April 25, 2019 | Community Spotlight: Monroe, Louisiana

Photo credit: Michael Harding

When the Downtown Riverwalk was built in the early 2000s, Downtown Monroe, Louisiana was so abandoned that you could throw a rock in any direction and not hit a single person. The construction of a boardwalk utilized one of the city’s best resources, the scenic Ouachita River, but went unappreciated and underutilized for nearly a decade.

If you fast-forward to 2012 – a group of city leaders and community members decided there was more to downtown Monroe than anyone truly knew – you’ll find an underdog story of downtown development. The Downtown Riverwalk found new life with design enhancements and the City of Monroe initiated the Downtown RiverMarket festival days. These festivals developed into a community gathering place, bringing in thousands of visitors and serving as a small business launching pad for budding entrepreneurs. The Downtown RiverMarket days proved to the community that downtown Monroe was an asset to the area with something to offer for people of all ages and walks of life.

Photo credit: Downtown Rivermarket


The Downtown Riverwalk spurred downtown development by brightening a fading downtown and encouraging developers and business owners to congregate to the new vibrant heart of the city. Today, you’ll find the once abandoned riverside surrounded by successful restaurants, nightlife, barber shops, and more. Visit during the week and you’ll meet business people taking in the scenery and fresh air on their lunch breaks. On the weekends, you’ll find a Downtown RiverMarket event like the Louisiana Food & Music Festival or maybe a wedding in the picturesque clock tower.  Event planners have found an affordable, scenic venue at the Downtown Riverwalk. It is available to rent for festivals, weddings, parties, and more.

By focusing on one asset of downtown Monroe, the city was able to initiate the transformation of the district into “dōMo,” a premier arts and entertainment destination. In seven short years, the district has developed into just that with over 150 events per year, a bulk of those occurring on the Riverwalk. Not only does the Riverwalk draw tourists from outside the area, but so do the popular art galleries, restaurants, businesses, and events every day of the year.