East Baton Rouge Metro Council Approves Redevelopment of River Center and New Hotel
The ordinance stipulates that the District 10 council member will chair this committee. Carolyn Coleman, the current District 10 council member, will assume this leadership role. The appointee from Mayor-President Broome’s office has yet to be announced.
BATON ROUGE, La. — In a significant move towards revitalizing the downtown area, the East Baton Rouge Metro Council has approved Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s comprehensive proposal to redevelop the River Center complex and establish a new headquarters hotel. This approval marks a major milestone in the city’s efforts to enhance its infrastructure and attract more business and tourism.
The council's decision, made in March, supports a new $300 million entertainment and sports center proposed by Louisiana State University (LSU). This development will allow Mayor-President Broome to expand the space available for conventions and build a hotel near the River Center. Broome’s redevelopment plan itself carries an estimated cost of $120 million.
A committee featuring representatives from various sectors will oversee the project to ensure it meets community needs and maximizes economic benefits. The ordinance stipulates that the District 10 council member will chair this committee. Carolyn Coleman, the current District 10 council member, will assume this leadership role. The appointee from Mayor-President Broome’s office has yet to be announced.
The full committee includes:
- Jonathan Grimes, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
- Ann Trappey, Baton Rouge Area Chamber
- Chris Meyer, Baton Rouge Area Foundation
- Rodney Braxton, Build Baton Rouge
- Whitney Hoffman Sayal, Downtown Development District
- Gary Jupiter, Hospitality Industry
- April Hawthorne, North Baton Rouge Economic Development District
- Jill Kidder, Visit Baton Rouge
- Jennifer Racca, appointed by the Metro Council
The committee's composition reflects a diverse cross-section of expertise, aimed at ensuring that the project will benefit various facets of the community.
On Wednesday, May 22, the Metro Council unanimously approved the redevelopment plan for the Raising Cane’s River Center. This approval demonstrates the council's unified commitment to enhancing Baton Rouge's appeal as a destination for conventions, entertainment, and sports events.
Mayor-President Broome’s redevelopment initiative is expected to significantly boost the local economy by attracting larger conventions and events, providing more job opportunities, and stimulating growth in the hospitality and service sectors.
