BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A proposal to build a new grocery store in North Baton Rouge has taken another major step forward.
The BLVD @ Harding development, which includes the HarvestFresh Grocery Store, was unanimously approved during a planning and zoning meeting.
Officials said that in addition to the grocery story, the development will feature retail, health, wellness, and community services in one location. Everything will go up along Harding Boulevard and behind the IHOP and RaceTrac service station.
District 2 Councilman Anthony Kenney said the approval represents a turning point for the area.
“This unanimous approval is more than a vote—it is a sign of progress and belief in the future of North Baton Rouge,” Kenney said. “The BLVD @ Harding will create economic development, new opportunities, improve quality of life, and show what is possible when we invest in our communities.”
The HarvestFresh Grocery Store will serve as the anchor of the new development. Officials said the store will offer fresh, healthy, and affordable options for shoppers.
The BLVD @ Harding project will also feature national chain businesses. More specific details are expected to be announced at a later date.
Now that the development has received a green light from planning and zoning officials, construction is expected to start in the summer of 2026. The work is predicted to wrap up in the fall of 2027.
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