Baton Rouge Growth and Development

[cajun]

Personally, I am not happy about this shady business deal, but I'll keep my opinion to myself. I am sure if Beechcraft did relocate here, they will build a fancy post-modern head quarters out in suburbia. lol

I really don't consider corporate incentives "shady" unless it involves bribery of public officials. If you consider tax incentives shady, then you were probably not to fond of how the Hilton Capital House was financed....or how Nucor or Globalstar or Albermarle or the film industry moved here. This is no different than offering incentives for fuel efficient cars, or to start a film business here. While it frustrates me to no end, using taxpayer money for a Lehman bailout kept us from starving...considering federal bail outs were not practiced like this in 1929. I know that we'd be much worse off today if it wasn't for TARP.

It's been publicly stated that if Hawker were to move to Baton Rouge, they would build on property adjacent to the airport. What did you expect, for someone to build airplanes on 3rd street?

The only shady part is that HBC could return to Kansas with Louisiana's offer and demand similar incentives to stay in Kansas because they never seriously considered leaving anyways....or if they were leaving, they would move where wages are very low, like Mexico...so they can just use Louisiana as leverage to get a better union contract and Kansas state incentive package. I'm not sure if that is what happened, but it's quite possible.

Not that it matters anymore.....they are not going to move here. Nucor is on it's way, at least- and Baton Rouge made national news with its aggressive approach to create business opportunity here. That could be a good thing soon.

Since the Blanco administration, this state has been very aggressive in finding new business to locate here, and helping foster new home grown companies. The current administration, along with Steve Moret, have pushed it far beyond where I'd ever imagine seeing it. It's a very scary economic climate out there. I'm glad this state is being aggressive with economic development.

Edited October 6, 2010 by cajun

[richyb83]

FINALLY! 2nd phase of levee bike-path starting work today! Wasn't sue WHERE to post this....

Work to Start on Longer Bike Path

City-parish officials said Tuesday that a contractor is slated to start work Thursday on extending the Mississippi River levee bicycle path by nearly 2 miles — a project that has enthusiastic support of area cyclists. When completed in mid-April, the project will extend the asphalt path atop the levee from Skip Bertman Drive to BREC’s Farr Horse Activity Center, south of Brightside Lane, according to city-parish officials.

The bike path currently extends about 3 miles from the Interstate 10 bridge downtown to Skip Bertman Drive.

“It’s a great thing for the city and a great thing for bikers,” Mark Upton, who serves on the board of Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets, said Tuesday. The group advocates making Baton Rouge a safer environment for bicyclists and walkers.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/104833219.html

Edited October 14, 2010 by richyb83

[cajun]

Union votes down aircraft contract

BR could again be a factor in Hawker Beechcraft talks

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/105119334.html?index=14&c=y

Machinists at aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft on Saturday rejected a new seven-year contract aimed at keeping company operations in Kansas that Louisiana has been competing to get.

“For competitive reasons and to protect confidential company information, we can’t comment on specific current or potential prospects,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret said

Saturday in response to the union’s rejection of a contract that contained a 10 percent wage cut to salaries that average $27 an hour and other concessions.

Hawker Beechcraft employs 7,000 people worldwide, with 6,000 of them reported to be at risk in Wichita.

John Carpenter, Mayor-President Kip Holden’s acting chief administrative officer, acknowledged this month that Baton Rouge had conversations with Louisiana officials months ago about Hawker Beechcraft.

At that time, the discussion focused on luring “just part of the company,” he said. Reports since then have indicated the company might move all of its operations out of Wichita.

“The only thing we know now is that they’re likely to be looking again,” Carpenter said of the company Saturday. “We’d be delighted to go after any opportunity that arises, but I doubt they have any idea what they’re going to do at this point,” Carpenter said. “We’ll all be patiently waiting to hear what the news out of Wichita is.”

____________

I have no idea what this really means for Baton Rouge. I still doubt they are relocating to Louisiana. If anything, the whole country is aware of Louisiana's aggressive approach to business investments.

The fact that the union in Kansas clearly holds such animosity towards management shows that either the labor culture there is terrible or the corporate culture of Hawker Beechcraft is really not something that we want in Baton Rouge. I took a 20% pay cut last year along with everyone else in my company...higher ups took an even bigger haircut. I don't see how a 10% would really be that difficult to swallow in this economy. This was a disturbing but predictable action by the union.

That being said, this would be a huge win for the Capitol Region if they decide to move even a portion of their operations here. There is a severe lack of work for for skilled and unskilled labor (after devastating RIFs at Dow and Exxon and impending closure of massive NOLA area manufacturing facilities) as well as a horrible downturn for engineering, architecture, and construction firms that could use the boost that that involves the construction of new facilities that this company would build here.

Baton Rouge is located on the Mississippi River. With the Panama Canal Widening scheduled to be completed in 2014, we are only going to see more and more manufacturing opportunities like this come our way. To tell the truth, I'd prefer a relatively clean industry like machinery, automotive, or aircraft production than steel or energy.

[cajun]

FINALLY! 2nd phase of levee bike-path starting work today! Wasn't sue WHERE to post this....

Work to Start on Longer Bike Path

City-parish officials said Tuesday that a contractor is slated to start work Thursday on extending the Mississippi River levee bicycle path by nearly 2 miles — a project that has enthusiastic support of area cyclists. When completed in mid-April, the project will extend the asphalt path atop the levee from Skip Bertman Drive to BREC’s Farr Horse Activity Center, south of Brightside Lane, according to city-parish officials.

The bike path currently extends about 3 miles from the Interstate 10 bridge downtown to Skip Bertman Drive.

“It’s a great thing for the city and a great thing for bikers,” Mark Upton, who serves on the board of Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets, said Tuesday. The group advocates making Baton Rouge a safer environment for bicyclists and walkers.

http://www.2theadvoc.../104833219.html

Definitely a good "quality of life" development....at relatively low costs to taxpayers. It should bring more people to the riverfront and promote more exercise in the city.

Much better than the "shared lanes" in my neighborhood. Cycling on shared lanes is pretty dangerous. Levee top is a continuous, non stop facility that could be used for training. If you ask me, they should at least pave it all the way out to Gardere....even if they don't have the street lights and livestock mitigation infrastructure like they do near LSU. That would be a solid 10 mile non-stop track that would be safe for cyclist to use without fear of being run over or colliding with a pedestrian. Very few cities have opportunities like that with a flat, level bike trail with no intersections or required stops. Right now, I feel like cyclist don't understand the rules of the road any more than auto drivers do....cutting through crosswalks, ignoring intersections, using sidewalks, and passing on the right. Car drivers definitely don't seem to see cyclist either.

[richyb83]

The 80,000sq ft Medical Plaza IV (O'Donovan Dr at the end of Hennessey Blvd)nearing completion in the growing Medical Corridor

Dubbed as the State's "New Economy"...the 90,000sq ft $25 million expansion at Pennington Biomedical Research Center (sorry not the best pic)

Children's clinic expansion at BR Clinic....Completed in 09'

[dan326]

Wow, I forgot all about the Medical Plaza! It looks nice.

[dan326]

I hope the airline location doesn't close down, but then again last time I pasted by Toy R Us a few day ago, the parking lot was full.

"Toys R Us planned for Siegen Lane Marketplace

The Siegen Lane Marketplace is the desired location of a nearly 59,000-square-foot Toys R Us/Babies R Us. The project is set to go before the city-parish Planning Commission at its Nov. 15 meeting. The toy store would be built next to Kohl’s on North Mall Drive. Along with the toy store, plans call for a 36,000-square-foot retail space. Planning Commission staffers have recommended approving the project. Toys R Us has three stores in the Capital Region, but only the one at Airline Highway and Florida Boulevard is freestanding."

businessreport.com

[richyb83]

The definition of "High-Density" residential?? in Baton Rouge? Surely nothing taller than 3-stories that would get the NIMBY's panties in a wad?? Everthing has been 3-story condo's lately..Maybe high-density for BR...but not in a real city.... I think the Corporate Blvd corridor could easily support some 5-6 story projects! That's a lot of development on just 2.5 acres...should be interesting! Where are the renderings??

The commission is also preparing to vote on a zoning change for an undeveloped tract of land in the CitiPlace development. Developers want to put in 68 high-density residential units and 5,000 square feet of commercial/retail space on the 2.5-acre site, east of Ward's Creek and between Corporate Boulevard and Interstate 10. Original plans were to build 150 condominium units on the site. The planning commission staff has recommended deferring the vote until some issues are resolved.

http://www.businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/2010/nov/12/1940/

[richyb83]

A nice "Before & After" of the Lafayette Street Corridor! Visioning for downtown BR compliments of Calthorpe Associates..

Too many bland boring surface parking lots along prime riverfront property

To this! Glad they realize the potential of Lafayette Street; from the old Advocate block; River Place..and Hartley & Vey block next to the Hilton Capitol Center; looks like what could be the propsed Hampton Inn on the left-side; lofty goal of light-rail along Main Street??

[Antrell Williams]

I would like to see some high rises with the two best looking facades facing the river and I-110, all built along the length of the river.

[nquint1]

Nice slide show by the DDD that shows some of this year's and next year's developments. You can kind of get an idea as to what's happening to repentance park.

http://www.passionforprogress.com/assets/2010_DDD_Project_Recap_2.pdf

[Antrell Williams]

After seeing that again I have more faith in the DDD. They seem to be really trying to finally improve downtown. What's up with the Riverfront plaza and it's 3 waves of metal? Does it serve any kind of purpose? Hopefully the Riverfront Development that was to being near Hollywood Casino is brought back up to the DDD. Much better than a group of metal wavy things. Also I want the Paperclips removed, something can replace that and receive much more use for the fireworks display and what not.

[buckett5425]

The Power Point was very nice. Did yall see the design for the entrance for the River Walk at Florida and River Road? Once again, this Contemporary Art Deco Revival has found its way into downtown design.....

[richyb83]

Excellent power point! Great run-down on things we have been talking about here..Thanks nquint1 Is that a good-thing or bad thing Buckett with the Contemporary Art Deco Revival??

DDD has done a fantastic job over the years...but can they please get an updated SKYLINE PIC! What's up with the dinosuar pics of the malnutritioned skyline??

-the downtown ring of new residential development looks promising

-Repentance Park/Central Green is going to make a nice "living-room" for BR; and much better lighting at night!

-The RiverCenter expansion will look nice facing St.Louis Street!

-Good to see them add railing for the North Blvd Overpass

-The Main Street residential development should be starting soon

>>Still many questions...EBRATS Bldg? Commerce Bldg; Municipal Bldg; Economic Developmental Bldg; Laurel Street @ Fourth St property; The Brownstones(that idea has to go/not location for that); Trahan's Jumonville Warehouse??

Still not cool Capitol Lofts was shot-down by Spanish Town Civic Ass-ociation

[dan326]

That was a pretty cool PowerPoint, everything looked nice.

[nquint1]

I thought the rendering for River Road looked much better than previous renderings I've seen. The green space will look great in front of the LASM as opposed to adding a tree-lined median.

Repentance Park will be much more connected to City Hall and the new town square. I think that's a big problem with this park. I spend more time looking at it than walking through it. I still have problems with its design, but this is a step in the right direction.

The shade structure on the river looks a little funny to me. I think something better could be done with this area, but I don't have any ideas.

Overall there's a lot to look forward to. Plus the levee bike path should get extended this year. It's good to see all this work being done during such difficult times elsewhere in the nation.

One thing I didn't see mentioned in this PowerPoint is the downtown gateway/underpass beautification that was talked about so much at one point this past year. I thought they approved money for it too. Has this project morphed into the parking they're planning on adding under 110?

[richyb83]

BR fared better than many during the Great Recession...still all phases of the real estate industry felt pain in 2010' as the national economy continues to struggle.

Article does a quick run-down of Retail activity; Commercial(Women's Hosp/Pinnacle Casino/Wampold's Bluebonnet hotel); Residential Development(slow); Future EBR, etc...most things mentioned here on UP...

Bright Spots Emerge in Real Estate

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/112687129.html

[richyb83]

Good read in this mornings Advocate...BR is what's known as a "Mid-Sized Magnet" among the most car dependant.....An aging population and one that seems to be creeping further out into the outlying parishes may be what Metro BR shares with cities across the country. However according to urban planner John Fregonese says "Suburban migration may be nearing it's peak"; BR has to get serious about infil development...won't be easy

Article includes population changes; The Schooling Factor; Hurricane effect; Rethinking BR; etc...Alternatives to the car are developing,,, Starts off talking about Pelican Point in Ascension...

STUDY: Suburban Population Booming

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/113180929.html

Edited January 11, 2011 by richyb83

[dan326]

I figured this was dead.

"News Alert: BREC, Knock Knock sign deal for children's museum

BREC and the Knock Knock Children's Museum have signed a cooperative agreement to build a 30,000-square-foot museum in City-Brooks Community Park. Under the agreement, BREC will provide a site for the museum as well as $3 million for planning and design. Knock Knock recently hired Melissa A. Bell, a fundraiser and project administrator, to run the administrative office. Knock Knock will include 18 to 20 hands-on exhibits to teach children through play."

[richyb83]

Kinda like the loop project huh??

Glad to hear about this coming to fruition...the BREC improvements around the city are really nice!

[dan326]

I guess this area will be poppin' in no time.

'RV resort, retail and hotel development planned near Pinnacle casino

Plans for Sugarcane Lodge, an RV resort, retail development and hotel on 120 acres just north of the Pinnacle Entertainment casino site on River Road, are scheduled to go before the East Baton Rouge Parish Planning Commission Feb. 21. Developer Daryl May, who has the vacant land under contract for purchase pending Planning Commission approval, is seeking a zoning change from rural to planned unit development, or PUD. "Right now, there's not a place in Baton Rouge that can accommodate RVs as far as complete water, electricity and sewer services," he says. "I think we've found a niche in the market." May says development of the 80-acre RV resort, which is planned to include a putting green, swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, wilderness trails and a business center, would begin immediately if the Planning Commission OKs the zoning change. "The casino is shooting for a December opening, and we would hope to have it open at that time or maybe even just a little before," May says.

The Rural Village, a 155,00-square-foot retail area featuring shops, restaurants, antique shops and grocery stores, would be developed "about a year or two after" the RV resort, May says; a multi-story hotel would subsequently be added. "We're talking to some hotel folks, but that part of the project is still very, very premature," he says. "Whether it's next year or five years from now, I think it will be a nice spot [for a hotel] with the casino there."'

[richyb83]

Interesting find a few days ago at the construction site for the new apartments downtown on Main Street....

300 year old bones found in downtown construction site

Construction workers found a big surprise this morning while working at a site in downtown Baton Rouge. They uncovered human bones and the Baton Rouge Police Department was called to investigate.

At first officers believed the workers may have stumbled upon a recent crime, but after taking a closer look, the partial human skeletal remains were actually placed back to the 1800’s.

We’re told that the construction site once housed a dental office and a sort of coroner’s office where autopsies were performed.

http://www.nbc33tv.com/news/300-year-old-bones-found-in-downtown-construction-site

[dan326]

Fascinating! ^ right when you think you know everything about BR you learn something new.

"St. Vincent de Paul buys Florida Boulevard land

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has purchased a corner lot on Florida Boulevard and 17th Street for $110,000. A check-cashing business had been located on the property. Michael Acaldo, president and CEO of St. Vincent de Paul, says the deal gives the nonprofit 95% of the block between Convention Street, Florida Boulevard and 17th Street. Acaldo says the plans are to clear the property and do something with it that enhances the services of St. Vincent de Paul. Part of the property may be turned into a parking lot for people who volunteer or for those who use the St. Vincent de Paul pharmacy. Last year the charity purchased the old Romano's Pack and Save property nearby on North Boulevard. Acaldo says that site "has a wide array of opportunities," but nothing has been decided yet."

from businessreport.com

[richyb83]

Construction continues on a 3-story One Stop Homeless Service Center on the 1600-block of Convention Street

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/latest/115451364.html

[dan326]

It's nice to see a facility like this go up for the less fortunate.