Plan Baton Rouge Phase 3 Focuses on Riverfront, Housing and Family Spaces

Downtown Baton Rouge could look very different in the future. Leaders behind Plan Baton Rouge Phase 3 say the focus is bringing people back to the riverfront and creating more reasons for families, tourists, and locals to spend time downtown. The plan includes a possible sports and entertainment district near the Queen Casino, new pedestrian-friendly spaces along River Road, and more parks and playgrounds for families. Organizers say public feedback showed residents want more things to do downtown, especially for children. Planners also discussed adding more housing in Downtown East and finding ways to work around railroad and flood concerns that have slowed past riverfront projects. Officials say the ideas are still conceptual, but planning and development discussions are already moving forward.