Downtown Area | Baton Rouge,Louisiana
Downtown Markets
Downtown Development | Coming to Work

The Downtown Area
...commerce, culture and community

Baton Rouge enjoys a colorful history interwoven with the roots of the English, French, Spanish, African and Italian peoples who settled in this region. The wealth of this heritage has instilled a deep pride in the people who live here, and a rich influence on the city's atmosphere.

Baton Rouge is a community where life provides pleasure, opportunity and growth to its residents in lifestyle and in business--a community that seeks new opportunities through innovative thinking and new relationships. Downtown Baton Rouge's historic charm and elegance provide a perfect setting for the city's vibrant way of life.

As a business location, the downtown area offers numerous advantages. A variety of available buildings and sites at market rates, special economic incentives, a low crime rate and over four million square feet of public and private office space are among the many reasons that downtown is right for business. In addition, quick access from the downtown area to U.S. Interstates 10, 12, 110 and the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport offers a degree of transportation flexibility not seen in many other cities this size.

It's no secret. The downtown Baton Rouge area continues to climb the list of potential locations within the United States for smart business investment. So take a few minutes to review the opportunities presented in this overview brochure. If you would like additional information about the downtown Baton Rouge area, including available buildings and office space, please contact the Downtown Development District at (225) 389-5520 or the Greater Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce at (225) 381-7125. We'll be happy to show you why Baton Rouge is the right neighborhood for your business.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
...location, location, location

Baton Rouge is located in the state of Louisiana in the south-central portion of the United States. It is Louisiana's capital and stands on the east bank of the Mississippi River, 230 miles up stream from the Gulf of Mexico.

The city's location in the lower Mississippi River Valley places it nearly equidistant from Atlanta to the east, St. Louis to the north, San Antonio to the west, and the Mexican border to the southwest. South and southeast by air and water across the Gulf of Mexico are the nations of the Caribbean Basin and South America. Europe, Asia and Africa connect via international shipping routes, cementing the Port of Greater Baton Rouge's significance as the fourth largest port in the nation.

The Greater Baton Rouge area consists of East Baton Rouge Parish and eight contiguous parishes (Ascension, Iberville, West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena and Livingston). The estimated 1995 population of this nine-parish area is approximately 663,000. The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) consists of East and West Baton Rouge, Ascension and Livingston Parishes, and has a population of nearly 565,000. The area's low cost of living, skilled and available workforce, and strategic location on the Mississippi River all play important roles in positioning Baton Rouge as a sensible, resourceful home base or branch location for business and industry of all varieties.  

The Downtown Markets
...where business meets history and harmony

Downtown Baton Rouge is comprised of five geographic districts:  the riverfront, two historic neighborhoods (Beauregard Town and Spanish Town), governmental complexes and the Central Business District. As the governmental, financial and professional center of the metropolitan area, downtown Baton Rouge hosts over 22,000 persons in their permanent place of business, with an additional 100,000 traveling to the area daily to conduct business. These "daily residents" are complemented by the approximately 2,000 residents living in the downtown area. Conveniently located between Louisiana State University and Southern University, downtown Baton Rouge is also accessible to over 40,000 students.  

Downtown Development
....it's working

Downtown Baton Rouge continues to experience tremendous financial investment by the public and private sector, in the past decade alone, the area has been the recipient of over $400 million in new construction and renovations. These investments dollars have enhanced the city's image and secured downtown Baton Rouge as the center for federal, state and local government offices, as well as the recognized hub for financial and professional offices.

During this ten-year period, downtown Baton Rouge has capitalized on its riverfront area and implemented physical improvements, creating a perfect backdrop for many festivals and events. Hundreds of multi-and single-family units have been renovated, allowing families to once again call downtown their home. Entertainment has flourished with developments such as the Catfish Town Festival Atrium and the introduction of a regional ice hockey league. Three multi-million dollar courthouse developments were completed and the state embarked upon the most ambitious government consolidation construction project since the construction of the new state capitol under Governor Huey Long in the 1930s.

Today, development continues as the state furthers its mission to complete the consolidation of government within downtown Baton Rouge. Upon completion of this building program, over one million square feet of new office space, two parking garages and the consolidation of thousands of governmental employees will have been accomplished. The private sector continues to answer its call, with millions of dollars targeted for building renovations and new construction. These investments are an essential catalyst kindling the rebirth of downtown Baton Rouge.

As the city approaches the next millennium, planned development projects will reinforce the vibrant vision for Baton Rouge. The continued growth of the city will ensure the ability of the downtown area to attract new investors into the next century. And there is little doubt that this city's future will certainly serve as a model for other capital cities.

Coming to Work
...more than just a business

Finding the right place to launch, relocate or expand a business is a complex decision. Companies expect all the modern technologies and conveniences of an urban center. But employees often seek business community that is much more than concrete and steel, a place with character and opportunity for enrichment. Striking such a balance, however, can be a difficult task. That is, until you discover downtown Baton Rouge. Here you'll find the very best of both worlds, because we're business wise. And neighborhood friendly.