jefften10

Been a while since I have posted, but figured I would jump in on this subject. I tend to think of this as a "Westbank Expressway" replica. Sure an elevated expressway isn't the prettiest, but is it effective solution now, and will it continue to be effective in the future? In terms of easing traffic flow, I'm sure a 4-6 lane expressway and a 4 lane local traffic service road would satisfy the current traffic capacity, and would hopefully help revitalize parts of Airline Hwy that are currently more neglected. To me, the question is how will this be viewed in a decade? What will the city of Baton Rouge look like in terms of population growth and demographics. Last point: what is the reality that the 190 bridge can handle the number of 18-wheelers that this "by-pass" will create. I sure as hell don't want to be on that bridge sandwiched between 2 large trucks...I can only drive in the left lane and can't pass a car on that bridge as it is...can it realistically handle regular 18-wheeler traffic? Without building a completely new highway infrastructure, (which isn't necessarily a bad idea) this is the most reasonable, affordable and sustainable idea to finding an alternate traffic route through Baton Rouge.

So much potential for this building. Downtown is really getting its act together in terms of residential development. Finally.

I drive by this everyday and am pleasantly surprised to see that the District is an apartment development. Nice addition to a underdeveloped stretch of Perkins

Thats the definition of big developments in this city these days. Proposed but not under construction. In all seriousness though it seems as if there will be an effort from government to get done what needs to for this project to work.

http://theadvocate.com/home/6764168-125/downtown-br-river-park-runs No surprise, honestly. Still glad to hear that the project is on tract!

Much needed. Lakeshore drive can severly back up from the delay of people trying to turn left on Dalrymple. This solution makes perfect sense!

Plano is also Corporate capital. You could live in Dallas and actually work in Plano and it would seem normal. The tollway North in the AM is equally as bad as the tollway South.

I disagree. I think a balance of industry and corporate will lead to a solid and stable downtown. It will obviously never be a corporate power center, but I think that downtown Baton Rouge is a solid job center...and will continue to be in the near future

My bad. I meant a strong downtown in the economic sense. A solid job market business central area from which the rest of the city can strategically grow from. The actual layout of most downtown areas is pretty worthless. Baton Rouge actually has a simple and straightforward downtown layout and design, ironically enough.

I agree that our transportation infrastructure is in severe need of upgrade. As much as there is an "urban movement" and a strong focus of recentralizing living and work to downtown, its obvious that these jobs are the type that will cause the city to geographically grow. I hope that growth in undeveloped EBRP and into Ascension/Livingston is better planned than the way EBRP is now. Dallas and Houston and Atlanta are mammoth suburben metropolitan areas. But each has a strong downtown center with thoughtful planning out. Baton Rouge can be that way as Gonzales and Denham Springs become the major metropolitan suburbs of the greater BR region, better highway infrastructure leading to smarter city streets will allow the area to flourish quickly.

This article in the Advocate this morning seems to reiterate some of these points. http://theadvocate.com/home/6594288-125/forecast-metro-br-area-labor

Would be great to see a project like this. The stretch in question is a vital connection in between the Garden District and Southdowns. Functionaity is important, but this is one of the most prominent retail/restaurant districts in town and could really be something special!

Agreed. I was near a lease there. Owner handled the process rather casually. Don't think a juice bar is sustainable but for their sake, I hope the do well.

Im just very infatuated with the idea of a new and more modern skyline. I love skyscrapers despite my fear of heights.

That would be awesome. A River Place type development would be imperative to reach that large of a population downtown.

Thanks. This isn't my frist hood go-around, but I appreciate the input.

Thanks Buckett. Not my first go around with build out stuff, but I may take you up on a few things.

Im working on a lease to bring my gourmet donut shop, Tiger Deaux-nuts to the empty Bosco's spot in between JJ and Rock n Sake. Feel like that would be a much better addition than another pizza place. Thoughts?

Had a pop-up tent for my business out there yesterday. Great and excited crowd. The event was a BIG success. We estimated that over 2000 people came out to see the demonstration. Hopefully some people took a little notice.

I agree, they do alot of business. Unfortunately its not the most attractive crowd of people that shop at those stores. I try and avoid that Sams at all costs if I can.

http://www.wafb.com/story/21811858/cortana-mall-sold-for-6-million Interesting

Announcement day! Im very very pumped! Its great to have a forum of people to discuss this development stuff with!

I've done a lot of research and traffic counts on locations downtown for my own business and have come to this conclusion. 3rd street is NOT an ideal place for restaurants to be open for lunch. Most of the foot traffic during the day occurs around Main St and North St, and North BLVD. People do not venture too far in the middle during the daytime. Florida and 3rd is better since Florida is a main e/w street, but if you look at where most of the daily foot traffic occurs, I would reccommend staying away from 3rd. Just my personal observations in the last month.

All of those spots under the interstate are available. They are part of the lease from dotd. Really unsure about this place. Schlitz is right around the corner, and is never super busy. They have a WAY stronger brand awareness than this new pizza place will.

Got my answer a month later. Hope this actually happens and doesn't continue to fall through. http://theadvocate.com/news/5347515-123/development-planned-on-nicholson-drive