Civic Leaders Unite to Launch Plan Baton Rouge III for Downtown Revitalization

BATON ROUGE, La. — In a powerful collaboration, key civic organizations and city officials have come together to unveil Plan Baton Rouge III, the latest effort to revitalize and transform the heart of downtown Baton Rouge.

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), Downtown Development District, Visit Baton Rouge, and the city-parish announced their partnership on Monday, emphasizing that this updated master plan will drive significant growth and development across the downtown area.

Plan Baton Rouge III will focus on several critical areas, including creating vibrant public spaces, expanding residential housing, enhancing the riverfront, upgrading infrastructure, improving connectivity, and attracting a diverse range of new businesses and dining options. Additionally, the plan seeks to elevate downtown's arts and cultural scene, further establishing it as a distinctive and appealing destination.

To bring this ambitious vision to life, a request for proposals has been issued to identify a top-tier consultant team, which will be selected by late 2024. The planning and implementation work is slated to begin in early 2025.

A steering committee has been formed to guide this initiative, featuring prominent local leaders: Helena Cunningham of National Housing Consultant Services, Eric Dexter of BRAF, Marty Engquist, Todd Graves of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and Mike Wampold of Wampold Companies. This committee will be supported by a diverse group of community advisers, ensuring broad input and engagement throughout the process.

Building on the successes of Plan Baton Rouge I, launched in 1998, and Plan Baton Rouge II, introduced in 2009, this new plan is designed to set a visionary course for the next decade. It will provide a comprehensive framework for growth, with clear strategies for implementation and accountability to ensure that the vision becomes a reality.

The launch of Plan Baton Rouge III comes at a pivotal time, as downtown Baton Rouge prepares for transformative changes, including the reimagining of the Raising Cane’s River Center as a convention center, complemented by a new headquarters hotel. This plan is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the area’s evolution, fostering economic development, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.