The Florida Boulevard Corridor Project, led by Build Baton Rouge and championed by Rodney Braxton, aims to revitalize one of Baton Rouge’s most vital thoroughfares. Once a key artery connecting the city from the Mississippi River to the parish line, Florida Boulevard has suffered from decades of disinvestment. The project, now in its early stages, is divided into six distinct zones, each with tailored development strategies based on local needs and opportunities.

The initiative leverages catalytic investments like the Amazon distribution center to attract further development, including workforce housing and retail. Key areas of focus include downtown, mid-city, and the Baton Rouge General area, with plans to enhance connectivity, especially between downtown and mid-city. While challenges like the current location of the bus station and abandoned properties persist, the project seeks to overcome these through strategic partnerships and layered funding.

The corridor’s transformation includes opportunities for healthcare-related development near Baton Rouge General, retail and residential growth near Baton Rouge Community College, and affordable housing near Ardendale. The presence of successful businesses like Rouses and Starbucks signals market potential, and the project aims to build on this momentum.

Build Baton Rouge is currently seeking expressions of interest from experienced developers capable of navigating complex funding structures. The ultimate goal is to create a vibrant, inclusive corridor that supports economic growth, improves quality of life, and restores Florida Boulevard as a central artery of Baton Rouge.