On Oct. 28, HRI Communities hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the rehabilitation and modernization of the Lee Hardware and United Jewelers Apartments at 719 Edwards Street and 301 Crocket Street.
“What a joy to celebrate the completion of the restoration and modernization of the Lee Hardware and United Jewelers,” said Josh Collen, President of HRI Communities.
The Lee Hardware building was built in 1909, which housed the Lee Dry Goods business and was later converted into 55 affordable loft-style apartments. The United Jewelers building was built in 1926 and was converted into 51 market-rate apartments by HRI in 1999.
“I am thrilled to see the renovation and rehabilitation of the historic Lee Hardware and United Jewelers site,” said Steven Jackson, Parish Commissioner and LHC Board Member. “Thanks to HRI’s commitment to provide quality and affordable housing this development not only provides a roof over someone’s head but serves as a job creator for our local economy and enhances the quality of life for those who choose to call downtown home.”
HRI has spent the last two years rehabbing these buildings and on Thursday the public was able to see the improvements made on these historic buildings.
“It is a privilege to have renovated this incredible apartment community, which we first created through the adaptive re-use of underutilized, historic, industrial buildings over 20 years ago. The comprehensive upgrades to both the apartments and common areas that we just completed raises the entire property to a first-class standard, ensuring that this mixed-income housing development remains an important asset to downtown Shreveport for years to come,” said Collen.
HRI’s renovations included upgrades to the buildings’ exterior facades, roofs, HVAC systems, interior unit kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and landscaping/pool improvements. The project offers a combination of affordable, workforce and market rate housing units, maintaining the diverse community long proven to be successful and representative of downtown Shreveport.
Project amenities include covered parking, a new fitness center, a new residents’ lounge, renovated pool deck and cabana, as well as new energy-star appliances such as in-unit washers, dryers and dishwashers.
HRI’s renovations included upgrades to the buildings’ exterior facades, roofs, HVAC systems, interior unit kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and landscaping/pool improvements. The project offers a combination of affordable, workforce and market rate housing units, maintaining the diverse community long proven to be successful and representative of downtown Shreveport.
“This project offers a great example of how to do affordable housing,” said Pat Forbes, Louisiana Office of Community Development Executive Director. “Not only does it offer the blend of affordable, workforce and market-rate housing that is vital to maintaining a modern downtown district, the modernization of these historic buildings also provides an enduring sense of timeless stability to the entire community.”
Collen said, “nothing happens without multiple layers of complication and cooperation and just how awesome the city the DDD has been, and as well as our partners at the state level. We depend on all of these folks to get something like this done.”
