Announcements February 12, 2026

Florida Corridor Plan Receives APA Louisiana Award for Excellence in Planning

Honored for its collaborative, data-driven approach, the plan sets a new course for equitable reinvestment along Baton Rouge’s most significant corridor.
Vibrant urban park scene with people enjoying activities, nature, and local vendors.

We are proud to share that the Baton Rouge Florida Corridor Plan has been honored with an Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association’s Louisiana chapter, receiving the 2025 Honorable Mention for Planning of an Arterial Corridor.

This prestigious recognition celebrates the power of collaboration and a bold, community-driven vision for the future of the 12-mile Florida Corridor.

Our firm was engaged by Build Baton Rouge to lead the development of a comprehensive plan for the corridor—a vital commercial and commuter spine stretching from the Mississippi River to the East Baton Rouge Parish line. Spanning both Florida Street and Florida Boulevard, the corridor connects more than 85,000 residents across 17 neighborhoods and serves as a hub of retail activity, including a wide range of established commercial and civic assets.

Yet for generations, the Florida Corridor has also been known as Baton Rouge’s proverbial dividing line—separating communities along racial and economic boundaries. The Florida Corridor Plan confronts that legacy directly. Commissioned by the Cortana Corridor Economic Development District Board as its priority initiative, the plan is part of a broader, coordinated investment in the corridor, supported by the City-Parish, Build Baton Rouge, and numerous institutional partners.

Map of Baton Rouge highlighting key areas and development districts along the Florida Corridor.
The corridor is also often viewed as a physical and demographic dividing line within the Baton Rouge community—demographically, ethnically, culturally and economically.
Community engagement event with people collaborating at a planning workshop table.
A 36-member advisory committee—representing public agencies, civic groups, and more than 4,000 community voices—guided the project through surveys, meetings, and events to ensure inclusive, representative leadership shaped the revitalization.
Participants engaging in a community planning discussion around a large map.
Data-Driven

A rigorous, data-driven approach guided the Discovery and Needs phase of the project. Through advanced geospatial analysis, mapping tools, and comprehensive research, the team examined the corridor’s demographics, infrastructure systems, land use patterns, and environmental conditions. This analytical foundation generated critical insights, informed strategic decision-making, and established a framework for sustainable, equitable reinvestment.

Urban planning map showing residential areas, parks, and green spaces, with street trees.
Vibrant street food festival scene at Sherwood Plaza with bustling market stalls.
People-Focused

The Florida Corridor now represents more than a transportation route—it is an opportunity. An opportunity to repair historic divisions, reconnect neighborhoods, and redefine a central spine of the city. The vision for the corridor prioritizes pedestrian safety, expanded transportation choices, vibrant mixed-use development, and the celebration of cultural and community identity. By placing people at the center of the plan, the Florida Corridor is poised to become a unifying force—shaping a more connected, inclusive, and resilient future for Baton Rouge.

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