Clements says interest in River Park is strong

Developer Pete Clements says interest in his River Park mixed-use development has been strong since the fourth quarter of last year. “Tenant-wise on the entertainment district, we’ve gotten a very good response out of it,” he says. “Even from lenders, we’re getting a positive response.” Clements didn’t make any major announcements at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the railroad underpass that provides access to the River Park site. He did say he plans for “phase two,” which includes retail, entertainment, a hotel, and a riverfront park and boardwalk, to be developed along with the first 100 to 150 residential units. “We’re trying to figure out which components put together give us the biggest impact,” he says. Clements says many outside developers consider the major markets overbuilt, and are surprised to learn about the dearth of retail in downtown Baton Rouge. Clements says River Park is poised to take advantage of the improving economy, and says he’s in position to develop the project slowly. “We basically have a structured land deal over here that pretty well keeps us to where we can carry this for a period of time,” he says. “We set it up from the beginning like there could be problems.” The new underpass will provide unimpeded vehicle access to over 80 acres of Mississippi River property and a mile of its riverfront, including Hollywood Casino. “Baton Rouge is the only city on the Mississippi River that has not developed its riverfront,” says Mayor Kip Holden. “Now we’re moving out of that category.” —David Jacobs