IBM’s mixed-use complex in downtown Baton Rouge is this year’s recipient of the People’s Choice Award given by the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition during the 2016 Good Growth Awards on Thursday night.
The award is given to a development or project completed in 2015 or 2016 that has the greatest impact on the quality of life in the Baton Rouge community. Other nominees include 440 on Third, also located downtown, and the new Woman’s Hospital on Airline Highway.
The Good Growth Awards, which were presented at the Renaissance Hotel, are now in their 20th year. They honor projects and developers that have “raised the bar of development” in Baton Rouge.
“We recognized that good growth happens when developers and property owners put their own personal wealth and financial futures on the line to make these projects happen for our community,” said Brian Andrews, who MC’d the event. “That deserves recognition.”
The $55 million IBM complex—which includes an eight-story office tower, 11-story apartment building and parking garage overlooking the Mississippi River—has long been considered a milestone project with far-reaching implications for Baton Rouge.
Tom Cook, a Baton Rouge Growth Coalition board member, says the project is notable for IBM’s presence in the community and the jobs it has spurred.
Commercial Properties Realty Trust developed the project. Andrews said the IBM building is the first riverfront office and/or residential tower in downtown Baton Rouge in more than 80 years. The tower and the partnership that brought the project to life is frequently used as a recruiting tool by the Louisiana Economic Development, he said.
Other projects that were honored with 2016 Good Growth Awards on Thursday evening include: Dupree Apartments, 440 on Third, Creative Bloc, 450 Main Street, Women’s Hospital, the Cajun Industries office expansion, The Advocate headquarters, 1010 Nic, The Long Farm, The Taylor Port rooftop garden, Model Block and the River Road transformation project.
Outgoing Mayor Kip Holden thanked developers for the work they’ve done to transform Baton Rouge.
“Twelve years ago this was a sleepy city, but look at all the professionals that have gathered here today and what they’ve done to turn it around,” he said, adding that they’ve made a difference on the quality of life in the Capital City.
Clark W. Taylor, a real estate developer, was posthumously awarded the coalition’s Heritage Award. Taylor was one of the original founders of the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition. His developments include the Bluebonnet Highlands subdivision, Summa Court and the Village Woods Retirement Community. The Zoning Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to the planning commission, also was honored. Scott Bardwell received the distinguished service award.
—Alexandria Burris
