Pointe-Marie in Baton Rouge is a meticulously planned village blending Louisiana’s rich architectural heritage with modern living. Developed by the renowned Guillaume family, all homes follow a strict design code on the exteriors, picket-fenced yards and paved streets along the banks of the Mississippi River. The village hosts numerous events throughout the year, including charitable ones like The Flower Fest, which helped raise over $1.5 million in 2023. With plans for retail, dining and wellness centers, Pointe-Marie offers unique living and investment opportunities in a vibrant, connected community.
Pointe-Marie, strategically located in the southern portion of East Baton Rouge Parish, represents a pioneering vision of a vibrant, mixed-use village that combines the best of Louisiana’s cultural heritage with 21st-century living. Developed by the Guillaume family, this 120-acre master-planned community is nestled between Historic River Road and Nicholson Drive, overlooking the Mississippi River. Its proximity to the main campus of Louisiana State University (LSU), a future University Research Centre, and the L’auberge Casino & Hotel further strengthen its strategic importance, making it a prime location for living and investment.
The Family Behind Pointe-Marie: A Legacy of Integrity and Vision
At the heart of Pointe-Marie’s development lies a remarkable family legacy that spans generations. It all began with Harvey Honoré Sr., affectionately known as “Pop,” a man whose word was as binding as any contract. Pop’s commitment to integrity and excellence was the cornerstone of his success, starting as a bricklayer before establishing his own company in 1957. His focus on quality, character, and faith became values deeply embedded in the Honoré family’s ethos.
After Pop’s passing, Rhaoul Guillaume, Sr., one of his sons-in-law, carried the legacy. Rhaoul Sr. founded an engineering company that became one of Louisiana’s most respected firms. Over the past 40+ years, his projects have shaped the infrastructure of Baton Rouge and beyond, from the New Orleans Superdome to the John James Audubon Bridge. Rhaoul Sr.’s leadership was built on Pop’s principles – doing things right, treating people well, and putting family first.
Now, with Pointe-Marie, the Guillaume family, led by Rhaoul Sr. and his two sons, Rhaoul Jr. and Randy, is creating something new yet rooted in tradition. They are building a village that reflects their deep connection to Louisiana, its culture, and its people. The Guillaume family has designed Pointe-Marie to be a place where community, craftsmanship, and quality come together, much like Pop’s legacy continues to unite their family. Rhaoul Jr. and Randy, both deeply involved in Pointe-Marie’s development, continue the family’s hands-on approach, ensuring that this village is more than just a development—it’s a testament to the family’s enduring commitment to their community.
This generational commitment is evident as Rhaoul Sr.’s sons now take leadership roles in Pointe-Marie, ensuring that the values passed down from Pop—integrity, craftsmanship, and community—remain at the heart of this ambitious project. For the Guillaume family, Pointe-Marie is not just a development; it’s the embodiment of their legacy, a village where family and community thrive and a place that future generations will call home.
A Thoughtful Blend of Architecture and Tradition
At the heart of Pointe-Marie’s development is a strict yet aesthetically cohesive architectural approach guided by the Pointe-Marie Design Code. All homes in the community adhere to a unified, elegant white color scheme, with picket fencing and brick-paved streets offering aesthetic appeal and low-maintenance advantages. Streetscapes, pathways, and public spaces are meticulously crafted to create an inviting environment for walking and enjoying.
The village architecture does more than replicate historical structures; it embraces “21st-century Louisiana,” blending Louisiana’s design principles with modern sustainability techniques. Each home’s design encourages interaction with the surrounding community through spacious porches, courtyards, and garden spaces, reflecting Pointe-Marie’s commitment to outdoor living and community engagement.
An Expansive Vision for the Future
Pointe-Marie’s development is far from complete. The Village Center, an engaging hub for shopping, dining, entertainment, health, and wellness, is already attracting attention. This vibrant center will feature restaurants, boutiques, parks, promenades, and spaces for both large and intimate gatherings. The aim is to create a self-contained, walkable village where residents can live, work, and play, all within a short stroll from their homes.
The site’s entitlements as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) allow for a wide range of uses, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and recreational, making Pointe-Marie an appealing prospect for future expansion. Founders have already conducted feasibility studies for further developments in lodging, recreational vehicle spaces, and multifamily residences.
Opportunities for Homebuyers and Investors
For those looking to purchase or build, Pointe-Marie offers a variety of homeownership options, from finished homes to custom builds, allowing flexibility and personalization while maintaining architectural integrity. The development’s unique infrastructure, with brick-paved streets, custom fencing, and thoughtful landscape design, creates a beautiful setting that promises long-term value.
For investors, Pointe-Marie represents a remarkable opportunity. Its commercial, retail, and residential development mix means significant potential for returns as the area grows. The Village Center businesses are selected for their ability to drive foot traffic and contribute to the village’s ambience and culture. This ensures that Pointe-Marie becomes a dynamic community, drawing residents, visitors, and investors alike.
An Engaging and Charitable Community
Pointe-Marie has already become a center for community and charitable events, partnering with other local non-profits to raise over $1 million annually for causes like St. Jude Children’s Hospital through events like The Flower Fest. The development’s ongoing commitment to hosting events, from outdoor concerts and festivals to marathons and food truck events, brings residents, guests, and visitors together meaningfully. This vibrant calendar of events ensures that Pointe-Marie remains more than just a development—it’s a community that breathes life into Baton Rouge.
Amenities for All Ages
Pointe-Marie offers amenities designed for every age and interest. The village already features a community garden co-created with the LSU AgCenter, offering residents a place to cultivate fruits and vegetables under the guidance of trained professionals. Additional amenities include swimming pools, cabanas, playgrounds, parks, and gathering spaces that weave seamlessly into the village’s neighborhoods and districts.
The Pointe-Marie Institute, a nonprofit organization, further enhances the village experience by offering diverse programming, including concerts, fitness events, outdoor movies, and LSU-related gatherings. The institute helps link civic life with daily life, ensuring that the community continues to grow and evolve for generations.
Conclusion
Pointe-Marie is a unique fusion of history, culture, and modern living. Its thoughtful planning, commitment to architectural integrity, and focus on community engagement make it a standout development in Baton Rouge. Pointe-Marie offers unparalleled opportunities, whether looking for a place to call home or seeking a strategic investment. With its rich Louisiana heritage, forward-thinking vision, and commitment to creating a genuinely vibrant village, Pointe-Marie is more than just a place to live. It’s a place to belong.
