Creating Change: Anthony Kimble’s approach to urban development
Our ride on Monday, July 1 was a special one. First off, it almost didn’t happen. Just a few minutes before the ride was set to begin, the sky opened up and down came all the rain! It was actually lovely because it cooled everything down.
The rain stopped after about 15 minutes, and we were able to take off to our destination, which was only a few blocks away. We went to Legacy on 14th Street, a coworking space that serves as the headquarters for developer Anthony Kimble.
Kimble, a Stanford graduate with a background in consulting, returned to Baton Rouge to focus on developing inner-city communities. He has been working in construction and development in the area for over a decade, specifically in the area of affordable housing and community hubs.
Some of his projects in the old South area include Hotel Lincoln and the Lincoln Theater, as well as various other properties, including warehouses and multifamily developments. His company, Kimble Properties, is working to revive the community by reintroducing businesses and enhancing the neighborhood's infrastructure.
Kimble believes that successful community revitalization requires collaboration across various sectors. He actively seeks partnerships with local government, nonprofits, and other developers to pool resources and expertise. His engagement with community members, understanding their needs and aspirations, is central to his approach. By fostering open communication and building strong relationships, he ensures that development projects are not just about buildings but about creating a supportive and thriving ecosystem for all residents.
For example, part of his approach is to infuse artwork from local artists. Inside the Legacy on 14th Street, he commissioned a local artist to create a mural that included historical figures from the neighborhood. You see representations of Eddie Robinson and Joe Delpit, both individuals who have had street names dedicated to them.
The exterior of the building, which is so incredibly unique, features a mural that was executed by The Walls Project. The triptych features the past, present, and future of the neighborhood with a blend of abstract and literal iconography.
For all the beauty Kimble has brought to the neighborhood, he’s dealt with some ugliness, too. He opened up about the appraisal process for Legacy on 14th Street and the reason why he had to fight to challenge systemic issues and advocate for the neighborhood's value.
Transportation infrastructure is another critical area of focus, and he shared some phenomenal news about Terrace Street. Did you know there’s a plan to transform the street to include pedestrian-friendly pathways? Although it does not include bike lanes, it will include a parking lane and reduce the size of the lanes, which should help reduce the speed of the road.
The improvements will be a huge win for a neighborhood that has a high level of pedestrian activity but very little in the way of infrastructure to support it. And, when you encourage biking through a community, it increases the number of eyes to watch the changes happening in an area.
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All of this work is a labor of love. Trust me, he could do a lot better doing a lot less. But it’s not just about money. He’s proven that by living in the very neighborhood he’s working to transform. That’s why he knows all too well that the fabric of the neighborhood is not just in the property it encompasses. For a community to thrive, people need jobs, beyond low-wage roles. That’s why his vision for the community includes a balanced approach to development that respects the neighborhood's history while promoting economic growth and stability.
When I first started riding my bike, it was because I wanted to bike from my home to my work. At the time, that included riding through the old South neighborhood. I had never considered the area as a possible place to call home until I started biking through it. Like Anthony, I see the potential of this area and am excited to see what the future holds.
Join us for a ride!
The Downtown East Social Ride meets at the Electric Depot, 1509 Government Street, every Monday at 6 p.m. The ride goes until 8 p.m. and ends back at the same location. There are some weather conditions that prevent us from riding.
If the rain chances are 30% or higher during the hours our ride will occur.
If there is an active heat advisory or warning during the hours of our ride.
In the cold months (they do happen), if the temperature is 50 degrees or lower during the hours of our ride.
Rain cancellations will not be made until 3 p.m. the day of the ride. Cancellations due to heat will be made the Sunday prior to the ride and it’s possible we will have a “meet up” instead of a ride. In that case, we will all meet at a location for an activity or meal.