The Sidewalk Galleries

CBD-5

Observation

It is said that the climate is too hot and too rainy to be appealing to shoppers walking along unsheltered sidewalks.

Discussion

Although this was not a consideration in the heyday of Third Street, higher standards have been set by suburban retailers. If shade and rain protection are necessary, the new code (See Codes in General) suggests metal galleries over the sidewalks on all new construction, and encourages it on existing ones. These would also effectively serve to mask some of the more unsightly buildings. The Hibernia Bank facade, for example, would not necessarily require top-to-bottom renovation if it were masked from the pedestrian by an arcade.

On a related matter, the open parking lots on Third Street create hostile gaps on the pedestrian trajectory. They must be masked by liner buildings. (This is further discussed in Infill Housing).

Recommendation

Encourage the building of metal galleries over the sidewalks of Third and Lafayette Streets through an enabling code and financial incentives.

Responsibility

Downtown Development District.

Project Status

Russell Davies' design proposal for Third Street canopy project was well received by the Steering Committee in June 1999 and has been approved by Duany Plater-Zyberk. Preliminary cost estimates were prepared, and a survey was completed by Sigma Corporation to determine the location of underground utilities. The project is on hold awaiting funding. The recent Storefront Grant Program, funded by Plan Baton Rouge and administered through the DDD, encourages the installation of awnings and overhangs to enhance the pedestrian experience.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Streetscape Improvement

Responsibility

DDD

Implementing Agent

DDD

Feasibility Analysis

DDD

Initial Financing

PBR

Project Financing

Building owners and tenants through grants and tax abatement (Federal ISTEA Grant)

Timing