BATON ROUGE — A historic downtown intersection with roots dating back more than 200 years is getting a new chapter. 

The Downtown Development District will host an unveiling ceremony on Friday, Nov. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Gras-Devall Plaza, located at the intersection of Main and North Fourth streets in Downtown Baton Rouge. The event is open to the public. 

The celebration will include the unveiling of a new mural and remarks from the volunteers who helped transform the historic intersection through landscaping, cleanup, public art and other beautification efforts.

The project began when Elizabeth Dent-Sumrall, a descendant of one of the families associated with the plaza's founding, approached Enrique Piñerua, co-owner of downtown restaurant Cocha, about improving the historic site. Piñerua had been working on landscaping improvements near his restaurant when the two began discussing the possibilities for the nearby intersection.

The sparked a grassroots effort bringing together residents, artists and volunteers with a shared interest in preserving the area's history and improving its appearance.

The effort brought together Jennifer Richardson, founder of Keep Tiger Town Beautiful, muralist Kristen Serio, and other community volunteers who contributed their time, equipment and talents. Local businesses, including Louisiana Nursery, also supported the project.

Gras-Devall Plaza has been part of Baton Rouge's history since 1809, when Antonio Gras and Edith and Richard Devall dedicated the four corners of the intersection for public use. The area originally served as a marketplace and gathering place, with designated spaces for horses and wagons. The plaza is located near St. Joseph Cathedral.