Types of Places (restaurants, bars, etc.) You'd Like to See Downtown

[dinner roll]

With all of the recent development downtown and the slate of new bars scheduled to open in the next few months, now seems like a pretty definitive point in developing downtown's future identity and vibe.

For some reason, alot of the new/proposed bars have an overly she-she atmosphere (see wine loft, rasputin's, the kingfish bar, the coming m bar, whatever is being put into the old Richoux's spot, the coming place in the old commerce building, the failed palms on 3rd, and, to a lesser extent, tsunami)[fn]. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

That said, what sort of places would you like to see opening up downtown? More she-she/"high end" places? Laid back places? sports bars? other? Personally, I'd like to see something more accessible (i.e. less "metro"), like an Abita Brew Pub ala the one in Abita Springs.

Thoughts? Comments? Hate mail?

fn--- I realize my characterization is not entirely accurate, given the new schlitz and giggles, boudreaux & thibodeaux's, happy's, pastime, and thirsty tiger.

[dan326]

Like you said, something more accessible. While those "metro" eateries are great, I'd like to see some common chain restaurants lik Chile's, Applebee's,and stuff like that and maybe a few fast food restaurants like McDonalds, Burger King; basically something with a lot of name recogniction for the less adventurous people.

[NCB]

I realize I'm not from Baton Rouge, but based on the time I've spent in downtown BR and what I've seen, I'd love to see more local joints along the streets. Locally owned burger joints, restaurants, sports bars, etc. Chain restaurants can be great, especially if they're properly incorporated into the area, but (and maybe this is just the New Orleans in me) I've always preferred the locally owned joints as they add a sense of uniquness to an area. If the majority of restaurants, clubs, bars, etc. are chain operated, then what's the point of going downtown to eat and have a good time, instead of just staying in the suburbs?

Again I'm not from Baton Rouge, but that's just my way of looking at it. I'd love to hear if anyone agrees/disagrees with me on that.

[tombarnes]

I'll chime in and agree with Nate that independent stores are often best for incorporating a sense of place. Chains can work sometimes, but a locally run place can create more loyalty among patrons. This is of vital importance to any downtown area.

[byrde]

I want a Dave and Busters or a Jillians. Something that is laid back were I can get a meal, beer and play games or bowl with grown folks.

[dan326]

Chain restaurants can be great, especially if they're properly incorporated into the area, but (and maybe this is just the New Orleans in me) I've always preferred the locally owned joints as they add a sense of uniquness to an area. If the majority of restaurants, clubs, bars, etc. are chain operated, then what's the point of going downtown to eat and have a good time, instead of just staying in the suburbs?

[NCB]

^Oh I understand, that's why I said a certain amount of national chains can be a good thing for a downtown like Baton Rouge. I just meant I'd love to see just as many, if not more, locally owned joints opening up downtown that would offer lots of differnt things for different people.

[richyb83]

Thanks for starting this topic

Agreed Nate and Tom, independent run stores are what works best. Something unique. Downtown is starting to see more "independent" joints. Arts galleries and cultural atrractions are catching on and the going trend too.

The Northgate's at LSU and Perkins Road overpass area have these unique senses of place that yall mention; downtown to some extent.

Downtown seems to cater mostly to people of drinking age. Anything that does not involve drinking would be a start. Even if I am a minority on this idea. Teens need something more to do besides the suburban malls or suburban movie cinemas.

The La.Arts & Science Museum; Planetarium/Space Theatre are very nice places to explore. Families can stroll nearby on Lafayette Street near the Lafayette(pocket) park. A skate-park like they have in tiny downtown Hammond would also be nice.

The Audubon Institute will decide on a "destination type" attraction by this Summer. Something to complement the nearby cultural attractions. A RiverArium would go well at the old WaterWorks property in front of the Shaw Center on River Road.

As far as restuarants go, that's been improving; but a Dave & Busters and Fuddruckers would be great!!!

The renovation of the Capitol House is one of the best things to happen for downtown's renaissance.

New Blues/Jazz Club's are about to emerge unto the downtown scenes. Possibly from a renouned artist from Chi-town could be starting up something.

More loft living on the way!

Downtown has come a long way, but still has a ways to go.

[brresident]

Build a hotel, and the bars and restarants will come.

[richyb83]

The Hotel King plans to renovate on Lafayette Street across from the Hilton Capitol Center. Not sure if, when this started. It's supposed to be a 93-room boutique hotel and independent from any chain. Next door a Jazz Club will open later this Summer.

I wish I could see DDD's updated list of everything else coming on board to downtown BR.

Another thing downtown can build on is the "Free" outdoor concerts like "Live After Five" music series inthe Spring & Fall; and recent first time Sunday's "Blue's/Jazz in Park". These have become succesful events and can hopefully build on it.

[byrde]

Another thing downtown can build on is the "Free" outdoor concerts like "Live After Five" music series inthe Spring & Fall; and recent first time Sunday's "Blue's/Jazz in Park". These have become succesful events and can hopefully build on it.

[Gauge]

I would love to see the empty building next to the Shaw Center at the corner of 3rd street and North Blvd (don't know the name of the building, but its the one thats just an empty shell and has what I believe are Shaw Center signs around the exterior) developed into a very nice restaurant with a roof top terrace. Preferably I would like the restaurant to be something somewhat unique like a new restaurant by Emeril or maybe a new Brennan's restaurant. If not a unique restaurant, something along the line of Flemming's.

I think I have heard that this is actually the plan for this location. I hope it comes to pass. Does anyone have any information on this?

[dan326]

I think I have heard that this is actually the plan for this location. I hope it comes to pass. Does anyone have any information on this?

[richyb83]

Thanks Dan, yeah Gauge that's the plan for Shaw Center for the Arts "Phase Two" facing North Blvd. at Third Street. Restaurant with lofts on top. And a "Linnear" office building along the Third Street entrance to Shaw Center that BRVCB would like to move in?? And a 6 to 8 story condo at the Onyxx Bldg. on Third at Convention.

Dan posted a rendering in the *rises thread awhile back; you can see the part of the Phase II.

I would also like to see.....a Lamar digital billboard on the side of the Third Street parking garage facing Convention Street. They could mount the billboard on a "bracket/brace" instead of on top of a pole like they have elsewhere around BR. The "digital" billboard would complment the vintage retro Coca Cola neon sign a block away! BR's mini-version of NY'sTimes Square.

[richyb83]

What else I'd like to see in downtown BR's Future??

Specialty shops all along Third Street. Whether it'd be grocery; pharmacy; music store, NikeTown, etc.

And a new mixed-use tower like this... Street level entertainment complex like Dave & Buster's/ bowling alley/small cinema implemented into/under a 600-car, 9-story parking deck. Add about 150,000 sq.ft.(another 9-stories) of Class A office space for Raising Cane's new HQ's; or anybody else that needs some space in the CBD. And about 100-150 condotel units; another 14-stories.

It doesn't have to be taller than our State Capitol; but taller than One American Place and the Chase Towers

A "Wow" factor high-rise when coming from the I-10 Miss. River Bridge

Something like this....Palms on Third

A Blues/Jazz/Gospel type of joint; give Third Street or Lafayette Street some more flavor and flair!!!!

And do something ASAP with this building on North Blvd. Renovate the ugly sucker and put it to good use please Mr.Dean!

(formerly the Pelican Homestead bldg, and EBR Arts & Technology School)

[dan326]

I've posted some of this stuff in the Profil thread, but I figured I'd post it again.

Downtown is currently only about 6 blocks wide(north/south) and 8 blocks deep(east/west). While that s a nice amount now in the future(far or near) it won't be enough. So the question is what direction do you guys think downtown will grow in if it can ever breech it's lake-interestate-beauregardtown borders?

Here' a really neat theater that is getting built in Grand Rapids. This could go in the parking lot behind the King hotel.

I think this tower could work well, sleek and modern but not too flashy.

This towers is going up in Sacramento which also currently a a malnutritioned skyline. I don't like it so much for the height(maybe a little ), but more for the fact that there is a mall at the ground levels.

Also I would love to see a natural history museum downtown. I've been to the one at LSU and it is one of my favorite places in B.R. although the hours suck (closing at 4pm! WTH)

[brresident]

And do something ASAP with this building on North Blvd. Renovate the ugly sucker and put it to good use please Mr.Dean!

(formerly the Pelican Homestead bldg, and EBR Arts & Technology School)

[UptownNewOrleans]

Over the past couple weekends I've spent in Baton Rouge, to see these projects in person is that much better.

[tombarnes]

Great place for a lot of office space.

New courthouse usually means more demand for law offices. Being close to third street and on the LSU side of downtown could mean a lot of demand for lofts, too.

I say tear it down and put something fancy in it's place.

[Gauge]

Welcome Gauge. Nice to have new B.R. members.

That is infact the plan. I'm sure richyb83 can give you more information.

[dan326]

^^^

"Downtown Development District Commissioners heard a report about the second phase of construction at the Shaw Center for the Arts. Work will start next month on a liner building between the center and the Roux House. The building will contain 5,000 square feet of office space and 12 apartments. "

"The Stroube's building at the corner of North Boulevard and Third Street is set to reopen in the second quarter of 2008. An agreement for use of the building has been reached between an unnamed restaurant operator and Commercial Properties Development Corp., which is handling the leasing for the center."

[brresident]

DDD wants Pinnacle to consider downtown casino site

See complete report: http://www.businessreport.com/archives/dai...007/jun/12/159/

The Downtown Development District Commission wants to talk to Pinnacle Entertainment and see if there's a possibility of locating a third riverboat casino downtown. The commission passed a motion this morning in favor of meeting with the casino operators and see if there are any potential development sites downtown. Chairman Derrell Cohoon, who introduced the motion, says he doesn't know if anything will come of the talks, but said he wants to find out if there are opportunities. Commissioner Van Mayhall Jr. voted in favor of the motion but says it doesn't mean the DDD is committed to bringing a third casino downtown. Mayhall says he wants to make sure another riverboat doesn't disrupt ongoing plans for a downtown entertainment district. "I don't know if a third boat will tip the balance," he says. Metro Councilman Pat Culbertson has introduced a motion that will be discussed at Wednesday's Metro Council meeting setting an Oct. 20 local option election date for the Pinnacle Casino, but limiting the casino to an area that roughly matches the borders of downtown. Pinnacle has said it plans to build a massive casino entertainment resort along River Road, centered around the intersection at Gardere Lane.

[byrde]

Having the Pinnacle project downtown is something I hand others have screaming. No one wants a casino in a neighborhood when you already have the zoning and infrastructure in place downtown. They should really consider the old Prince Murat hotel location as Richy has suggested or consider the surface parking lot next to the Hilton along River Road.

[brresident]

Having the Pinnacle project downtown is something I hand others have screaming. No one wants a casino in a neighborhood when you already have the zoning and infrastructure in place downtown. They should really consider the old Prince Murat hotel location as Richy has suggested or consider the surface parking lot next to the Hilton along River Road.

[richyb83]

Hey yall! Great minds think alike

I "E-mailed" Pinnacle months back with this suggestion; telling them EBR will Vote "No" if it remains at the same stupid location below Gardere. Don't know if that really worked?? And I talked to Wampold on the phone about a month ago or so, he did listen. He owns the shopping center property next to the Price Murat. I may have even written DDD to my memory or BusinessReport telling them this location. It was at least worth a try.

If they can buy $$ a couple of blocks near the Nicholson corridor and implement the Old Municipal Dock; that would be the perfect location! Opposite side of the I-10 Mississippi Bridge from the other two casinos. That area is screaming for growth!!!

One problem, the Condo's are supposed to be built at the Prince Murat site. It would be surrounded by Pinnacle's big complex!!

I'll keep bothering all these guys. Otherwise they can go to the next best option in WBR.