The American Planning Association has named a prominent Baton Rouge neighborhood as one of its 10 “Great Neighborhoods” for 2012.
The association noted the Garden District for its historic residential architecture, collection of live oak trees and community involvement, among other factors, a news release from the organization says.
“We think it’s wonderful,” said Garden District Civic Association President William Fontenot, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1975. “We really appreciate folks giving us some of the recognition that all of the neighbors here love about the neighborhood.”
The Garden District comprises Roseland Terrace, Kleinert Terrace and Drehr Place, which are generally bounded by Government Street, Perkins Road, Myrtle Avenue, and 18th and 22nd streets, according to the Garden District Civic Association’s website.
“The Garden District is a jewel nestled in the very heart of Baton Rouge, an outstanding example of a well-planned, historic neighborhood carefully preserved for future generations,” Mayor-President Kip Holden said in a news release.
Since the American Planning Association began its “Great Places in America” awards in 2007, 60 neighborhoods, 60 streets and 50 public spaces across the country have been honored, the release says.
Previous Louisiana designees include St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans as a 2007 Great Street; Faubourg Marigny in New Orleans as a 2009 Great Neighborhood; and Jackson Square in New Orleans as a 2012 Great Public Space.
The nine other 2012 “Great Neighborhoods” are Lower Highlands and Historic Downtown, Fall River, Mass.; Fells Point, Baltimore; Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Downtown Salisbury, N.C.; Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia; Cooper-Young, Memphis, Tenn.; Fairmont-Sugar House, Salt Lake City, Utah; Beacon Hill, Seattle; and Downtown Walla Walla, Wash.
