Metro Council picks firm to search for downtown revitalization project developer
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The East Baton Rouge Metro Council has chosen Hunden Partners as the advisor for the Baton Rouge Convention Center Expansion and Headquarters Hotel Development Project. The firm will start a nationwide search for a qualified developer with contract talks beginning soon.
A news release from Visit Baton Rouge said Hunden was the top choice of the Project Oversight Committee led by Councilmember Carolyn Coleman. The project aims to revitalize the downtown riverfront. It will also complement other developments, such as the planned LSU Arena.
The River Center will host mid-size events, while the LSU arena will handle large entertainment and university sports.
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'With every step forward, this project to reimagine and revitalize Baton Rouge's downtown riverfront picks up steam,' said Mayor-President Sid Edwards. 'I look forward to being a big part of helping lead the development of this revitalization project.'
The developer selection process may take up to 24 months. Hunden brings national experience from similar projects and has already assessed Baton Rouge's entertainment venue potential, according to the news release.
'An expanded, first-class downtown convention center and a new, high-end headquarters hotel will transform the downtown riverfront into the vibrant tourist destination and hub for locals we have always known it can and should be,' said Visit Baton Rouge President and CEO Jill Kidder, who also serves as vice-chair of the Project Oversight Committee.
The 11-member oversight committee was formed last year and includes council members and community stakeholders.
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Metro Council picks firm to search for downtown revitalization project developer
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