Raising Cane’s River Center Optimization & Headquarters Hotel Study

Hunden Partners and design partner Perkins&Will were engaged by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to provide a market and financial feasibility study (Study) for capital improvements related to the future of the Raising Cane’s River Center (Center) and a potential headquarters hotel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Raising Cane’s River Center is a multi-facility complex that includes 200,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 10,000-seat arena, and a 1,999-seat performing arts center. Hunden Partners assessed both strengths and weaknesses of the Center’s downtown location when considering the facility’s future. While the location offered a sense of place and authenticity for visitors, it did not provide many available parcels of land to accommodate necessary expansions or a headquarters hotel. Additionally, the arena had not been renovated since the 1990s, and the building lacked modern suites, amenities, and visitor experience assets.

As part of the Study, Hunden determined the opportunity for expansion of the convention, meeting, entertainment, and hotel market in Baton Rouge. The full market analysis led to recommendations for improving the Center’s convention and meetings functionality to enhance its competitiveness against its peer set and support a modern facility that could generate additional economic impact for the City. The Team also provided recommendations for a new headquarters hotel and assessed whether adjustments were needed for the existing arena and theater spaces. Following the recommendations, the Team provided estimated development budgets and design layouts, created demand and financial models for the recommended scenarios, and developed economic impact projections.

In 2025, Baton Rouge advanced plans for the River Center redevelopment, including concepts for a 350-room headquarters hotel, a new 40,000-square-foot flex hall, and expanded ballroom and meeting spaces. The Project entered its initial scoping and funding strategy phase that year, with preparations for a developer solicitation expected to span approximately 24 months.