucks opening Monday, September 24th. Located on the ground floor of the Courtyard Marriott on the corner of Third and Florida Streets. The Bistro - Courtyard Marriott's restaurant, serving casual breakfast and dinner fare in the hotel lobby. Open 7 days a week for breakfast and dinner. The Salad Station - local "pay by the pound" salad restaurant concept located on the ground floor of the Commerce Building - fronting Third Street. Opening early October. Chow Main - new concept Asian restaurant that is "Southern based, with Asian taste", located at the corner of 5th and Main Streets. Opening in October.

restaurants >> events >>

[richyb83]

Could have put this in Riverfront thread...OR North Blvd Town Square thread...so compromised this into Plan BR which included all of this...

Actually calling this Plan BR Phase II    CHECK OUT the "CUT SHEETS"  Below

A MESSAGE FROM THE DDD

Construction begins! riverfront plaza & North Boulevard Town Square Phase II Two components of the Downtown 'Central Green' are beginning construction, adding to over 11 acres of accessible, contiguous public greenspace located in the heart of downtown. North Boulevard Town Square Phase II and the renovation of Riverfront Plaza will include ADA accessibility improvements and enhance overall pedestrian and bicycle circulation, as well as provide an additional event space for users to enjoy. Both components began as a recommendation of the community-driven master plan, Plan Baton Rouge II. Check out the links below for more information! Riverfront Plaza North Boulevard Town Square Phase II

press release >> cut sheets >>

[richyb83]

So now Lofts @6C now The Heron?   Beauregard Quarters original name is now "The Elias"

A MESSAGE FROM THE DDD Now leasing! new residential opportunities! Two new residential developments are now leasing in the DDD! The Elias, located on the edge of Beauregard Town, and The Heron, located in the heart of the Central Business District, offer their residents an urban lifestyle with downtown's essential amenities and attractions within walking distance. The map below diagrams these walking routes to amenities like the Red Stick Farmers Market, Matherne's Market, Prescriptions to Geaux (Pharmacy), Downtown Healthcare and Wellness, the 'Central Green,' and the Levee Bike Path. If you are looking to live downtown, check out these 2 new properties!   THE HERON - (635 Convention Street) Overlooking BREC Convention Street Park, The Heron Downtown brings a new livability to Baton Rouge's bustling center. Offering extraordinary in-apartment finishes, complimentary cruiser bikes, and a sparkling rooftop pool with cabana lounge, this is the place for those who want it all.

THE ELIAS - Located in Historic Beauregard Town (141 Napoleon St.), this 25 unit apartment building offers residents convenient community including gated entry, a workout room, community bicycles, and amazing views of the downtown skyline! Heron >> elias >> downtown living >> development map >>

[richyb83]

DDD Commission Meeting October 9, 2018 8:00 a.m. St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall, 401 Main Street AGENDA

1. Call to Order 2. Declare Quorum 3. Approve Agenda 4. Approve September 11th, 2018 Minutes 5. Board Action 6. Governmental Issues 7. Update from Previous Board Meeting   • Downtown Waste Ordinance 8. Development Initiatives   • Developments Underway   • Courtyard Marriott Opening   • BRAC Center for Economic Development   • Downtown East Update   • Prince Apartments   • Bike Share   • River Road Improvements   • Downtown Greenway   • Rotary Centennial Project   • Downtown Maintenance Committee   • New Businesses

9. Events   • Sunday in the Park - October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11 • Live After Five - October 12, 19, 26, November 2   • Jambalaya Jam - October 11   • Murder Mystery Dinner - October 20   • Capitol City Beer Fest - October 21   • Baton Rouge Halloween Parade - October 27   • Henry Turner Jr. Day - October 27   • Veteran's Day Parade - October 28   • 13th Gate - October/November 2018   • Hype Fitness Series - November 6   • Louisiana Book Festival - November 10   • Preserve Louisiana/ Old Governor's Mansion   • Manship Theatre/ LSU MOA   • Capitol Park Museum   • Old State Capitol   • River Center Events   • LASM   • USS KIDD 10. Ongoing Projects   • CPEX • BREADA • DBA

11. Correspondence 12. Public Comment

[richyb83]

Here we go....this is what i caught quick glimpse on Lamar Digital Billboard driving I-10  a few months back

Wampold is a believer of Downtown

CHECK IT OUT Rooftop Pool is going to look cool on top of South Tower! So will the Glass for the Ground-level Retail

https://d1dxs113ar9ebd.cloudfront.net/businessreport/2018/10/Wampold-Tower-Presentation-20181004.pdf

Wampold to add 150 luxury apartments to Chase South Tower

When developer Mike Wampold acquired the Chase South Tower in early February, he said he planned to redevelop the iconic, downtown high rise into a mixed-use development of luxury apartments, offices and ground floor retail.

Eight months later, Wampold is ready to move forward with those plans. The developer says he will begin construction early next year on the first of what will ultimately be 150 new multifamily units on the top 10 or 12 floors of the building. Wampold says he will develop the units in phases, starting with about 75 on five upper floors.

“If that does well, we’ll do the rest,” he says.

Plans also call for renovating existing office space in the 330,000-square-foot building, and adding new ground-floor retail space on the plaza and a bricked-in walkway that flanks the building sides fronting Fourth and Fifth streets. Wampold says he is in discussions with potential tenants for both.

Though downtown has seen the addition of several new multifamily complexes—most recently, the 146-unit Heron Downtown at Florida and Sixth streets—Wampold believes the market is ripe for still more apartments, particularly high-end units.

“You don’t necessarily need more apartments,” he says. “But you need the right kind of apartment building—something that is going to entice people out of the suburbs.”

Besides the Chase South Tower, which was built in 1969 and therefore would be eligible in 2019 for historic building tax credits, Wampold owns four other major downtown structures that he has either bought and renovated or built from the ground up. They include Riverside North, which is adjacent and physically connected to the Chase South Tower; Plaza Towers I and II; and the Watermark Hotel, which he redeveloped from the former LNB Building.

The developer says it is a testament to his faith in downtown and in Baton Rouge in general.

https://www.businessreport.com/article/wampold-add-150-luxury-apartments-chase-south-tower

MORE

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/article_1d5987f4-d237-11e8-86b4-7fadc8ec471b.html

Edited October 18, 2018 by richyb83

[richyb83]

Apartments, condos, redevelopment of the historic Hotel Lincoln set for downtown Baton Rouge

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/article_811682f6-e786-11e8-b354-cf7522d23e73.html

The Heron looks nice on Sixth  Street!

Hmmm...it's better than nothing...but the Trahan riverfront condo tower  24-stories a few weeks ago; 26-stories in this article...could scale it down to 10-15 floors depending on demand; wont get my hopes up in vertically challenged BR....the Shaw Center for the Arts has to be breathing a sigh of relief?

One unit per floor? 

 

[dan326]

While I'd like something taller too even if it's 10 stories, that's still saying a lot about Baton Rouge considering each unit is like 2 million dollars.

[Antrell Williams]

I can't imagine demand is high enough for how many were originally proposed. And I can't see large companies buying these for their executives on business.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[richyb83]

On 11/28/2018 at 3:41 PM, dan326 said:

While I'd like something taller too even if it's 10 stories, that's still saying a lot about Baton Rouge considering each unit is like 2 million dollars.

TRUE Dan326! And at that "Location" 10 floors may be "ideal"...it is so sleek + ultra-Narrow Footprint ....+ Wonder how much of the Shaw Center View of River would be effected by it? Whether it be 10-Floors...or 25

If a 20+ story High-rise project is to go up along the Riverfront ..."Ideal Locations" would be the next Two Blocks North (Hartley/Vey @ Florida St./Laurel) & River Place block (btwn Laurel & Main) that Jim Bernhard now owns...

[dan326]

On 11/30/2018 at 3:53 PM, richyb83 said:

TRUE Dan326! And at that "Location" 10 floors may be "ideal"...it is so sleek + ultra-Narrow Footprint ....+ Wonder how much of the Shaw Center View of River would be effected by it? Whether it be 10-Floors...or 25

If a 20+ story High-rise project is to go up along the Riverfront ..."Ideal Locations" would be the next Two Blocks North (Hartley/Vey @ Florida St./Laurel) & River Place block (btwn Laurel & Main) that Jim Bernhard now owns...

I agree about the alternative locations. I guess though, Trahan's and potential resident's mentality is: if I'm paying $2 mil, I deserve a better view than the people who's view only costs the price of a dinner.

[greg225]

St. Phillip St. Promenade underway in downtown Baton Rougehttps://www.businessreport.com/realestate/st-phillip-st-promenade-underway-in-downtown-baton-rouge

[richyb83]

Consolidating State Offices into Capitol Park started the Ball rolling Downtown...Talk about a waste of $$ renting offices all over the city!

Shaw Center was a catalyst ; & Hilton Capitol Center made for nice synergy. North Blvd. Town Square is very nice!   Downtown has come a long way! Hard to believe at one time NO Hotel Rooms at all ...some City Leaders said "It couldn't be done"...they were wrong! Downtown shouldn't need any more TIF's

Lanny Keller: For downtown Baton Rouge's success, long-term push and overcoming negativity

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/lanny_keller/article_76c66808-23fd-11e9-8897-cfb03a513bf7.html

[greg225]

Belle of Baton Rouge owners consider casino upgrades                                                   https://www.businessreport.com/business/belle-of-baton-rouge-owners-consider-casino-investment

[richyb83]

Articles like this make me think it will be a very long time (if ever) we see a New 20+ story high rise office tower in the CBD/Downtown BR

Declining grades in Baton Rouge Class A office market

New Highland Tech office has been slow to add tenants...City Farm near Town Center looks different ; but still disappointed in Suburban character & OF Course all of the Suburban garden offices all over the place (like on Bluebonnet North)

Additional office space at new Water Campus also cuts into chances of a new high rise tower

https://www.businessreport.com/realestate/baton-rouge-class-a-office-market

[dan326]

4 hours ago, richyb83 said:

Articles like this make me think it will be a very long time (if ever) we see a New 20+ story high rise office tower in the CBD/Downtown BR

Declining grades in Baton Rouge Class A office market

New Highland Tech office has been slow to add tenants...City Farm near Town Center looks different ; but still disappointed in Suburban character & OF Course all of the Suburban garden offices all over the place (like on Bluebonnet North)

Additional office space at new Water Campus also cuts into chances of a new high rise tower

Yeah, it seems there was a high-rise boom in the 80's and one in the late 2000's to 10's so I think we'll have to wait for the next one whenever that is. I think Cajun said it, the best hope it's for a high-rise hotel or residential tower.

[Antrell Williams]

If we had a robust education infrastructure, we would most likely see an uptick in office space being built.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[richyb83]

No doubt Antrell...until then...it  looks fairly stagnant

Lofts at 6C; now called The Heron...Nice addition to the east side of the CBD

(didn't get entire complex which covers entire block from Florida St. to Convention St.)

 

Edited April 25, 2019 by richyb83

[richyb83]

The Heron formerly known as Lofts at 6 C....

Florida Street & Sixth Street