New Lanes on Government?

Red Stick Social transforms a former power plant into an all-ages entertainment venue

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The old Entergy building on the corner of Government and 14th streets was hardly abandoned when I toured it on a recent Thursday morning but sat somewhere between its former and future selves: that of a power plant, and Red Stick Social, a three-story all-ages entertainment center. I wore a hard hat but could hardly be confused with the actual construction crew. They had a clear purpose to their scurrying: relieving the 103-year-old building of some elements of its industrial past (the giant crane will remain, decoratively dangling from the ceiling) while installing the furniture and finishes that will make it a revitalized destination come spring; I, on the other hand, remained at the mercy of the tour guides as we wound up the building’s staircase, taking care not to grasp the freshly painted rail, to consider the progress on each level. The live music stage and restaurant/bar are neatly mapped out on the ground floor, as is the cavernous kitchen designed to meet any catering need. On the second and third storeys, we witnessed the underbelly of bowling lanes. The Brunswick lanes themselves had yet to arrive but the rumble-thwack of future frames echoed in more than one imagination. “What do you plan to do about the acoustics?” asked another media member. Don’t worry; they’ll dampen the sound, but not your good time.

[Read this: Mid City Baton Rouge's cultural transformation]

Plans for Red Stick Social encompass a beer garden, private event spaces, and a rooftop patio. Elsewhere in the complex, collectively known as Electric Depot, expect commercial spaces, sixteen one-bedroom apartments, and a meticulously landscaped green space to complete the transformation from local eyesore to asset.

Construction is due to be completed by February 1, 2019. Stay apprised of developments at redsticksocial.com.