The BLVD at Harding: A Mixed-Use Development Transforming Harding Boulevard and Howell Place Corridor

On April 21, 2026, the East Baton Rouge Planning Commission unanimously approved the BLVD at Harding project, a $50 million mixed-use development that will bring a long-awaited full-service grocery store to North Baton Rouge after more than a decade of planning, and advocacy.

The development, located at the corner of Harding Boulevard and Howell Place, will be anchored by Harvest Fresh, a new grocery store in partnership with Associated Grocers, and will span more than 100,000 square feet across the site. The project includes retail, health, wellness, and community services alongside the grocery component, aiming to address long-standing gaps in access to essential services in the area.

This is something right here that so many people in that area have been longing for a very long time.

Anthony Kenney, City Council Member

The approval builds upon the existing Howell Place development, a 200-acre mixed-use initiative intended to spur economic growth in North Baton Rouge. Officials noted that the project has received support from multiple levels of government, including Governor Jeff Landry, Congressman Cleo Fields, and State Senator Regina Barrow, who participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on January 19, 2026.

As Southern University continues to expand and Scotlandville, North Baton Rouge and District Two continue to expand, this shows the progress that has come in that area.

Anthony Kenney, City Council Member

Advocates for the development have emphasized its potential to reduce food insecurity in the region, particularly in City Council District Two, where access to full-service grocery stores has been limited for years. The project represents the culmination of approximately 15 years of coordinated efforts by city officials, developers, and leaders from Southern University to bring essential retail and services to the community.

With planning commission approval secured, the BLVD at Harding moves closer to construction, marking a significant step in revitalizing the Harding Boulevard and Howell Place corridor. The development is positioned to serve as a hub for both commerce and community engagement, combining everyday necessities with opportunities for local business growth and wellness access.