Baton Rouge Growth and Development

[richyb83]

Yeah, I think that would be the next condo tower in line; it was approved up from 15 to 18-stories; I have no idea when that will begin. What you see now at Southgate Towers is only about a 1/3 of the development. In that area three condo towers at 8-stories was vertical, easily the tallest buildings south of Tiger Stadium. At 18 stories you may be able to peak inside inside the stadium.

Edited August 11, 2006 by richyb83

[dan326]

That's going to be some impressive development when finished. I can't wait to see it when it's finished. I remeber felling overpowered by the 8 story buildings when I first saw them. My dad and I were thinking "where did those come from?" They just looked so huge. Probably because they didn't have any other tall building to help put them in perspective.

[dan326]

I know I keep on asking these questions over and over again, but I'm still confused.Why does light rail cost $60 million per mile and rapid transit buses cost $6-$7 million per mile? Both seem very expensive, especially $6-$7 million a mile for buses. But as my dad always says" Nothing in America is cheap".

[NCB]

I know I keep on asking these questions over and over again, but I'm still confused.Why does light rail cost $60 million per mile and rapid transit buses cost $6-$7 million per mile? Both seem very expensive, especially $6-$7 million a mile for buses. But as my dad always says" Nothing in America is cheap".

No problem at all, man. Feel free to ask anything you need, UrbanPlanet can be a great learning tool, as everyone on this forum has plenty of knowledge and can help you pick things up quite a bit.

As for your question, there are a number of reasons. Just for some basic reasons, the technology used in light rail trains is usually greater, and more expensive. Also, you have to remember that just laying the track and developing/re-developing the areas where the train will run can run you a very pretty penny. Rapid transit buses are usually a much more "set and run" system. Though still expensive, they're still cheaper, and usually don't require anywhere near the same type of work and upkeep that a light rail system would. This is why you see so many small and mid-sized cities investing in rapid buses, because they're much more economical if the demand and possible ridership for LRT in a city isn't high.

[dan326]

^Thanks. Now I understand. Though, I was looking around on the internet and you can do some nice things with rapid transit buses from what I saw. They almost looked just like the train. I think the rapid transit system would be very good for B.R. and the entire Louisiana. I like the idea because the vehicles come often enough that you don't have to plan it out.

Edited August 12, 2006 by dan326

[richyb83]

Residents worry redevelopment will change Old South BR area.

The neighborhood is between LSU and Downtown. Plan BR has been working on a blueprint to improve housing and spark business. There is now new Carver Library, new middle school and Mc Kinley Alumni Center. Old South BR has long been a blighted area, work has begun on new public housing with a $18.6 mil Federal investment. The area still needs supermarkets and drug stores. There is a long way to go. Also new condominuims are rising to meet the demand for more upscale housing for LSU students at the northgate entrance of LSU( pic on BR Photo of the Day post#201 June 28th). Some residents think of LSU new apartments as part of LSU, not Baton Rouge.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/3558752.html

Edited August 13, 2006 by richyb83

[dan326]

Sorry. Double posted.

Edited August 14, 2006 by dan326

[dan326]

I've got some development news for O'Neals Lane and Old Hammond Highway. There's going to build an Autozone in front of the Sonic on O'Neal and there is a building be built up behind the dry cleaning place. I don't know what is, but I think it might be a bank or specialty store because there isn't a lot of room for parking. My dad also says they're going to build a hotel like the one in front of Hobby Lobby and townhomes to the west facing Hobby Lobby. On Old Hammond, just a half mile to a mile from the Old Hammond/O'Neal intersection there is a neighborhood with some duplex looking houses going up. You know the ones were the front of the house is the garage and they're packed super close together. The last time I passed be they were about 3/4 ways done with the development.

Link to Autozone article http://www.businessreport.com/newsDetail.cfm?aid=9098

Link to O'Neal Developments:http://www.businessreport.com/newsDetail.cfm?aid=7848

Building Permits(from last year):

American Plaza-Shell Building A, 2645 O'Neal Lane, Greg Roberts, architect; $520,000 shell for office building; 4,870 square feet; Burns Construction of Baton Rouge, contractor.

Nextel Communications, 2575 O'Neal Lane, John F. Ferrell, civil engineer; $50,000 co-location of existing cell tower; 240 square feet; Data Cell, Inc., contractor.

Shelter Insurance Company, 4757 O'Neal Lane, Jack H. Ballard, architect; $1,500,000 new office building; 13,708 square feet; Cangelosi/Ward General Contractors, contractor.

American Cash Express, 2060 O'Neal Lane, Craig A. Sauviac, architect; $22,800 interior completion; 1,260 square feet; Shamrock Construction Inc., contractor

Edited August 14, 2006 by dan326

[richyb83]

Thanks Dan for posting this. That's alot of info. You have a good eye for development. I am very familiar with the O'neal and Old Hammond area you are talking about. I live in the Millerville area. Alot of empty spaces are really filling up all throughout the area. Best Buy, Lowe's, Chick-fil-A, more condo's are going up near I-12; and 5-laning Millerville is just now getting underway. .

Hey Dan you will really enjoy this article from BR Business Report

BR real estate is booming back on May 9 after a TRENDS seminar. They go thru an impressive list of a few of the projects recently completed, underway, or coming soon. Also other projects in the works including the Riverfront Plan; plus there are more on the drawing board not mentioned.

The article begins and ends with the word "WOW".

http://www.businessreport.com/newsDetail.cfm?aid=8663

Edited August 14, 2006 by richyb83

[dan326]

^ That is a lot of development. And occupency rate is nearlly 100%! Those condos you were talking about on Millerville road will definetly be nice becaus ethey're not putting bricks on the walls, but stone. In a few years O'Neal/Millervile will be the hot spot.

And the Chick-fil-A you mentioned; Is it going to be on the lot to the side of the Blockbuster, the one that currently has a big pile of gravel/concrete on it?

[dan326]

The first floors of Laurel Street Tower will be occupied by Regional Bank and The tower will be called Regional Banks/Tower with Regions on the side.http://www.businessreport.com/newsDetail.cfm?aid=7737

Edited August 14, 2006 by dan326

[richyb83]

That was a very exciting time between last Dec. and Jan 17th. On BRBusiness Report there was a great story on BR doing the unthinkable, growing a SKYLINE. And that was just a week before the announcement of Laurel Tower.

That gravel has been flattened,they have prepared the lot; Chick-fil-A will be opening later this Fall. The booming Millerville area would have to fall under "Suburban Development".

Edited August 14, 2006 by richyb83

[dan326]

That gravel has been flattened,they have prepared the lot; Chick-fil-A will be opening later this Fall.

Later this fall? Those must be some faster builders.

The booming Millerville area would have to fall under "Suburban Development".

I wouldn't have thought of it as suburban, but I guess it is on the frindges of town.

[richyb83]

Vote set on potential WBR casino license

Harrah's wants to sell it's wrecked closed down site to Pinnacle Entertainment; who wants to use one of Harrah's two state gaming license to build Sugar Cane Bay resort next to L'Aberge du Lac's. The other license would go to riverboat casino either in WBR or the westbank of New Orleans.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/3566277.html

Edited August 15, 2006 by richyb83

[dimebag1980]

The sale of the two Lake Charles riverboats was approved...

Maybe one will end up in Baton Rouge.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...NGNEWS/60815014

[richyb83]

Thanks for posting Brian. I will be suprised to see West Baton Rouge get a casino. I figure the two casinos we have now were enough for the Baton Rouge market.

There is an artist in the mall that has a cool colored drawing of a high-rise hotel that would fit nicely with a casino in West BR on the river.

[dimebag1980]

Thanks for posting Brian. I will be suprised to see West Baton Rouge get a casino. I figure the two casinos we have now were enough for the Baton Rouge market.

There is an artist in the mall that has a cool colored drawing of a high-rise hotel that would fit nicely with a casino in West BR on the river.

I thought you only had one. Shows how much I pay attention!

You have Casino Rouge and... ?

[richyb83]

On the southside of downtown near the I-10 Bridge BR has the Belle of Baton Rouge with the Sheraton hotel and Atrium. As well as the one you are refering to Casino Rouge on the northside of downtown just past the State Capitol.

I recently took some pics of the atrium/sheraton and skywalk area over the road leading to Belle of BR. I will post them soon.

Edited August 16, 2006 by richyb83

[dimebag1980]

On the southside of downtown near the I-10 Bridge BR has the Belle of Baton Rouge with the Sheraton hotel and Atrium. As well as the one you are refering to Casino Rouge on the northside of downtown just past the State Capitol.

I recently took some pics of the atrium/sheraton and skywalk area over the road leading to Belle of BR. I will post them soon.

Very cool, I'll be looking forward to them! I'd heard of the Belle of Baton Rouge, but I assumed that was Casino Rouge's boat's name!

[otowntiger]

How are things going there in BR? Any news on any new developments? Any news on construction of any of the proposed towers? It seems things have stagnated a bit. Maybe its just me, because I've only been on this site for a couple of weeks, but I sure hope all the proposed buildings for downtown come to fruition. None of the development out in the 'burb's excites me. Its all more the same sprawl, especially since its all one sided - southeast that is. Boy, north BR sure could use some help. Don't ya'll agree?

[richyb83]

North Baton Rouge could use alot of help for sure. But one developer (same developer of RiverPlace) took a risk and has won a big mixed-use development near BR Airport; Harding Blvd. @ I-110. He saw potential there near the airport/NBR knowing much of SE BR was filling-up. Howell Place is anchored by a Surgical Hospital and a Hilton Garden Inn. This is the website.

http://www.howellplace.com/

Also Smiley Heights a 200-acre TND infil project will soon breakground . To the west of Lobdell ; north of Melrose East(Mall City); across N.Ardenwood. This will upgrade the area alot. Catering to Bonne Carre Business Center and growing BRCC.

http://www.bardwelldevelopment.com/pdf/434...af_currents.pdf

The Downtown projects are coming; it's the quiet before the storm. RiverPlace should breakground at anytime,really(I'm almost tired of waiting) but it would be at least 1/2 way finished if not for the Hurricanes. BUT It's still a GO !!! They came too far. This time next year the cranes will be dotting the CBD. Two City Plaza, Laurel Tower, and the new Courthouse should be moving dirt no later than early 07'. So it's stagnant, but many smaller projects are going on. + the last two State Bldgs. both 9-stories Iberville and Bienville have opened. An additional 2,000 workers! The renovated Capitol House will OPEN Aug.31st too ! I will post some pics here over the next couple of weeks, so check it out.

Edited August 16, 2006 by richyb83

[dan326]

The Downtown projects are coming; it's the quiet before the storm. RiverPlace should breakground at anytime,really(I'm almost tired of waiting) but it would be at least 1/2 way finished if not for the Hurricanes.

Tell me about it. Like someone said before this is taking longer than the great pyramids. But that'll just make it all the better when they finally go up.

The renovated Capitol House will OPEN Aug.31st too ! I will post some pics here over the next couple of weeks, so check it out.

That is really going to be a big thing because I saw an advertisement for the grand opening on television.

Also, hopefully they will pick Port Allen for the new casino. I was watching the news and the spokesperson said were ever they build they would do it up nice like the one in Lake Charles. But that's a long way away because it said if they do choose the site then the parish vote for the facility would be sometime around March. They are also considering Baton Rouge, but I think Port Allen should get it because they don't have anything over there.

Edited August 16, 2006 by dan326

[bluff2085]

Boy, north BR sure could use some help. Don't ya'll agree?

Compared to east/southeast BR, it's a real different place. Also shows where the money is (and isn't) around town. I like driving around there though just to get a sense of where our 225,000 (?) folks come from. It's a large chunk. Also, Tony's Seafood is out there and they are awesome! The demographics in BR are very similar to Memphis'.

Edited August 17, 2006 by bluff2085

[bluff2085]

From yesterday's Advocate... BR's skyrocketing real estate prices

Even though the article doesn't hesitate to credit Katrina, it shows that Baton Rouge growth is for real. The numbers don't lie. Because of a 27% increase last quarter, BR now has the highest growth rate in the nation for median home prices.

[tallbored]

Is mid-city really getting any better? I notice some progress, but most of the new businesses seem to be pay-day loans and pawn shops....I don't consider that progress. I consider those businesses, especially payday loans, to be dishonest and filthy.

Oh, and are there any plans to add a smaller movie theater in North BR?

Edited August 17, 2006 by tallbored