Plan Baton Rouge

[richyb83]

I like yall's idea's for the improvements; lighting, etc for the lake...one of the crown jewels for BR

 

 

DDD Commission Meeting
August 13, 2013, 8:00 a.m.
Capitol Park Welcome Center, 702 N. River Rd.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Declare Quorum

3. Approve Agenda

4. Approve July 9, Minutes

5. Board Action

6. Update from Previous Board Meeting

a. Governmental Issues

b. Development Initiatives

• Hampton Inn Ribbon Cutting
• Commerce Building Update
• Downtown Greenway Update
• Florida Street Riverfront Access/River Road Path
• The Crest
• BR Walls - Installation #7
• Downtown Residential Checklist Update
• New Business
• Events
  o Belle of Baton Rouge Concerts - Aug. 16, Sept. 6
  o B. R. Sickle Cell Community Fun Run / 5K - Aug. 17
  o Live After Five Concerts - Sept. 6,13,20, 27, Oct. 4, 11,18,25
  o FUMC Cambodia Craft Sale - Sept. 8
  o Living Legacy - Sept. 10
  o Capitol Park Museum
  o Old State Capitol Exhibit
  o Foundation for Historical Louisiana/Old Governor's Mansion
  o Manship Theatre Events / LSU MOA
  o River Center Events
  o LASM

7. Strategic Plan

a. Plan Baton Rouge II

8. Ongoing Projects

• CPEX
• BREADA

9. Correspondence

10. Public Comment

Edited August 10, 2013 by richyb83

[richyb83]

Some Commerce Bldg & RiverPark updates...any progress??

 

DDD Commission Meeting
September 10, 2013, 8:00 a.m.
First United Methodist Church, Conference Center, 930 North Blvd.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Declare Quorum

3. Approve Agenda

4. Approve August 13^th, Minutes

5. Board Action

6. Update from Previous Board Meeting

a. Governmental Issues

• Chief Carl Dabadie Jr.

b. Development Initiatives

• Florida and Lafayette Streetscape Improvements
• St. Louis and St. Ferdinand Two-Waying
• River Park Development Update
• Commerce Building Update
• Downtown Greenway Update
• North Boulevard Town Square Web Cameras
• CATS Touchdown Express
• Downtown Bike Racks
• Downtown Residential Checklist Update
• Literary City Committee
• Red Stick Revelry
• New Business
• Events
  o Belle of Baton Rouge Concerts / Comedy - Sept. 11, 13, 18, 20, 26, 27 & Oct. 4
  o Live After Five Concerts - Sept. 13,20, 27, Oct. 4, 11,18,25
  o Living Legacy - Sept. 10
  o B.R. Hops Festival - Sept. 14
  o Walk A Mile in Her Shoes - Sept. 22
  o Go For Broke - Sept. 23
  o Zombie Run - Oct. 4
  o B. R. Arts Market / Red Wig Walk - Oct. 5
  o YELP 5K - Sept. 6
  o Capitol Park Museum
  o Old State Capitol
  o Foundation for Historical Louisiana/Old Governor's Mansion
  o Manship Theatre Events / LSU MOA
  o River Center Events
  o LASM

7. Strategic Plan

a. Plan Baton Rouge II

8. Ongoing Projects

• CPEX
• BREADA

9. Correspondence

10. Public Comment

[cajun]

I think just regular lights under the I10 bridge would be nice, they don't have to change colors.

 

I hope when they finally get around to widening that bridge, they can make it look like the Key bridge in Georgetown.

[nickels]

I hope when they finally get around to widening that bridge, they can make it look like the Key bridge in Georgetown.

 

Are there plans for widening it or is that just wishful thinking? doesn't make much sense if to widen just that area

[richyb83]

This could have gone into a few different threads...

 

From parking spot to pop-up park
 

On Friday, a few parking spaces downtown and in Mid City will be missing—replaced with mini-parks, outdoor workspaces and neighborhood hangouts for the day.

The project, a local version of the annual worldwide event PARK(ing) Day, serves as an extension of the Better Block BR event that happened in April, demonstrating what Government Street would look like with bike paths, better crosswalks, curbside shops and landscaped sidewalks.

“This is just continuing that conversation on streets not being just for cars, but for streets being used more comprehensively,” says Haley Blakeman, director of implementation for Center for Planning Excellence, one of the organizers of the event. “It's about creating places that contribute to the urban feel of the neighborhood.”

From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, five parking spots downtown and one in Mid City will be converted to public space, each hosted by a different group. On North Fifth Street in front of the Main Street Market, as well as Laurel Street in front of Strands Café, BREC and CPEX will convert those spaces to outdoor decks with chairs and tables for people taking a lunch or coffee break. On Third Street behind the Shaw Center, one parking space will be converted to an outdoor workspace with tables and laptops. In front of Garden District Nursery and Smokin Aces on Government Street, the parking space will be converted to a park.

Downtown Development District is hosting a location on Third Street in front of Boudreaux and Thibodeaux's that will serve as a preview of plans to improve and landscape Third Street. Davis Rhorer of DDD says it will demonstrate types of streetscape, sidewalk and lighting improvements that create active outdoor space for the arts and entertainment district. That space will stay open during Live After Five on Friday.

Blakeman says that while the local PARK(ing) Day continues the momentum and interest generated by Better Block BR in developing more complete streets across the city, the emphasis on downtown is important. Curbside parking in front of some downtown buildings is only used sporadically throughout the week, she says, creating unused space that could be converted permanently to mini-parks or green space with beneficial storm drainage.

“I hope people will see the benefits of incorporating more green space downtown and the benefits of creating more uses for shared parking spaces,” she says.

Check out a map of the downtown locations below:

For more information on PARK(ing) Day and the full list of participating locations, click here.

 

http://www.225batonrouge.com/9182013/smART_City/From_parking_spot_to_pop-up_park

[cajun]

They should focus on converting the surface parking lots and not street parking.

Street parking calms traffic and encourages pedestrian activity by creating a barrier between the sidewalk and the street.

Edited September 19, 2013 by cajun

[buckett5425]

They should focus on converting the surface parking lots and not street parking.

Street parking calms traffic and encourages pedestrian activity by creating a barrier between the sidewalk and the street.

 

That is their objective, to show that roads should be shared with parking, pedestrians and green space, unfortunately so many roads have been widened at the expense of pedestrian immensities that only a 5' sidewalk remains. Claiming a part of the street is the only way to show their intent. 

[richyb83]

[richyb83]

 Glad to see them finally add on to the Onyxx Bldg...hoping they keep some of the white exterior boxy look(help me out architects) looks like this gets started soon too! What an impressive block emerging! Should compliment the Shaw Center for the Arts....almost posted on Arts & Entertainment District

 

Construction on The Onyx Residences to begin next week

 

Commercial Properties Realty Trust says it will begin redeveloping the Onyx Building at the corner of Third and Convention streets downtown into new residences next week. The project, estimated to cost about $6 million, will see the building transformed into a new five-story, mixed-use development called The Onyx Residences, which will house about 5,600 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments above. The apartments will range from 600 square feet to 1,100 square feet, and each will include a balcony or terrace with a view of Third Street, Convention Street or the Shaw Center for the Arts, says Commercial Properties, the real estate arm of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Rents have yet to be determined, but Commercial Properties said in a press release it expects to be ready for residents by next fall. The Onyx Building originally opened in the 1950s, and was the home of Rider's Jewelry store until the 1970s. It has been mostly empty for more than three decades, though it was briefly occupied by nonprofit City Year during the past decade, Commercial Properties notes

 

http://www.businessreport.com/section/daily-reportAM

 

 

Will copy other rendering later here it is...

http://lbedit.sx.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=LB&Date=20131002&Category=BUSINESSREPORT0302&ArtNo=100209999&Ref=PH#/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=LB&Date=20131002&Category=BUSINESSREPORT0302&ArtNo=100209999&Ref=PH&Item=1&MaxW=550

Edited October 2, 2013 by richyb83

[jefften10]

 Glad to see them finally add on to the Onyxx Bldg...hoping they keep some of the white exterior boxy look(help me out architects) looks like this gets started soon too! What an impressive block emerging! Should compliment the Shaw Center for the Arts....almost posted on Arts & Entertainment District Construction on The Onyx Residences to begin next week

Commercial Properties Realty Trust says it will begin redeveloping the Onyx Building at the corner of Third and Convention streets downtown into new residences next week. The project, estimated to cost about $6 million, will see the building transformed into a new five-story, mixed-use development called The Onyx Residences, which will house about 5,600 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments above. The apartments will range from 600 square feet to 1,100 square feet, and each will include a balcony or terrace with a view of Third Street, Convention Street or the Shaw Center for the Arts, says Commercial Properties, the real estate arm of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Rents have yet to be determined, but Commercial Properties said in a press release it expects to be ready for residents by next fall. The Onyx Building originally opened in the 1950s, and was the home of Rider's Jewelry store until the 1970s. It has been mostly empty for more than three decades, though it was briefly occupied by nonprofit City Year during the past decade, Commercial Properties notes

 

http://www.businessreport.com/section/daily-reportAM

 

 

Will copy other rendering later here it is...

http://lbedit.sx.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=LB&Date=20131002&Category=BUSINESSREPORT0302&ArtNo=100209999&Ref=PH#/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=LB&Date=20131002&Category=BUSINESSREPORT0302&ArtNo=100209999&Ref=PH&Item=1&MaxW=550

 

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

[dan326]

Neat again! I wonder if this had been planned or was a response to the IBM development.

[Antrell Williams]

Now that residential is coming on line, I can't wait to see how the retail options will shape out.

[richyb83]

Yes indeed Antrell!

 

Good question Dan...think this has been in the works for a while...the new IBM complex being built a few blocks away can only help! A synergy is beginning to take place!

[Antrell Williams]

My mom told me she and her sisters used to take the bus from New Roads to 3rd St to shop. Now that that will be a reality again, I think it's amazing that my children will have that opportunity.

[cajun]

Looks nice. I'd have loved to live there about 10 years ago.

[richyb83]

DDD Commission Meeting
October 15, 2013, 8:00 a.m.
City Club, 355 North Blvd.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Declare Quorum

3. Approve Agenda

4. Approve September 10^th, Minutes

5. Board Action

a. Literary City White Paper

6. Update from Previous Board Meeting

a. Governmental Issues

b. Development Initiatives

• International Downtown Association World Congress
• Onyx Residences
• IBM/525 Lafayette Street Block Development
• Commerce Building Update
• Downtown Greenway Update
• North Boulevard Town Square Update
• CATS Public Meeting
• Downtown Bike Racks
• BR Walls
• Downtown Residential Checklist Update
• New Business
• Events
  o Women in Wine Wednesday - Oct. 16
  o Belle of Baton Rouge Concerts / Comedy - Oct. 16, 18, 23, 30, Nov. 1
  o Hollydays Hustle - Oct. 17
  o Live After Five Concerts - Oct. 18,25
  o Ultimate Louisiana Party / B. R Halloween Parade - Oct. 19
  o Columbus Day Festa - Oct. 20
  o White Cane Safety Day - Oct. 23
  o Hollydays - Oct. 24 - 26
  o B. R. Arts Market / 10^th Annual Louisiana Book Festival / My Fest - Nov. 2
  o Cambodia Craft Sale - Nov. 7 - 10
  o Mistletoe Market - Nov. 9, 10
  o Stroube's Dinner on the Plaza - Oct. 16, Nov. 6, Nov. 13
  o Capitol Park Museum
  o Old State Capitol
  o Foundation for Historical Louisiana/Old Governor's Mansion
  o Manship Theatre Events / LSU MOA
  o River Center Events / BRSO
  o LASM

7. Strategic Plan

a. Plan Baton Rouge II

8. Ongoing Projects

• CPEX
• BREADA

9. Correspondence

10. Public Comment

[steve3n8]

Redevelopment of Richoux Building appears ready to begin

 

The city-parish Department of Public Works has issued sidewalk closure permits for preliminary construction work to begin on the Richoux Building downtown at 302 N. Third St. But the future of the local landmark—well known for its rooftop neon Coca-Cola sign—remains uncertain. As previously reported by Daily Report, Raising Cane's is negotiating to open its first downtown restaurant in the 8,000-square-foot ground-floor space, while another restaurant tenant has plans to open a rooftop beer garden in the 3,000-square-foot second-floor space. Local businessman Mike Crouch, who purchased the historic mid-century modern building for $1.2 million in late March, previously said he has plans to use historic building tax credits to renovate the structure. He could not be reached for comment this morning. A spokeswoman for Raising Cane's says the company "does not have any information to share at this time." According to DPW, Picou Bros. is the general contractor on the project. No date for the beginning of construction was specified on the permit application. —Stephanie Riegel

 

Businessreport.com

[steve3n8]

Preservation commission recommends downtown building for historic status

 

The East Baton Rouge Parish Historic Preservation Commission today recommended that the Baton Rouge Savings and Loan Association Building at 400 North Blvd. be named to the National Register of Historic Places. HPC Chairwoman Carolyn Bennett hopes the application will increase the chances for the building, currently owned by Bob Dean, to be returned to commerce and not torn down. A state commission is expected to consider the application next month before it is forwarded to the National Park Service. If listed, the property could be eligible for federal tax credits for renovation. The mid-century modern building, built in the international style, was completed in 1955 and designed by Bodman & Murrell & Smith, Architects, according to the application. On its façade, it features a large clock and a bas relief of a mother holding a child while watching workers build her home. The commission has been under fire recently, with Metro Council member Ryan Heck circulating a draft proposal to suspend for a year its authority to issue certificates of appropriateness. The COAs are needed for building permits in certain historic districts; Heck's proposal would transfer that power to the Planning Commission. Bennett says commission members have not yet met with Heck. —David Jacobs

 

Businessreport.com

[Antrell Williams]

It's not that bad of a building, but it's ugly as it stands. I'm not sure if I would be against tearing it down.

[steve3n8]

Renovation of former Capital One building to begin in December

 

The renovation of the former Capital One Bank building downtown should begin before the end of the year, says local architect and new owner Dyke Nelson, putting the building in a position to house new tenants as early as May 2014. He hopes to begin construction in December. "We could be ready for a commercial tenant within six months, easily," he says. "Probably less than that, depending on how anxious someone is to get in there." Although the new owners haven't yet signed any tenants, Nelson says they are prepared to accommodate almost any kind of tenant. Real estate agent Jonathan Walker is actively and aggressively marketing the property, which includes Class A commercial space, a minimum of 114 on-site parking spaces, and expansive views of the Capitol and the river, Nelson says. The new owners, who acquired the building in June, plan to renovate the entire 111,000-square-foot building and add a ninth floor, which will be almost 6,000 square feet. The ninth floor will be one of four commercial floors, with the other five being residential. The renovation also includes knocking down the drive-through canopy, which will provide additional space for parking, says Nelson. That will give the tower a unique advantage downtown, where parking is scarce. —Rachel Alexander

 

Businessreport.com

[richyb83]

Yes indeed! Imagine all the construction going on the same time within just a few blocks!...IBM complex, Commerce Bldg./Cap One Bldg, Onyxx Bldg, & Lafayette House....

[Antrell Williams]

Not really on board with the parking lot..

[richyb83]

The additional floor...making it 9 stories will be sweet! But agreed....instead of an ugly surface parking lot....the office tower could go on top a 5-story parking garage...making it 14...but I forgot nothing goes over 12-floors in BR anymore....

[steve3n8]

but I forgot nothing goes over 12-floors in BR anymore....

 

Very True and Extremely Depressing......like I said maybe when somebody wakes up!

[cajun]

Very True and Extremely Depressing......like I said maybe when somebody wakes up!

 

 

 

I'm not a fan of the parking lot idea.   I'd like to see it put to better use than that...even if it is just a 3 or 4 level office or residential building flanking a parking deck.

 

Streets in downtown Baton Rouge are narrow, with limited capacity for both pedestrians or vehicles.  Buildings over 12 stories would be rare if demand were triple what it is now.....but the 4th and Main intersection would be more ideal for a large building that generates a lot of traffic than most of downtown.

 

Maybe 4th street in that area needs a public parking deck to alleviate some of the parking hassles, but there is one across the street.

Edited October 27, 2013 by cajun