The BREC Building

OSCD-6

[Because the LSU Museum of Art and the Doug Man-ship Sr. Performing Arts Theater will be located on this block, the BREC Building will not be located here.]

Observation

Recreations and Park Commission (BREC) is in search of a new facility Downtown.

Discussion

The second of the buildings that may be built to the south of the Auto Hotel would be located behind and be-tween these two buildings. The building should be specifically designed to accommodate the sports and recreational program of BREC, replacing the one lost at Victory Park. This building could be located within the center of the block, utilitarian in character. BREC is endeavoring to replace its principal facility in Victory Park, demolished in 1989 for the parking lot of the new Court House. BREC has not been compensated for the approximately $5M loss of Victory Park.4 Although there is no firm agreement, an implied commitment exists on the part of state and local government to assist BREC in acquiring a new Downtown facility. The following program is envisioned by BREC for this facility: (a) A history day camp for children, similar to those at Magnolia Mound Plantation; (b) A children’s activity area, including day care playrooms and an indoor playground; (c) An indoor track, weight room, fitness room, locker and changing room, restrooms and showers, and several multi-purpose rooms. The day-care center and high-quality, affordable gymnasium are important contributions at this location as they mirror the similar programs of the YMCA at the West garage.

The following programs are envisioned in this extension of the Old State Capitol: (a) An interpretive theater to teach Louisiana history and government. Currently the CPGH is in partnership with the Playmakers of Baton Rouge, performing in the Old State Capitol. Students learn the history of Louisiana by watching the plays and benefit from participating in their production. (b) The Classroom – offering teachers the opportunity to teach a curriculum that relates to exhibits displayed in the Old State Capitol; (c) A Gallery for Louisiana youth projects and history fairs.

4 History: Victory Park once served the population of Baton Rouge as the principal public park. In 1919 the people of Baton Rouge passed a bond issue for $100,000 for improvements in the park, which occupied the old Louisiana State Prison State property. The amenities included a pergola, flowerbeds, memorial fountain, fishpond, and bandstand, and later a public pool and bathhouse. In the 1950’s BREC built a recreation center. The 8-acre park was heavily used, offering concerts and dances. Over time, the park was taken for non-recreational land uses, such as the old library, post office, and old courthouse. Interstate I-110 took the eastern end in the early 1960’s. In 1989 the park had dwindled in size to 2.4 acres. At that time, BREC, without compensation, relinquished the last portion for the new Federal Court House and parking lot.

Recommendation

Retain an architect to program and sketch a building to accommodate a gymnasium, day camp and day care center for BREC. This building is located between the CPGH Building and the Auto Hotel.

Responsibility

State Commissioner of Administration

Project Status

Eugene Young, BREC Director, visited Senator Mary Landrieu to obtain funding to replace Victory Park that was used for the 2 federal court buildings. Both the Mayor and Plan Baton Rouge have indicated willingness to support BREC's request with BREC leading the effort.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

New Recreation Facility

Responsibility

PBR

Implementing Agent

BREC

Feasibility Analysis

Architect

Initial Financing

BREC

Project Financing

BREC

Timing