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DDD Captures Two International Awards at World Congress
DDD recognized for its Leadership & Management and Public Spaces

(New York, NY. October 7, 2013) - During its World Congress & 59th Annual Conference, the International Downtown Association recognized the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District with two Downtown Merit Awards for its excellence in Downtown Leadership and Management and initiatives related to Repentance Park.

Leadership and Management
Baton Rouge's Downtown Development District was among 8 qualified entries in the category of Downtown Leadership and Management. This category features comprehensive and unique organizational approaches, projects, or programs that improved the effectiveness of downtown management organizations.

Over the past two decades, the DDD has spearheaded several major planning initiatives aimed at transforming downtown and defining Downtown Baton Rouge as a destination for residential and commercial development. Drawing upon the passion and creativity of national consultants, local planners, public officials, community leaders and stakeholders, neighborhood groups and private philanthropists, visionary redevelopment plans have been implemented with the Downtown Development District's guidance and the staff's passion for progress.

Repentance Park
Repentance Park was among 24 qualified entries in the category of Public Space. This category recognizes capital improvements that enhanced the urban design, physical function, or economic viability of downtown and the community.

The $3.9 million dollar renovation to Repentance Park is the latest in a series of major downtown projects, including the North Boulevard Town Square and Galvez Plaza improvements, which connect downtown's civic and cultural attractions. The vision for the new park emerged as a key recommendation of the Riverfront Master Plan with the aim of reconnecting downtown to the river. The new design features an arch walkway and tiered steps that provide seating, fountains with 750 jets, undulating landforms, and an expansive lawn. Since its completion, Repentance Park's daily uses have ranged from quiet lunches to live concert events.

This year's honors bring the total to 7 consecutive awards received by the Downtown Development District from the International Downtown Association, giving recognition to the continuous progress of downtown Baton Rouge.

"These awards are a great honor and reiterative of the renaissance occurring in Downtown Baton Rouge. The support of Mayor-President Kip Holden, Metro Council, and DDD Commission has been instrumental in the realization of the projects recommended in our master plans and the national recognition Baton Rouge continues to receive," Davis Rhorer, Executive Director of the Downtown Development District said in the news release.

"The Downtown Development District received IDA Merit Awards for delivering excellence in downtown management," said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. "Each year the IDA Awards Jury recognizes organizations that utilize best practices in our industry. The Downtown Development District organization and Repentance Park are shining examples of excellent downtown management that delivers real results."

The Washington, D.C. based International Downtown Association (IDA) is a champion for vital and livable urban centers and strives to inform, influence, and inspire downtown leaders and advocates. With 550 downtown organization members and thousands of friends, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions. Davis Rhorer is presently serving on the board of the IDA.

The Baton Rouge Downtown Development District is the redevelopment, advocacy, and management organization representing the interests of stakeholders in downtown Baton Rouge and is a member of the International Downtown Association.

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247 Florida St.  |  Baton Rouge, LA 70801  |  (225) 389-5520 Office (225) 389-5523 Fax  |  8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F


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