Baton Rouge Growth and Development

[dan326]

I've never been to New Orleans accept for the aquarium and zoo.

[twstdndmntd]

Come on now dan, besides being pedestrian friendly, add its' beatiful oak canopy, stately homes, majestic campuses, and streetcars to my reason that St Charles Av is one of those "special" streets that leaves an everlasting impression.

Any city would love to have a St Charles Av like that in New Orleans'.

Well said!!! When I lived in NOLA I would always go and just walk down St. Charles, just because it is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. It's like it almost brought you back in time to better days. Where things moved a lil slower and people took the time to "stop n smell the roses" so to speak. I think it would be great if we could improve Nicholson Dr. so that it would somewhat mimic St. Charles while making it our own. It's going to be hard to make it our St. Charles tho, we certainly don't have the houses to go with it. I would see it being more of a retail/commercial corridor than anything. But hey anything can happen when you are working with a blank canvas.

[dan326]

Former motel site to become shopping center

A 50,000-square-foot shopping center, featuring a mix of national and local retailers, will be built at the site of the former Plantation Inn at Airline Highway and Bluebonnet Boulevard. Grey Mullins of Beau Box Commercial Real Estate, which is marketing the property, says the $10 million center should be open by summer 2008. Marketing the site has "just gotten cranked up" now that the demolition of the hotel is complete, Mullins says. The center will draw shoppers from Jefferson and Airline highways. "This will fill in a gap," he says. While there had been some discussion about putting a big-box retailer on the property, Mullins says 4-acre lot was too small to squeeze in a single large retailer. "This site is best suited for a shopping center," he says.

[fla_tiger]

I've never been to New Orleans accept for the aquarium and zoo.

That's ok, just makes you want to visit the Garden District on your next trip to our big sister city.

[byrde]

From Business Report

Target, Lowe's coming to Burbank/West Lee

Plans for a 516,000-square-foot shopping center anchored by Super Target and Lowe's at the corner of West Lee and Burbank drives will go before the planning commission later this month. Victory Real Estate Investments of Columbus, Ga., is developing Arlington Creek Centre. Along with the big-box stores and retailers, Arlington Creek will have 70,000 square feet of restaurant space.

Constitution site sold for parking, possible hotel

The Constitution Place Office Park has been sold for $3.4 million to the owners of the Holiday Inn Select, who plan to use the land for additional parking and may build another hotel on the site.

http://www.businessreport.com/archives/dai...007/sep/07/284/

[Rardy]

From Business Report

http://www.businessreport.com/archives/dai...007/sep/07/284/

Yet another SuperTarget? How many does that make for BR? 3? (is the one on Millerville a Super?).

[byrde]

Yes the one on Millerville is a SuperTarget. This will be #3.

[Rardy]

Yes the one on Millerville is a SuperTarget. This will be #3.

That's remarkable for a city BR's size. But on the other hand, Target is a rather late entry into the BR market compared to most other cities, so why not build them big to begin with! Memphis only has 1 Super, Nashville doesn't have any yet.

[dan326]

Target, Lowe's coming to Burbank/West Lee

Plans for a 516,000-square-foot shopping center anchored by Super Target and Lowe's at the corner of West Lee and Burbank drives will go before the planning commission later this month. Victory Real Estate Investments of Columbus, Ga., is developing Arlington Creek Centre. Along with the big-box stores and retailers, Arlington Creek will have 70,000 square feet of restaurant space. Plans are also in the works for a traditional neighborhood development behind the shopping center. Planning commission staffers have recommended that Arlington Creek receive approval when it goes before the commission on Sept. 17.

I'm kind of disappointed. I thought this development was going to be something a little nicer. Something modeled after LSU,remember?

[buckett5425]

I'm kind of disappointed. I thought this development was going to be something a little nicer. Something modeled after LSU,remember?

Im excited to hear this. People that live on this side of Baton Rouge have had very little in shopping, with out driving to college, bluebonnet, or seigen. The South end of town needs this kind of development. And as for it not being nice, i doubt that. So it might not be a "town center" or "perkins rowe" but in terms of one stop shopping, target is at the top of that list, in terms of asthics. If i had to choose between a walmart being at that location, or a target, i choose target any day. But i guess it really dosnt matter since they are building a walmart on the eastern end of burbank anyway. lol. Im afraid though that, that area may become over saturated. Because there is now going to be a win dixie, a wal-mart neighborhood market, and now a super target all right on that corner? Maybe it will promote a little competion amoungst the stores, because that win dixie is a little expensive.

[richyb83]

Yeah that Millerville Super Target is nearly within walking distance to my house. I like it more than Super Walmart for some reason.

Arlington Creek is going to be a huge development at over 500-acres. The architecture is supposed to be LSU style with the Mediterrean look. The 40 foot tall clock tower should set it off.

The Wal Mart grocery store opens next month in Highland Plaza(at Lee Drive) shopping center nearby.

Edited September 7, 2007 by richyb83

[dan326]

I guess it will be nice. It's just that there probably won't be much else but those few stores. But I'll stop complaining because it's new development and that's always great!

^Are you serious? That was fast!

Edited September 7, 2007 by dan326

[richyb83]

Good news..both Cytreniks properties; Kress building and the Hotel King are moving forward!

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/9644727.html

Demolition equipment is moving from the Kress/Welsh & Levy building on the north end of the central business district to the Hotel King to the south.

Crews will begin the renovation work on the Kress/Welsh & Levy building now that the interior demolition is finished, and that Cyntreniks has its financing lined up to convert the historic building at Third and Main streets into a mixed-use development.

Hotel King is located across Lafayette Street from the new downtown Hilton and will open as a boutique hotel.

[cajun]

Im excited to hear this. People that live on this side of Baton Rouge have had very little in shopping, with out driving to college, bluebonnet, or seigen. The South end of town needs this kind of development. And as for it not being nice, i doubt that. So it might not be a "town center" or "perkins rowe" but in terms of one stop shopping, target is at the top of that list, in terms of asthics. If i had to choose between a walmart being at that location, or a target, i choose target any day. But i guess it really dosnt matter since they are building a walmart on the eastern end of burbank anyway. lol. Im afraid though that, that area may become over saturated. Because there is now going to be a win dixie, a wal-mart neighborhood market, and now a super target all right on that corner? Maybe it will promote a little competion amoungst the stores, because that win dixie is a little expensive.

Yeah, Winn Dixie is screwed.

They are going to end up like that old Delchamps on Highland.

What can you do? Their prices are too high, they have too few cashiers on staff (ending the only benefit over Wal Mart), and overall the company does a horrible job. Now the neighborhood wal mart will be within walking distance (if there were sidewalks). The Target being nearby will probably draw a huge amount of business, and rightfully so. I have been saying for years that that location is perfect for a retail center. Their investment will pay off and the local residents will have a closer place to shop. The Target, if it follows that tradition, will probably be cleaner and easier to get to than both Wal Mart and Winn Dixie.

And as for Lee Drive residents having Wal Marts on both ends of their street: If they wouldn't have fought widening, then maybe they wouldn't need two locations. Lee drive is a clusterf-ck and creates a wedge between LSU and the rest of the city. Way to NOT take one for the team, southdowns! Enjoy Wal Mart and continued conjestion.

DeAngelo's and Video USA are there to stay, though! Good product means good sales, and that won't change.

Let's see....Target, Wal Mart, tons of bars and restarants, golf course, concerts every week.....add a movie theater on Burbank close to LSU and then there will be no reason to ever go near College drive.

Edited September 8, 2007 by cajun

[drew6974]

Blanco gives final go-zone approval for 5 BR projects including the new Marriot Renaissance on Bluebonnet according to the Baton Rouge Business Report DailyReport. No mention of 2-City Plaza yet.

Blanco gives go-ahead for five EBR GO Zone projects

Gov. Kathleen Blanco has signed letters to allow five Baton Rouge projects to receive GO Zone funding. All of the projects had received final approval from the State Bond Commission but were waiting on the governor's signature in order to proceed with financing. The project with the highest profile is the Marriott Renaissance Hotel on Bluebonnet Boulevard, which will receive $50 million in GO Zone bonds. R.W. Day will receive $35 million in GO Zone bonds for a Staybridge Suites Hotel and more retail space in the Southgate development on Nicholson Drive. Republic Finance will receive $8 million for a new office building in Towne Center, and Sabel Steel will receive $6 million for a warehouse and distribution center. --Timothy Boone

[richyb83]

Good news, now the Renaissance can begin on Bluebonnet! But what about II City Plaza? they were moving forward despite the delay.

How do yall think Staybridge Suites Hotel will do south of LSU?? They need to finish the rest of the Southgate Tower complexes that were to be 10-stories and another approved last year at 18-stories. Those construction fences have been there long enough!

The Towne Center business park will finally build something else other than a bank branch.

[dan326]

Fat to Fuel Plant

Dynamic Fuels Inc., a partnership between Tyson Foods Inc. and a Tulsa, Okla.-based synthetic fuels company Syntroleum, says it is considering several sites in Louisiana-including Baton Rouge-for a first-of-its-kind plant for making fuel from animal fat. The $150 million plant will produce 100% renewable diesel and jet fuel from animal fats, greases and vegetable oils supplied by Tyson using Syntroleum's patented "Biofining" process. The first plant will produce 75 million gallons of fuel annually and employ 65 full-time employees-most of them highly skilled-with an annual payroll of nearly $5 million. Construction is expected to start in 2008 with the plant operational in 2010. Dynamic Fuels says plans to build and operate multiple stand-alone commercial facilities and is exploring additional sites in Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas

Enclave will be apartments to start as well, with permits filed Wednesday on 16 buildings for the $20 million residential development that will be just down the road from Creekstone

Edited September 14, 2007 by dan326

[twstdndmntd]

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/9762092.html

It's about time that Staybridge and Renaissance started. I'll be very glad when the 10 and 18 story towers get built.

Where is the Enclave Apts? I've seen them talked about numerous times in the threads but not sure where they are. Are they the ones that are Jefferson Hwy. just past Towne Center on the left? And what about II City Plaza? It wasn't mentioned in the article on the BR Business Report:Daily Report. They said 5 projects but only mentioned 4. Is the 5th one City Plaza?

[richyb83]

Not 100% sure, I think the Enclave will be (near) between the Reserve at Cedar Lodge off Commercial Ave?? and Millenium condos on Jefferson?? Interesting that parking garage will be included.

There sure are alot of three story condos going up everywhere. Impressive, just where are all these people coming from to fil all this up?? The list of new condo/apts. going up or about to start is mindboggling.

In layers toward the river; The Fourth Street corridor needs a post card/landmark tower. Third Street could be a nice mixed-use district; Lafayette Street the hospitality/cultural development, etc.

[twstdndmntd]

Not 100% sure, I think the Enclave will be (near) between the Reserve at Cedar Lodge off Commercial Ave?? and Millenium condos on Jefferson?? Interesting that parking garage will be included.

There sure are alot of three story condos going up everywhere. Impressive, just where are all these people coming from to fil all this up?? The list of new condo/apts. going up or about to start is mindboggling.

In layers toward the river; The Fourth Street corridor needs a post card/landmark tower. Third Street could be a nice mixed-use district; Lafayette Street the hospitality/cultural development, etc.

Wow, I didn't think they were going to be adding more residential to Towne Center. I know they clearned land along Corporate in front of The Gates. Any idea when those might start to come up. I'm still a bit concerned with BR over saturating itself with residential. I agree with the question of where all these people are coming from to fill all this up. Especially considering it looks like we didn't keep the amount of people we thought we would post-Katrina, with the preliminary numbers.

[twstdndmntd]

Guys I found this in the BR Business Report.

On Corporate, Creekstone Companies

[dan326]

New baseball/softball facility planned for Gardere and Burbank

Construction has started on Cypress Mounds, an $8 million to $10 million baseball/softball complex at Gardere Lane and Burbank Drive. Jonathan Bruser, one of the principals of the development, says Cypress Mounds was designed by baseball great Cal Ripken Jr. and will feature six fields for children and adults. There will be a seventh "miracle field" for disabled children. "We really wanted to do this, because of deficiencies in the current market," Bruser says. Along with the baseball fields, Cypress Mounds will offer amenities such as a restaurant, pro shop, playground and RV park. A study by Ripken's group estimates that Cypress Mounds will draw 35,000 out-of-town visitors annually for tournaments. Deumite Construction is handling construction of the buildings, Munie Greencare Professionals is building the baseball fields and Bani Carville and Brown is the architect. Cypress Mounds is scheduled to open by April.

[richyb83]

They are currently working on Blue Cross expansion; as evidence of the crane at Bluebonnet and I-10.

(yellow arrow pointing to new building & parking garage now under construction)

*pic compliments of flatiger

The new 136,000 sq. ft. building and garage will be located northwest of the current office buildings. New construction should be completed by the end of December 2008, bringing the total office space at the site to 468,000 sq. ft.

Blue Cross

[richyb83]

Bringing New Life

Cheyenne Construction latest to relocate on Government Street

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/9787522.html

Plans to put in a second floor in the front of the 1920's era building and use about 2,000 square feet for a 26-foot atrium lobby, conference room and offices.

Providence Engineering completed its renovation last year of a large brick building on Main Street, just outside of downtown.

Saurage & Co. Realtors is marketing the old Valley House Hotel, a turn of the 20th century blacks-only hotel on Government next to the railroad tracks.

Stalwarts, such as Bengal Glass, and relative newcomers, such as Circa and Big Baby

[dan326]

I don't trust Pinnacle anymore. If they weren't going to make a 100 room hotel than why would they even say that? But then again they wouldn't be buying all this land.

Oh well, I hope the Belle of Baton Rouge casino gets it's approval.

Pinnacle to appear before gaming board

Pinnacle Entertainment finally takes the wraps off plans for its proposed River Road casino development when it goes before the state Gaming Control Board on Tuesday morning. The company is seeking permission to move a casino license to East Baton Rouge Parish and build a massive resort/residential community on 521 acres near River Road and Gardere Lane. Plans are to build a 140,000-square-foot casino complex that would be the centerpiece of a larger development eventually featuring a hotel, an 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center, 275,000 square feet of retail space and 670 homes and multifamily housing units. The appearance before the gaming board is just the first step in the process to building the casino. Pinnacle hopes to get a parishwide vote on the project in February, break ground on the casino in March 2009 and open the riverboat in August 2010. This isn