Plan BR III
Baton Rouge is rolling out the red carpet for its next big transformation—Plan BR III. This isn’t just another development project; it’s the city’s master plan to shake things up downtown, mixing modern vibes with classic Southern charm.
Let's build a BTR Downtown.
- $500MReceived in public investment for Plan BR I & II
- $3BReceived in private investment for Plan BR I & II
- 8Areas of focus for the plan, including: housing, attracting retail, the riverfront, enhancing connections to assets and corridors, beautification, maintenance/cleanliness/safety, transportation and parking, and implementation funding models
Building on Plans I & II
Plan Baton Rouge III will build on the achievements from Plan Baton Rouge I & II. These master plans catalyzed projects including the Downtown Greenway, North Boulevard Town Square, Galvez Plaza, Repentance Park, Rhorer Plaza, and the Shaw Center for the Arts. Additionally, Plan Baton Rouge I & II led to hundreds of millions of dollars in new private investment with key projects including the revitalization of the historic Heidelberg Hotel (now the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center) and Commerce Building, and new residential high-rises including the Heron Downtown and 525 Lafayette.
Plan BR III
Plan Baton Rouge III is Downtown Baton Rouge’s first comprehensive master planning effort in more than a decade. This visionary Master Plan will address key elements central to building a vibrant Downtown including residential housing, streetscape beautification, strong public service delivery, retail and other economic development opportunities, and developing a world-class riverfront.
In early 2025, renowned planning and design firm Sasaki was selected to lead the development of Plan Baton Rouge III. The plan will take about a year to develop and will be crafted with community input from throughout the region.
Community Collaborations
Plan Baton Rouge III is a collaborative effort involving the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Downtown Development District, City-Parish of East Baton Rouge, Visit Baton Rouge, the State of Louisiana, and numerous other stakeholders. This collective recognizes the critical need for a safe, vibrant, and accessible Downtown Baton Rouge.
Plan Baton Rouge III has now been unveiled as a comprehensive roadmap for Downtown Baton Rouge's next decade of growth. Developed through a year-long planning process with extensive public engagement, the plan outlines more than 80 recommendations focused on reconnecting downtown to the Mississippi River, expanding housing and economic opportunity, improving mobility and transportation, and strengthening connections to surrounding districts and key assets. The plan envisions more than $1.5 billion in early investments and will now move into a phased implementation process led by public, private, and philanthropic partners to advance its long-term vision for Downtown Baton Rouge.
