Model Block Facade Grant Program

Total Duration:

2015 – 2016

Estimated Investment:

Approximately $40,000

Impact: Improved the streetscape, landscaping, and pedestrian experience across a commercial block on Government Street in Mid City.

Public Benefit: Revitalized the appearance of local storefronts, supported small business activity, and contributed to the broader Government Street reinvestment corridor.

The Model Block project was an early placemaking initiative designed to show how targeted, small-scale improvements could catalyze broader corridor transformation. Located between 2905 and 2987 Government Street, the project improved the curb appeal and pedestrian experience of multiple storefronts in a contiguous commercial block.

While the facade and landscape improvement program led by Build Baton Rouge (then the East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority), the project was made possible through strong collaboration with the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX), Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, AARP, Local First, and Professional Engineering Consultants Corporation (PEC). It was informed by the 2014 Better Block demonstration and supported by BBR’s Business Improvement Grant Program, which provided a 75% matching grant to local property owners.

Model Block helped launch the long-term transformation of the Government Street corridor by showcasing the power of walkability, design, and local coordination.

The Model Block initiative helped set the tone for ongoing reinvestment in Mid City and complemented the larger redesign of Government Street into a more walkable, multi-modal corridor.

Project Objectives

Improve the curb appeal and pedestrian accessibility of a key commercial block

Support small businesses by enhancing visibility and access

Pilot a matching grant model that could be replicated citywide

Reinforce momentum along the Government Street corridor

Encourage private maintenance and ongoing reinvestment

Strengthen partnerships with neighborhood and planning organizations

Our Role

Public Financing & Incentives

We structure creative capital tools, like tax incentives and public financing, to unlock reinvestment in Baton Rouge’s overlooked corridors and communities.

Learn More

Community Benefits

Beyond buildings and infrastructure, every BBR project aims to create lasting impact. These benefits reflect how the project improves lives, supports neighborhood growth, and contributes to Baton Rouge’s long-term vitality.

Benefits:

Enhanced the aesthetic and function of a full city block
Increased foot traffic and business visibility along a key commercial corridor
Launched the Business Improvement Grant Program with visible success
Supported Government Street’s transformation into a walkable, vibrant place
Showed the value of small-scale, high-impact improvements
Demonstrated the strength of collaboration between BBR, CPEX, and Mid City Redevelopment

Partners

No items found.

Conclusion

Model Block is a testament to the power of partnership and design-focused public investment. With leadership from Build Baton Rouge and essential collaboration from CPEX and Mid City Redevelopment, this initiative became a blueprint for how corridor-scale change can begin one block at a time.

‍