These projects — Light Up Lafayette Street, French Doors Project, and BioDistrict Landscaping — have all been finalized, marking a significant period of growth and development within the District.

“The completion of these initiatives brings meaningful enhancements and improvements that seamlessly align with the DDD’s overarching strategy, driving economic development, ensuring a clean and safe environment, and advancing a bold vision for the future of Downtown,” said DDD Board Chair Chris R. Ross.

As part of the ongoing Light Up Lafayette Street initiative, DDD partnered with Entergy to install new creative light projectors at ���ϳԹ��� Centre Plaza—the pedestrian mall on Lafayette Street at Loyola Avenue. Designed by Studio West and installed by All Star Electric, the Light Up Lafayette Street Project aims to transform the Lafayette Street corridor by implementing an engaging and security-enhancing lighting installation. This initiative is designed to address safety concerns, increase the street’s visual appeal, and create an inviting atmosphere for pedestrians. Light projectors were installed on 7 light poles and project green magnolia leaves in various shapes and sizes on the sidewalk. The long-term vision is to continue this installation along the full length of Lafayette Street.

“Entergy New Orleans is proud to support the Downtown Development District’s lighting installation at ���ϳԹ��� Centre Plaza,” said Deanna Rodriguez, President & CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “This initiative not only enhances the beauty of the CBD but also strengthens public safety. New Orleans is our home, and we are committed to investing in a safer, more vibrant city.”

With support from GNO, Inc., DDD facilitated the execution of the French Doors Project alongside architecture and design practice Studio West, which worked with staff to complete a comprehensive assessment of the 100 blocks of Decatur, Chartres, Royal, Bourbon and Dauphine Streets to identify improvements to lighting, safety, and sense of arrival to the French Quarter. Initial phases of the project included outreach to over 40 properties regarding basic repairs for lighting. From there, DDD worked with targeted properties on various projects such as new lighting installation, trash and debris removal, and façade restoration.

In addition to these property-based projects, DDD collaborated with Arts New Orleans to produce two new murals and three street art installations in the various blocks. GNO, Inc. separately worked with the New Orleans Mariott to deliver the astounding “Harmonious Elements” mural by world-renowned artist Shepard Fairey. Additional project partners included: The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans, P.M.G. LLC, the McEnery Company, Hustler Hollywood, Astor Crowne Plaza, Krystal, and the City of New Orleans.

“The French Quarter is the heart of the New Orleans experience—our city’s most iconic and visited neighborhood,” said Greater New Orleans, Inc. President & CEO Michael Hecht. “Project French Doors is a visionary step toward enhancing both the beauty and functionality of this historic district, ensuring it remains a world-class destination for residents and visitors alike. By elevating the visual appeal, safety, and artistic elements across the main arterial entrances into the neighborhood, this project not only improved the Super Bowl experience but also commences a positive path for investment, business development, residential growth, and beautification.”

DDD’s third completed project is the execution of elevated BioDistrict landscaping. In partnership with BioDistrict New Orleans, DDD upgraded landscaping at five key gateways to the District: Basin at Iberville, Molly Marine Plaza, Loyola at Calliope, Poydras at Claiborne, and Tulane Avenue at Claiborne.

Implemented by local landscaping firm Garden Doctors, the project aims to satisfy early goals identified in the BioDistrict Strategic Plan that DDD helped to support in 2024. The completion of this projects marks another DDD beautification success in the Downtown BioDistrict, following the reveal of the new NASA mural on Tulane’s Downtown campus and the hanging of new banners that highlight the BioDistrict’s unique presence in the neighborhood.

“On behalf of the Board of the BioDistrict New Orleans, we are grateful for the significant investments that the Downtown Development District made to beautify downtown before the Super Bowl and were thrilled to partner with them to fund improvements to five key BioDistrict gateways,” said Andy Kopplin, BioDistrict Board Chair and President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.  “In selecting Garden Doctors to perform the work, the DDD also helped advance the BioDistrict’s mission to support local disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE’s) as well.”

These projects remain consistent with the key focus areas outlined by DDD’s updated Economic Development Strategy and to central to Entergy’s mission of investing in the communities we serve.

“Our objective was to create an opportunity for customers to learn about our programs and services as well as discuss any questions they may have about their bills or service,” said Ann Becker, senior manager of sustainability for Entergy. “We partnered with a local community organization led by Dr. Pam Chatman, who is really committed to the community, and she made sure the community was aware of this opportunity. The response was very positive.”

Customers learned about that will help them manage their energy usage while staying comfortable this summer. “We helped our customers with tips on managing their usage and their bills during the summer heat,” said Lindsey Peyton, customer service manager in Cleveland. “We also introduced our participants to our new . It is a one-stop online resource for financial assistance and energy efficiency tips.”

The event also gave customers the opportunity to learn more about a variety of other services and programs Entergy offers. Qualifying customers were connected to available financial assistance, including Entergy’s for low-income older adults and customers with disabilities.

Customers learned about adding to their homes and businesses. Those who qualified were also able to enroll in our Kids to College matching savings account program on site.

“I think what I liked best was Entergy encouraging me how best to secure my home for energy,” said Jimmy Ware, an Entergy customer from Boyle. “I love to see Pam Chatman out here blessing the community and the community coming together. It was a good community event. We signed up for information on how to have better lighting around our home, so that was good information.”

Participants were treated to demonstrations of the protective equipment Entergy’s lineworkers wear and use to stay safe while doing their jobs. The protective equipment included rubber sleeves, rubber gloves, insulated protective equipment, fire retardant clothing, line hoses, blankets, insulator hoods, hard hats, safety glasses and more.

“They let me try on some of their equipment,” said Mary Johnson, an Entergy customer from Cleveland. “I got the chance to go outside and cut some wires like they use and I did it! It’s been helpful and a good learning experience.”

Electrical safety principles were also highlighted by the Arcs and Sparks demonstration, which educates customers on staying safe around power lines and the importance of keeping limbs, ladders, balloons and other items from coming into contact with the lines.

“I live here. This is my community and these are my customers—customers I see every day at the grocery store and the gas station,” said Lacey Little, line supervisor, Cleveland. “This event gave us the opportunity to explain exactly what we do. It was a good feeling.”

Entergy also partnered with North Mississippi Rural Legal Services to offer free legal guidance on a variety of topics, including .

Entergy and Boss Lady Economic Planning Development have worked together on several energy efficiency kit giveaways and activities to help Deltans over the past several years.

“It’s getting hot; bills are rising, so people had questions on what they can do,” said Chatman. “I have had a partnership with Entergy for so many years. It helps me to serve people and meet them where they are, so I’m just grateful to Entergy for choosing me to be one of their partners.”

In addition to gaining information, accessing resources, signing up for programs and having their questions answered, participants were given several items that will help them stay cool and reduce their bills this summer. ���ϳԹ��� efficiency kits, box fans, cases of water, lawn chairs, and plastic swimming pools that children love to play in during the summer were given away.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As hot summer temperatures return throughout the state, Entergy Arkansas is taking action to help customers save money and manage their utility bills.

Entergy Arkansas is committed to helping our customers manage their usage and bills through a toolkit of savings offerings and programs.

For our customers in the Little Rock area, we will be hosting an in-person event on July 18, in partnership with local community advocate organization . The event will be 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 3701 Springer Boulevard in Little Rock. Entergy Arkansas employees will be on hand to answer customer questions about their accounts and a variety of other services.

• Participants will learn about that help customers save money while staying comfortable.

• Qualifying customers will be connected to available financial assistance, including the federal and Entergy’s The Power to Care Program for low-income older adults and customers with disabilities.

• Participants will be introduced to that empowers customers with resources and available assistance options through a one-stop online shop at .

• Limited quantities of free box fans and energy efficiency kits will be available, along with other giveaways.

The event will also give customers the opportunity to engage with Entergy Arkansas on a variety of other services and programs, too.

• Qualifying customers can enroll in our Kids to College matching savings account program.

• Representatives from the will be on hand to help eligible customers complete applications for

• Electrical safety principles will be demonstrated through our Arcs and Sparks presentations and personal protective equipment exhibits.

• Information on adding security lighting to your home or business will be shared.

• Free legal guidance on a variety of topics will be accessible through .

The past two summers have brought some of the hottest weather on record – reaching three-digit temperatures across our service area and leading to record-level electricity usage by our customers.

Since cooling costs can make up more than 55% of an average customer’s electric bill, Entergy Arkansas want to help customers save money with tools that can help.

Customers who cannot attend the Watershed event can explore Entergy Arkansas’ for ways to manage their energy usage and take more control of their electric bills. From Entergy Solutions programs to customized bill payment options, the toolkit can lead to bill savings for customers.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.

Key Points

• Outdoor lighting can help enhance the security and appearance of your home or business.
• An effective lighting design should focus on proper light distribution and output.
• ���ϳԹ���-efficient lighting and controls can reduce costs while ensuring safety.

Exterior lighting is important for security as well as enhancing the appearance of your home or business. While lighting patterns for parking lots and other outdoor spaces may seem simple, creating a design that makes the best use of that lighting can be complicated. The ultimate goal is to optimize light levels and distribution while minimizing energy use. Careful planning and collaboration are necessary to achieve those objectives.

Brightest is not always the best

Insufficient light can compromise safety. As a result, designs often focus on light output. While light levels are important, poor distribution can create too much lighting in some areas and dark patches in others.

“The conventional wisdom is that more light is better, but from a security standpoint, too much of the wrong kind of light, aimed in the wrong direction, can cause glare,” said Eric Richman, Senior Research Engineer at the U.S. Department of ���ϳԹ���. “Moreover, security camera functionality depends on various lighting factors including uniformity, contrast, light color and intensity. No one type of lighting will be best in all situations.”

Foot-candles are the measure for the amount of light in a space. A study conducted by the Lighting Research Center found that individuals felt safe and secure at one foot-candle. (One foot-candle is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light.) Anything more didn’t improve their impressions.

Covering for safety and security

Good lighting design integrates the most effective light sources with appropriate height and location for the best coverage. The Illuminating Engineering Society outlines the most important considerations for effective safety and security lighting:

• Horizontal illuminance. The standard for assessing effective lighting because many tasks are horizontal in nature.
• Vertical illuminance. Critical for security issues because identifying objects and their movement is best done by viewing their vertical surfaces.
• Uniformity. Important for avoiding dark areas and enhancing the effectiveness of security cameras.
• Glare. Light aimed in the wrong direction can cause glare, reducing visibility.

To optimize savings and security, it’s important to incorporate these design elements into an energy-efficient lighting strategy.

Strategies for energy savings

So, how do you maintain a safe, secure environment while minimizing lighting costs? Effective strategies include:

• Reduced wattage lamps. Consider installing lower wattage lamps and fixtures in areas with excess light. Typically, one to three foot-candles of illumination at ground level is adequate for security. A simple, inexpensive light meter can be used to measure light levels around your facility.
• ���ϳԹ���-efficient upgrades. Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is an effective replacement option for conventional lamps, offering increased energy efficiency, improved durability and a longer rated life. LEDs provide excellent color quality, helping you save energy by reducing the amount of light output required. For security purposes, LEDs provide more uniform distribution and whiter light for better contrast.
• Controls. Occupancy sensors and timers can save energy without compromising safety or security. Occupancy sensors activate all or some lights in an area when pedestrians or vehicles approach. Timers can switch lights on and off, or dim them, according to a set schedule. LEDs, with their instant-start and dimming capabilities, are a good fit for lighting controls.

Work with a lighting engineer or qualified design professional to evaluate each technology and your lighting and security requirements before making a decision.

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1. Make the most of your space
   Whether it’s conversations on the patio after a family dinner or a nighttime soccer game in the backyard, your family can use your outdoor space long after the sun goes down. Floodlights brighten large portions of your yard, and post cap lights set the scene for a relaxing night on the porch. Outdoor lighting gives you more time to enjoy bonding with your family—even if that means missing the kids’ bedtime by a few minutes.
2. Heighten home security
   No more burglars lurking in the dark. Adding lights to your yard and home exterior deters thieves from targeting your property. Illuminated doors and windows make it difficult for intruders to break in unnoticed, and some insurance companies offer insurance credits and policy discounts for homes with increased exterior lighting. If you don’t want bright lights shining at your home all night, consider adding motion-activated lights instead.
3. Boost curb appeal
   Outdoor lighting can showcase what you want to be seen. You can illuminate focal points while leaving others—like your utility shed—in the shadows. Strategically placed wash and down lights accentuate the best features of your home’s exterior and landscape, and bullet lights can make plants and shrubbery stand out. Neighbors will envy your well-lit home each time they walk by and soak up the view.
4. Ensure safety
   Landscape lighting increases visibility and decreases the chances of your family and friends taking a nasty tumble in your yard. Stairs, drop-offs and pools are tripping hazards, and illuminating these areas helps prevent falls. Adding lights around your driveway, walkways and house number helps guests find your home easily and arrive safely, too.

Make sure you choose energy-efficient options—like solar and LED lighting–to illuminate your home’s exterior. Motion-sensing lights only come on when the sensors detect movement, saving even more money and energy.

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Entergy Arkansas can help customers light up their homes and businesses and increase safety and security with private-area lighting options that are cost-effective and hassle-free.

“Properly lighting your home or business takes the cover of darkness away from lawbreakers and is an important step in crime-prevention efforts,” said Pat Waters, director of sales growth and services for Entergy’s lighting business.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, security lighting is the single most effective crime deterrent. It enhances natural surveillance, delineates private and public spaces, can help direct access and increases safety.

“Many of our security lighting customers tell us that, along with feeling safer, they appreciate the easy installation process and the worry-free maintenance that comes with our service,” said Michael Johnson, lighting sales representative for Entergy Arkansas customers. Customers can place an order by calling 1-866-603-0192 or via a secure link at entergy.com/securitylighting.

Security lights are available in a variety of sizes, styles, wattages and lamp styles for home and business use. Customers are charged a set monthly fee for the lights, with the cost conveniently added to existing bills. The charges vary depending upon the light’s wattage. Whether the light is installed on an existing pole, or a new pole is needed for the lighting, Entergy will work with customers to determine the most cost-effective option. In some areas, installation is free. In addition, there is no fee for regular maintenance, which includes bulb replacement. If a storm – like a hurricane or tornado – destroys the light and pole, they will be replaced at no cost to the customer.

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 700,000 customers in 63 counties and is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11.5 billion and more than 13,000 employees.

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