North Boulevard Town Square wins national ‘livability’ award

The $7 million North Boulevard Town Square, which opened downtown earlier this year, was today awarded a City Livability Merit Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Mayor Kip Holden accepted the award at the conference’s annual meeting in Orlando. “This project has taken our downtown to the next level among American cities,” Holden says, “and that increases our ability to attract visitors and new businesses to keep our local economy strong.” The national competition annually recognizes mayors and city governments for developing programs and projects that enhance the quality of life in urban areas. Holden says the new town square has quickly established itself as the social and cultural heart of Baton Rouge in the two months since officially opening. Created over an acre of green space near the Old State Capitol and the new 19th JDC Courthouse, the town square includes two stages for concerts, a fountain, tables and chairs, a covered bus stop, and a media tower with a high-definition screen. The $2 million second phase of the project is slated to begin later this year and will extend the park east along the North Boulevard median from Fourth Street to Fifth Street, and as far west as River Road. Learn more about the town square and see a calendar of upcoming events at its website here.