Streetscape Redevelopment

RE-AR-RANGE Ave. - Denham Springs, Louisiana
LCASLA Merit Award - Graduate Studio Project

Denham Springs, Louisiana, a commuter community nestled on the Amite River 13 miles east of Baton Rouge, has endured years of devastating flooding, most notably in August 2016. Like many commuter cities, the footprint of Denham Springs over time has prioritized vehicular convenience over pedestrian amenities, thereby increasing impervious surfaces and limiting safe pedestrian movement. The small, partially channelized Long Slash Branch Creek in the community inhibits water movement and exacerbates complications during flood events.

The graduate level Advanced Topics Studio worked collaboratively with engineering students and local residents, to develop strategies to 1) utilize green infrastructure to filter and mitigate stormwater runoff; 2) to improve pedestrian access to the Antiques Village, a commercial center; and 3) to demonstrate how design can enhance community identity, thereby helping the Antiques Village become a destination for increased economic activity. The approach for this project turns the community’s main intersection into a pedestrian friendly vehicular roundabout which will clean and effectively manage stormwater. The improved streetscape includes raised pedestrian paths, filtration planters, street trees, and details that are inspired by the City’s historic connection to water.