Monroe Louisiana Neighborhood Study
Small Center conducted a planning study in conjunction with the City of Monroe, LA to develop design guidelines, wayfinding signage, and increased pedestrian and bicycle accessibility to parks, commercial areas, schools, and more.
Context
The City of Monroe is pursuing increased connectivity between Southside neighborhood’s Charles Johnson Park and surrounding areas, with safe pedestrian traffic opportunities and a healthy park that can grow alongside the adjacent Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, a popular tourist attraction.
Project Dates
August 2022–January 2023
Small Center Engagement
Students in Small Center’s Engaged Urban Design seminar worked with Mayor Friday Ellis and the City of Monroe to envision improvements to the Southside Business District. Design ideas focused on primary corridors with improvements for local residents and visitors alike. The short study includes bike, pedestrian, lighting, and landscape improvements intended to improve residents’ quality of life and connectivity, and encourage low-carbon transport options. Suggested architectural and visual improvements aim to increase business visibility and patronage and provide access for all modes of transit.
Outcome
The City is utilizing the design ideas to seek additional infrastructure funding, engage business owners to discuss the need for impactful yet achievable design guidelines, and consider additional branding and signage needs of the district. The study was utilized as part of Mayor Ellis’ participation in the Mayors’ Institute on City Design’s Just City Mayoral Fellowship.
The completed study was presented to the City of Monroe in Spring 2023, and can be seen here.
Monroe, LA (pop. 47,702) is a vibrant city focused on support for small businesses, revitalization of its downtown, and equitable access to municipal amenities for all residents, including parks and affordable housing.
City of Monroe
- Mayor Friday Ellis
- Councilwoman Kema Dawson
- Councilman Carday Marshall, Sr.
- Kelsea McCrary
- DJ Fortenberry
- Meghan Risinger
Project Leads
Nick Jenisch (design lead)
Students
Karan Sharma
Katherine Dunn
Esther Zulem
Brianna Baldwin
Chenbo Xing
Giuliana Vaccarino Gearty
Ben Brimer
Staff
Ann Yoachim
Jose Cotto
Emilie Taylor Welty
