Our new “battleship”

A recent Homeland Security Department report named Baton Rouge the second-most vulnerable U.S. city to terrorism—behind only New Orleans—and listed our voluminous Mississippi River port as part of the reason. But the study says less about Al Qaeda’s strategy than it does about Baton Rouge’s preparedness.

In a move that should improve our standing with Homeland Security, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge has contracted Crump Wilson Architects to design an 11,900-square-foot addition to its Maritime Security Operations Center in Port Allen. The goal: to protect and ensure port operations during hurricanes, natural disasters and even terrorist attacks.

Working with port engineers Pyburn and Odom MCA, architect Bobby Boudreaux drew design cues for the distinctive building from nautical architecture. “The Port Commission wanted an iconic building on the river,” Boudreaux said.

The center will serve as command headquarters for port security, the U.S. Coast Guard, West Baton Rouge emergency agencies and any other federal and state agencies required during an emergency. The public bid process is underway, and port officials estimate the project will break ground in two months, and be completed next summer.

The hull

The exterior of the Maritime Security Operations Center is designed to look like a naval vessel, with sloping windows and an exterior balcony reflecting similar elements on a ship’s bridge. Metal panels will form a sleek “skin” around the building, while solar shading devices over the West-facing windows will reduce heat gain and energy costs.

The war room

Like a Naval battleship or aircraft carrier, the center’s “war room” is on the top floor. With an unobstructed view of the Mississippi River and bridge, the third floor will contain a multi-use conference room with high-tech audio-visual components and Internet access that can be converted into a command center during a crisis.

Live/work options

The second floor is designed with office space, break areas and living quarters that can house 24 people comfortably at any given time (in three shifts of eight people). All power sources, elevator equipment and communications hubs will be on the second floor in case of high water.

The press room

The first floor will be utilized for large meetings and other events that do not require access to the war room. During maritime emergencies, press conferences will be held here.