Community Leaders, Residents and Partners Mark Major Milestones in Mid-City Choice Neighborhoods Transformation
Yesterday, HRI Communities joined local, state, and federal partners to celebrate the two major milestones on the comprehensive Mid-City Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Mid-City Lofts, a newly completed 46-unit mixed-income residential community immediately adjacent to the former Lloyd Oaks public housing project and a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of a comprehensive infrastructure project across the 38-acre site.
The completion of Mid-City Lofts represents a significant milestone in the overall Transformation Plan by delivering high-quality resilient and sustainable housing to the Lake Charles community and offering immediate occupancy to displaced former Lloyd Oaks residents. Elected officials, funding partners, community leaders, and residents gathered on site to commemorate the project’s completion, reflect on the neighborhood’s recovery following Hurricanes Laura and Delta, and highlight the collaborative effort that brought the development from vision to reality.
“Mid-City Lofts represents more than new housing, it reflects what is possible when a community comes together with shared purpose and sustained commitment,” said Josh Collen, President of HRI Communities. “These homes are a visible sign of progress in Mid-City and an important first step toward a stronger, more connected, and more resilient neighborhood.”
With demolition of the former Lloyd Oaks housing completed in September 2025, infrastructure on the site is now underway, marking another significant milestone that will pave the way for multiple onsite housing phases to proceed in 2026. Infrastructure scope will include the construction of new neighborhood streetscapes, including approximately 6,000 linear feet of new roadways and all new utility services featuring improved storm water management, storm-resistant underground electrical, new water and sewer distribution; right-of way landscaping, and street lighting. The overall Mid-City Transformation will result in the creation of over 500 mixed-income apartments within various mid-rise buildings and townhomes, and the redrawn infrastructure plan will promote resilience and adaptation, while reconnecting the neighborhood, improving walkability and access to amenities.
The Transformation Plan will further establish two new parks: 1) an on-site destination park that will feature a playground, public art and murals, community amenities, and outdoor recreation space and 2) a pocket park featuring a kayak launch along the Contraband Bayou, the first and only safe waterway access point in the neighborhood. Additional investments aim to beautify the neighborhood, restore tree canopy, and provide placemaking that pays homage to Lake Charles’ history.
The ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Marshall Simien, who welcomed attendees and emphasized the project’s role in Lake Charles’ long-term recovery, followed by comments from Sara Judson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, who provided context on the project’s origins in the aftermath of Hurricanes Laura and Delta.
“Today we celebrate not just new homes, but the foundation of a stronger future,” said Mayor Marshall Simien. “Mid-City Lofts and the launch of these critical infrastructure improvements reflect what ONE Lake Charles is all about, unity, resilience and progress. The City is committed to reconnecting neighborhoods, improving quality of life and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive. This is how we build a Lake Charles that stands together and moves forward as one.”
“Mid-City Lofts is the result of extraordinary teamwork following Hurricanes Laura and Delta,” said Sara Judson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. “A philanthropic gift of $2.5m from Angela and David Filo helped bring partners together to build a resilient future for Southwest Louisiana. It enabled the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, governments, public agencies, and community leaders to collaborate on the Just Imagine 50-Year Resilience Master Plan and elevate the Mid-City Neighborhood Transformation as a shared priority. That collective effort—across philanthropy, the public sector, and local partners—ultimately led to the $40 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods award.”
Additional perspective was shared by project partners on the importance of federal and state investment, including State Senator Jeremy Stine, who addressed the role of federal recovery resources, and Gina Campo, Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, who spoke to the impact of the Resilient Communities Infrastructure Program (RCIP) and the PRIME Program.
“This project proves that smart federal recovery funding, when paired with local vision, can rebuild neighborhoods the right way,” said State Senator Jeremy Stine. “Mid-City Lofts is about resilience, dignity, and making sure families have a future they can count on in Lake Charles.”
“Mid-City Lofts demonstrates what effective recovery looks like when housing and infrastructure are planned together,” said Gina Campo, Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development. “Through PRIME-3 and our Resilient Communities Infrastructure Program, LOCD is investing in resilient housing and critical neighborhood infrastructure that helps families return home, reduces future disaster risk, and strengthens Lake Charles for the long term.”
The program also included remarks from Wendy Hall, Housing Development Administrator of the Louisiana Housing Corporation; Mitchell “Greg” Pete, Executive Director of the Lake Charles Housing Authority; Brian Abshire, President of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury; Matt Young, Lake Charles City Councilman and representative of Visit Lake Charles; Matthew Mancuso, VP Commercial Relationship Manager for First Horizon Bank; and Donovan Duncan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Urban Strategies, Inc., who emphasized the importance of resident-centered services and long-term community support.
“This project shows what can be accomplished when we focus on the real needs of our residents and invest in the long-term strength of our neighborhoods,” said Brian Abshire, President of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. “Mid-City Lofts represents meaningful progress for families returning home and for a community that continues to rebuild. This work is only possible through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to the future of Calcasieu Parish.”
“Today marks a milestone not just for housing, but for the future of Lake Charles,” said Matt Young, Lake Charles City Councilman and representative of Visit Lake Charles. “The opening of Mid-City Lofts is a tangible first step in bringing the HUD Choice Neighborhoods vision to life. Here, we are mixing quality, resilient housing with opportunity and connection in the heart of our city. This project lays the foundation for hundreds more new homes, two new parks, safe streets, and community amenities that will attract new private investment.”
“As we shape the future of affordable housing, partners are essential in helping us create accessible housing that benefits everyone,” explains LHC Executive Director Kevin Delahoussaye. “This is just one of many projects we have partnered with HRI Communities that demonstrates the importance of our work in communities striving for quality housing after a natural disaster.”
“This project reflects our commitment to investing in communities and supporting developments that create lasting impact for Southwest Louisiana,” said Matthew Mancuso, VP Commercial Relationship Manager for First Horizon Bank.
“Today’s Mid-City Lofts ribbon cutting is more than a ceremonial moment for bricks and mortar, it’s a catalyst for what becomes possible when love, collaboration, and people-centered strategies converge in the beautiful city of Lake Charles,” said Donovan Duncan, USI Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The children, families, and partners we stand shoulder to shoulder with each day deserve this moment, and Urban Strategies, Inc. is honored to celebrate and share it with each of you.”
A special ceremonial moment recognized the people at the heart of the transformation, as Urban Strategies, Inc. leaders were joined on stage by members of their local team and former Lloyd Oaks residents who have since moved into Mid-City Lofts. Residents received symbolic gold keys in celebration of their return home and the beginning of a new chapter for the neighborhood.
