Baton Rouge Growth and Development

[fla_tiger]

I noticed the old Prince Murat/Rodeway Inn on Nicholson Dr coming down over the weekend. I am glad to see this long vacant eyesore be demolished.

Anyone hear of the future for this large and high visibility location?

[richyb83]

I noticed the old Prince Murat/Rodeway Inn on Nicholson Dr coming down over the weekend. I am glad to see this long vacant eyesore be demolished.

Anyone hear of the future for this large and high visibility location?

A developer will build condo's at that site in the near future. I thought I remember hearing 475-units ?? But not exactly sure. If that number is true it should be multi-storied...4, 5 or more floors ?? It's good to see the old hotel being demolished. Those grown-up weeds had the place looking like a jungle.

That whole area of Nicholson is about ready to transform. Wampold bought the run-down shopping center next to the Price Murat. Something nice will be built there, I'm sure. The Red Stick Urban Lofts were just completed next to the old shopping center. All of this is nearby to the Old Municipal Dock which could also be developed. As part of the Riverfront Master Plan.

Some mid-rise condo's would go nicely in that corridor.

I don't think BR can support a 3rd casino; but if Pinnacle insist? Then the Old Municipal Dock area not far from Prince Murat would be the best site for a casino/high-rise hotel.

Edited November 27, 2006 by richyb83

[richyb83]

Before.....

After Sterling Northgate Condominiums near LSU on Highland Road

The 3rd level pool-deck; more new University Housing to the right

[fla_tiger]

A developer will build condo's at that site in the near future. I thought I remember hearing 475-units ?? But not exactly sure. If that number is true it should be multi-storied...4, 5 or more floors ?? It's good to see the old hotel being demolished. Those grown-up weeds had the place looking like a jungle.

That whole area of Nicholson is about ready to transform. Wampold bought the run-down shopping center next to the Price Murat. Something nice will be built there, I'm sure. The Red Stick Urban Lofts were just completed next to the old shopping center. All of this is nearby to the Old Municipal Dock which could also be developed. As part of the Riverfront Master Plan.

Some mid-rise condo's would go nicely in that corridor.

I don't think BR can support a 3rd casino; but if Pinnacle insist? Then the Old Municipal Dock area not far from Prince Murat would be the best site for a casino/high-rise hotel.

Thanks for the update richyb83. I agree that this area of Baton Rouge is overdue for development.

It is too convenient to the CBD and LSU.

[bluff2085]

Renovations to the building included adding a 3rd floor with modern elements to the

existing facade.

Thanks for the pics, richyb! I like the modern touch. I'm looking forward to smaller projects like this going on all around DT. You know of any others Richy? I've been out of the loop lately 'cause of school.

The new towers will be welcomed additions to the skyline, but meanwhile some smaller rehab/re-use developments like the one on 3rd street can enrich some individual corners of DT.

[dan326]

Those are awesome! I thought form the rendering that they would only be one building, but thankfully turned out much larger.

[bluff2085]

That whole area of Nicholson is about ready to transform. Wampold bought the run-down shopping center next to the Price Murat. Something nice will be built there, I'm sure. The Red Stick Urban Lofts were just completed next to the old shopping center. All of this is nearby to the Old Municipal Dock which could also be developed. As part of the Riverfront Master Plan.

The Red Stick lofts are just what the doctor ordered. They are very nice, wonder how much they are going for...I couldn't agree with you more about that area of Nicholson. That stretch of Nicholson could easily be one my favorite streets in BR. It bothers me how quickly certain individuals allude to the neighborhood's undesirability--associating Nicholson with ghettos in Old South BR. The stately Oak trees and northbound view of DT's skyline are very appealing.

More infill along that corridor will be great for Baton Rouge. The urban vibe is already in place, I just think too many people relate Nicholson [b/t Aster and I-1O] to lower income neighborhoods in general. But projects like Red Stick lofts and the gameday condos are adding $value to the area's real estate. Hopefully in the near future, the neighborhood will become a legitimate alternative to a large portion of LSU students who are currently choosing to reside in convenient Northgate apartments or trendy condos in the Southgate area.

I'm also hoping the neighborhood will become a viable option for families looking for a place closer to work than more traditional neighborhoods east of LSU. Add a brand-name grocery store and maybe a movie theatre and I think the area will really take off.

Thanks for the update richyb83. I agree that this area of Baton Rouge is overdue for development.

It is too convenient to the CBD and LSU.

Ditto.

[richyb83]

^ Good to see everybody here on a Monday Night!!!

You are very right bluff! I like the way you think. I'm not sure on the $price tag on the Red Stick Lofts, but they sure look nice on the inside judging by their website. The exterior galvanized industrial urban look is unique for he area. Only Houston and Atlanta have them as of now.

Thats a nice canopy of trees/green along that stretch of Nicholson between Downtown and LSU. Across the street from Magnolia Mound, several lots are being purchase. I'm guessing they tear the older(60's?) houses, but I am curious as to what might be built in their place??

The area near the bridge is also where the minor-league baseball park was talked about in the RiverFront Master Plan. I doubt that happens, but I could be wrong?

A grocery store would be great. Downtown needs one too for RiverPlace and the other lofts going up along Third Street. A small theatre/bowling alley could be implemented inside a parking garage of a large mixed-use high-rise tower.

[richyb83]

Thanks for the update richyb83. I agree that this area of Baton Rouge is overdue for development.

No problem, yall are welcome.

The new pedestrian bike-trail along the River Road levee from L.S.U. to Downtown was a brilliant idea that will only enhance this area's appeal.

***BE LOOKING for some more pics in the LSU Area on a new thread soon!!

Southgate Towers is begining work on it's 4th tower. This one will be 2-stories more(10) than the other three towers at 8-stories each. Also a 6-story 121-room Staybridge Suites is about to begin in front of Southgate Towers. Talk of a 5th tower at Southgate could be 18-stories!!! I guess that would begin once the 4th tower is complete??

2007 is going to be a break-through year unprecedented all over Baton Rouge!!! Downtown, LSU, Corporate, Perkins/Bluebonnet/ SE BR, Celtic Media Center(I-12/Airline)etc... I can't wait !!!!!!! The List is tooo long to post!

I love my hometown of Baton Rouge. I am enjoying watching it become a "legit" mid-sized city from the overgrown country town it has been with it's backward way's! Nice large in-fil project are in the works or have been started or now complete!!

Edited November 28, 2006 by richyb83

[richyb83]

Hey bluff2085

This was another Downtown renovation(Law Firm) on Main Street

[richyb83]

This has been posted before..

This is how it's looking now; courtesy of BusinessReport

The jagged old brick-wall is no more

Third Street continues the renaissance.

There is a demand for Downtown loft living...Baton Rouge is finally starting to provide more of it!

Edited November 29, 2006 by richyb83

[brresident]

This has been posted before..

This how it's looking now; courtesy of BusinessReport

The jagged old brick-wall is no more

Third Street continues the renaissance.

There is a demand for Downtown loft living...Baton Rouge is finally starting to provide more of it!

I'd buy it....but where would I park?

Edited November 29, 2006 by brresident

[byrde]

I'd buy it....but where would I park?

In the State/City Parking Garage directly across the street.

[dan326]

Hey Richy or anybody else mind posting the propety of the week because for some reason the picture doesn't show up on the website.

[richyb83]

I already posted the Property of the Week at 5:59 Today; Post# 836

A before pic with it.

[dan326]

^Thanks, but I mean regularly.For some reason the property of the week stopped working about a month ago.

[richyb83]

Good news for Mid-city...a non-profit development group wants to raze the Westmoreland Shopping Center on Government Street and rebuild it as a mixed-use area of residential, retail, office and restaurant space. They are seeking to re-zone the 9.2 acre property from commercial to a SPUD(small planned-unit development). Now Westmoreland has a Picadilly,Radio Shack, and Family Dollar. The shopping main building has been vacant since the mid 90's. Westmoreland has been considered a key challenge in efforts to revitalize the mid-city area as well as the Government Street corridor.

Edited November 30, 2006 by richyb83

[dan326]

Tidbits of Development News

There is preliminary talk about building a lowrise building, with a possibility of up to 5 stories behind the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency building.(pictures of existing LHFA building)

Two banks are going up on Siegen Lane as well as a Firestone auto shop. Rooms-to-Go is taking the spot of the old Kirschman's.

Two neighborhoods are being started on Old Hammond Highway and one being finished. A convenience store is being built in front of Winn Dixie. Road is being widened.

A new Taco Bell on Sherwood Forest. It's really nice, you would think it was a dining restaurant.Also a neighborhood being built right off Sherwood.

Auto Zone and three tenant strip mall on O'Neal Lane.

Work on the "Boulevard" behind the Mall of LA has started. The area is taped of and piping has been put on the site.

Chick-fil-A opened (I think) on Millerville, also very nice. Road is being widened.

A warehouse/shipping facility is being built on the east end of Florida Boulevard, just a little ways away from the bridge to Denham Springs.

Edited November 30, 2006 by dan326

[richyb83]

There is preliminary talk about building a lowrise building, with a possibility of up to 5 stories behind the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency building.(pictures of existing LHFA building)

Thanks for posting this Dan. Where exactly would the new LHFA building be located?? ^Where are these pics located??

Siegen Lane corridor will be filled-up one day with development.

Millerville Rd. is one big mess! But it's progress; it's gonna be very nice once it's 5-laned! O'Neal Lane needs to be next connecting the new Central Thruway.

That's a different, very new-wave looking Taco Bell being built.

I think that will be a Direct General call center on Florida Blvd. east near O'Neal. It's supposed to be 2-stories 120,000 sq.ft. It wanted the Super Target location on Millerville at one time.

There are also plans for a hotel at the new Boulevard at the Mall of La. I wonder how tall it will be?? If it's on top of garage parking? it will be taller!

Edited November 30, 2006 by richyb83

[byrde]

Thanks for posting this Dan. Where exactly would the new LHFA building be located?? ^Where are these pics located??

Siegen Lane corridor will be filled-up one day with development.

Millerville Rd. is one big mess! But it's progress; it's gonna be very nice once it's 5-laned! O'Neal Lane needs to be next connecting the new Central Thruway.

That's a different, very new-wave looking Taco Bell being built.

I think that will be a Direct General call center on Florida Blvd. east near O'Neal. It's supposed to be 2-stories 120,000 sq.ft. It wanted the Super Target location on Millerville at one time.

There are also plans for a hotel at the new Boulevard at the Mall of La. I wonder how tall it will be?? If it's on top of garage parking? it will be taller!

The LHFA building is over on Quail Drive. Next to Pennington.

A garage is being built at the Mall of LA? I was not aware of this.

The

[dan326]

Thanks for posting this Dan. Where exactly would the new LHFA building be located?? ^Where are these pics located??

The new building will be built on a plot of land directly behind the existing building. I got the pictures off of google.

I think that will be a Direct General call center on Florida Blvd. east near O'Neal. It's supposed to be 2-stories 120,000 sq.ft. It wanted the Super Target location on Millerville at one time.

What exactly does Direct General do? And what is a call center?

There are also plans for a hotel at the new Boulevard at the Mall of La. I wonder how tall it will be?? If it's on top of garage parking? it will be taller!

I wonder what hotel brand it will be. We still have never found out what hotel is going to be in the old dorm.

[richyb83]

The LHFA building is over on Quail Drive. Next to Pennington.

Thanks Byrde...duh...that's right; I should have remembered that. That building is sort of hidden on a side street of the Perkins corridor. That area of Perkins has good potential. In a couple of years you won't be able to recognize some stretches with all the big development going on.

What exactly does Direct General do? And what is a call center?

Not exactly sure?

Thanks for the info Dan.

[richyb83]

With City Plaza(1984) being a great looking 8 -story building in the CBD; and Two City Plaza at 17-stories on the way in early 07'. It would have been nice to have just "One" cool-looking 25-story high-rise office tower rising over the CBD.

[dan326]

With City Plaza(1984) being a great looking 8 -story building in the CBD; and Two City Plaza at 17-stories on the way in early 07'. It would have been nice to have just "One" cool-looking 25-story high-rise office tower rising over the CBD.

Well, maybe they'll do like Mobile on the Advocate site and build a 30 story building with a big huge crown.

[dimebag1980]

Well, maybe they'll do like Mobile on the Advocate site and build a 30 story building with a big huge crown.

That would be nice.