news & gallery
Stories, Updates, and Progress from BR Choice
Explore the latest updates from BR Choice, including project milestones, community stories, partner spotlights, and visual documentation of progress across Baton Rouge.
Recent Highlights
BR Choice Murals & Installations
BR Choice utilizes strategic placemaking through arts and culture by adding creative murals and installations.
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‘A new energy’: Cypress at Ardendale takes next step in decade-long Baton Rouge development
The Advocate spotlights Cypress at Ardendale’s $400M transformation bringing housing, seniors, and education together in North Baton Rouge.
New North Baton Rouge community opens first phase after decade of planning
'Arts for Everybody' Initiative Encourages Inclusivity in Baton Rouge's Renoir Cultural District
Baton Rouge’s Arts for Everybody event celebrates Renoir Cultural District’s art, heritage, and community pride.
Baton Rouge is Home to A Unique Collection of French Impressionist Paintings
A Baton Rouge neighborhood turns blight into beauty through murals, STEM learning, and community pride.
Bon Carre's New Owners Plan to Turn Center into a Tech Hub
EdgePWR plans major upgrades to Bon Carré, transforming it into Baton Rouge’s envisioned tech hub.
Ardendale, formerly Smiley Heights, unveiled Thursday
Ardendale, formerly Smiley Heights, unveils plans for a mixed-use Mid City neighborhood with housing, schools, and retail.
Field of Dreams
East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority seeks permanent funding to revitalize neighborhoods, reduce blight, and improve community outcomes.
Baton Rouge Area Foundation - Smiley Heights
Post-Katrina, the Foundation revived Smiley Heights with education, housing, and green space plans, starting construction in 2013.
All smiles
East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority advances Smiley Heights, a mixed-use project with education, housing, and job training.
RDA completes purchase of 198 acres for Smiley Heights
The RDA acquired 198 acres for the Smiley Heights project, blending education, retail, residential spaces, and wetlands.
HUD Awards Nearly $4 Million to Spur Next Generation of Housing, Neighborhood Transformation
HUD awards $4.37M in Choice Neighborhoods grants to nine communities, including Baton Rouge, to revitalize housing and neighborhoods.
'Arts for Everybody' Initiative Encourages Inclusivity in Baton Rouge's Renoir Cultural District
Baton Rouge’s Arts for Everybody event celebrates Renoir Cultural District’s art, heritage, and community pride.
Major Neighborhood Initiative Public Meeting Scheduled Thursday, August 30th
EBRPHA, RDA, and Baton Rouge host town hall to discuss $30M HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant progress.
Governor Jindal Announces Funding for Center for Excellence in Auto Technology
Governor Jindal commits $13.9M for Baton Rouge Community College’s new Center for Excellence in Auto Technology.
Jindal touts auto training center
Gov. Jindal commits $13.9M to build BRCC’s Center for Excellence in Auto Technology at Smiley Heights.
Ardendale’s Career and Technical Education Center to provide high-demand workforce training to high schoolers
EBR's $17M CTEC at Ardendale connects students to high-demand industry training.
Baton Rouge Community College’s New Auto Training Center Promises to Help Fill a Local Shortage of Skilled Technicians
BRCC’s new $25M McKay Auto Training Center addresses Baton Rouge’s critical need for certified auto technicians.
BRCC's Grand Opening of McKay Automotive Training Center
BRCC opens the McKay Automotive Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility preparing students for careers in automotive technology.
Mayor Broome announces City Parish's $11 million disaster recovery plan, public meetings planned
Baton Rouge unveils $11M amended disaster recovery plan focused on housing, homelessness, and public input.
BR Choice Murals & Installations
BR Choice utilizes strategic placemaking through arts and culture by adding creative murals and installations.
CNI Check Presentation
McKay Automotive Training Center Tour
Inside the McKay Automotive Training Center
BRCC opens $14.7M, 83,000 sq ft automotive training center at Ardendale.