The sun shines down on North Boulevard Town Square on Tues., Jan. 3, 2012. Construction just finished on the project, which has been underway for years. (Photo by Erin Parker / 225)
When I was a senior in college, I was sent on a photo assignment to the square that would eventually become North Boulevard Town Square. It was a Friday afternoon in the spring, and I was excited when I arrived because there were already people shaking their groove thing on the makeshift dance floor.
My quest was simple: To photograph people enjoying themselves during the last Live After Five being hosted at the location before construction began.
Since I was a college student, I didn’t take note of the impact this closure would have on many lives. And I didn’t even begin to imagine what this place would look like once construction had been completed.
… That assignment was almost four years ago.
So imagine my surprise when we moved back this past summer at the construction still continuing on the would-be town square.
Construction finished in December, and I was sent out to photograph the newly renovated and re-opened square. (Side note: My assignment in college was for 225, and nearly four years later, I am working with the same folks. Pretty awesome, if you ask me.)
It’s amazing what a difference a few years can bring because the square looks nothing like it did during my collegiate years. And I have no doubt that Baton Rougeans will enjoy the outdoor space for years to come.
To read Caroline Gerdes’ write-up on the new downtown spot, click here.
To see future plans for Downtown Baton Rouge, check out the Baton Rouge Riverfront Master Plan.
And if you get lost in the downtown area because you were looking for North Boulevard but ended up on North Street, learn the reason behind it here.
