Old State Capitol District Streetscape Improvements

SIG-3

Observation

The Old State Capitol District has all the right ingredients to become a center for Louisiana history, culture and the arts. However, there is not a designated pedestrian way around, and outdoor furnishings and pedestrian street amenities are needed.

Discussion

The Old State Capitol District is one of the most beautiful places in Baton Rouge. The presence of the Old State Capitol on the River gives a sense of history and permanence to the place. People are attracted by the fine architecture, the open spaces and the proximity to the Mississippi River.

With existing attractions and proposed additions, the Old State Capitol District is positioned to become an important destination for both residents of Baton Rouge and visitors to the city.

Recommendation

A. Define a Pedestrian Way

The Pedestrian Way should continue from the intersection of Repentance Walk and North Boulevard into the Old Capitol District.

Provide Safe Crossings: Pedestrian crossings to be installed at intersections where the Pedestrian Way crosses district streets. It is best to locate pedestrian crossings where there is also a traffic light. Pedestrian crossings are recommended for the following intersections: Fourth and North Boulevard, St.Louis and North Boulevard, St.Ferdinand and North Boulevard, Old State Capitol to Visitors’ Center, North Boulevard and River Road, River Road and Convention, and Convention and Lafayette.

[As part of the Arts Block, a major pedestrian cross-ing is planned at River Road and Convention Street to connect the Arts Block with the Louisiana Arts And Science Museum.]

B. Create Pedestrian Scale

Street Furnishings: A new interactive fountain is proposed for Lafayette Park. Movable tables and chairs should be provided for the Lafayette Park Plaza.

[Ruth S. Nichols Calhoun donated funds to build the Robert F. and Ruth S. Nichols Fountain in memory of her husband across from Lafayette Park. BREC has agreed to collaborate with the landscape architects for the Arts Block. The Arts Block plaza’s interactive fountains will be designed flush with the surface, allowing water to pass through without accumu-lating. The water sprays can be choreographed with music and lights to provide constantly chang-ing experiences.]

Street Trees recommended for Old Capitol District are: North Boulevard , Live Oak Quercus virginiana, Third, Convention, Winged Elm Ulmus alata; River Road, Live Oak Quercus virginiana; and Live Oak added in front of new City Hall.

C. Enhance District Identity

The following features are recommended to strengthen the identity of the Old State Capitol District Distinctive Entrances: Pedestrian entrances to the Old Capitol District should be created for the intersections of Repentance Walk and North Boulevard, and Lafayette and Convention, and at the intersection of River Road and North Boulevard.

Defined Edges: North Boulevard will provide a strong edge, as does the Mississippi River levee. Convention Street with the renovated Heidelberg Hotel and the renovated Auto Hotel Arts and Culture Center will provide strong edges as well.

Sense of Place: The architecture of the Old State Capitol and the topography of the Terrace Escarpments are important elements of the District’s sense of place and should be emphasized in the design of the streetscape.

Civic Art: Projects designed around the theme of the Louisiana history, culture, and the arts should be incorporated into the design of the pedestrian way in Old State Capitol District. Downtown schools and churches to incorporate related art projects into the process of designing the Pedestrian Way.

Project Status

Streetscape, Street Furnishings, Lighting, Signage (SIG B-1)

Design and installation of street furnishings, lighting, and signage was submitted as part of the DPW grant proposal. TEA-21 funding is also a possibility. The Downtown Merchants Association installed new benches, trash receptacles and bike racks on Third Street and in other strategic locations throughout downtown.

Street Trees (SIG-B2)

300 trees were planted along Seventh, Convention and Main Streets through a donation by Paula G. Manship in memory of her late husband, Charles Manship. Baton Rouge Green planted the trees in collaboration with the Department of Public Works of the City of Baton Rouge in fall of 2000. During a design charrette conducted by the Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the species and planting plan were determined as part of the award-winning Capitol City Enhancement Masterplan.

Signs and Banners (SIG-C1)

Visitors’ Amenity Package will address this issue.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Streetscape Improvements

Responsibility

PBR & DDD

Implementing Agent

DPW

Feasibility Analysis

DDD

Initial Financing

PBR

Project Financing

CPF

Timing