Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.
New public market in downtown Baton Rouge. Built to house the wildly popular farmers market held each Saturday.
Built within a new state garage -- but owned by private non profit group -- the planners added awnings, 15 outside benches, wonderful landscaping, with mini kumquat tree, rosemary and other herbs, with an agricultural flair. The market has a wonderful mural of a farm scene, has banners with veggies and so on.... a magnificent space. Inside the market hall is space for 12 small permanent businesses and four kitchens. One is an incubator for new food producers. The garage was built as a retail mix with garage on top six floors and retail on bottom floors. It has truly become a gathering place for the revitalized downtown BR. It welcomed over 8,000 guests at grand opening and the Saturday crowds are incredible. Baton Rouge needed a meeting space and this is it.
The downtown community of state and business employees now has a "hang out" place- a place to shop. It is accessible by foot, by car- free parking, and by bus or small shuttle for downtown employees and visitors. The landscape and bright lettuce green awnings with benches for outside seating at every window-15- make it a great place to sit in the sun and enjoy the weather.
Clean, safe- state staff regularly polices, garage staff, cameras in parking garage, etc. vehicles are not on street for farmers market, garage cannot be seen from market- in fact most people say they cannot find the free parking at the market- when the garage is a part of the building.
A public market, farmers market, music, arts, restaurants, shops, childrenÍs music, cooking classes, downtown meeting space, lunch stop, mid day break, tourist stop-- all ages and genders are present.
There is a great element of pride here- people bring grand children, cousins, children for New York- to brag and show off. Everyone sees everyone here from all walks of life-people talk, listen to music and more. Very diverse and a way to interact with neighbors and community members.
*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.