Two modern, affordable housing developments broke ground in Lake Charles this week. One hundred and seventeen of the 261 units are designed especially for seniors nearing or in retirement. CST Multi Family Real Estate Service, a Louisiana-based housing development firm, hosted the events and their spokesperson said both developments are slated to be completed in 2025.

Morningside at Gerstner Memorial, located at 3650 Gerstner Memorial Drive, will offer 61 one-bedroom units and 56 two-bedroom units for seniors. Some units are ADA compliant for individuals with sight and mobility issues. Amenities include a fitness center, pool, clubhouse with full kitchen, computer room, movie viewing room, game room, pickleball court and library reading room.

The Reserve at Power Place will be located at 2301 Power Centre Parkway and will feature 36 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom, and 36 four-bedroom affordable apartments with numerous amenities for families. Amenities are a fitness center, pool and cabana, clubhouse with full kitchen, computer room, basketball court and playground. It will also allow smaller pets.

Apartments are designed with unique architectural details and modern appliances for maximum energy efficiency, including in-apartment washers and dryers.

Monthly rental payments will depend on the residents’ range of incomes, from 20 to 80 percent of the area’s median, and on the size of the apartment, even better news than the news of additional housing availability.

“CST Multi Family Real Estate Services is committed to constructing quality housing for both seniors and families. A development of this quality would not be possible without the vital state, city, and financial partners who have responded to the call for more affordable housing,” said Tom Delahaye, president/CEO, CST Multi Family Real Estate Services. “Our design-build team is honored to be a part of the positive rebuilding here in this region.”

Murray McCullough of Benchmark Engineering served as event emcee. McCullough is an engineering contractor, and his firm will oversee the building’s construction management. Attending the groundbreaking were Lake Charles District 3 City Councilman Rodney Gehen, and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Anthony Bartie. Also attending were funding partners from the Louisiana Housing Corporation, leaders of the Chamber SWLA and the Council on Aging.

The $36.8 million apartment development will be constructed with debt and equity sources, Delahaye said. Louisiana Housing Corporation provided $16.1 million of Community Development Block Grant  funds and $2.7 million from Emergency Rental Assistance Program  funds. Boston Capital provided $17.5 million in permanent funding and Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company is providing construction and permanent financing. The development contractors are The Architectural Studio (architects); Benchmark Group LLC (civil engineer); Block Construction, LLC (general contractor); and Arianne Bellizaire Interiors (design).

Delahaye and partners, Stan Baudin of Plaquemine and Chris Coffin of New Orleans, began developing multifamily housing in 2006. Since that time, the partners have developed nearly 2,000 apartment units.