Build East Baton Rouge

From Problem Property to Build-Ready Site

Clear to Build is Build EBR’s pathway for acquiring vacant, abandoned, or blighted properties using strategic legal tools. Many properties across East Baton Rouge Parish are stuck in legal or financial limbo—unable to be sold, developed, or reinvested in due to title issues, unpaid liens, or fragmented ownership.

Through this program, individuals, developers, and community partners can request that Build EBR evaluate a specific property for acquisition. If the property is eligible and Build EBR is able to successfully acquire it, the applicant receives the opportunity to purchase and redevelop the site through the Build a Lot program.

How it Works:

Identify a vacant, blighted, or underutilized property

Submit a request for Build EBR to evaluate the property for acquisition

Build EBR reviews eligibility and determines whether legal tools can be applied

If approved, applicant submits a deposit to initiate acquisition and secure priority access

Build EBR pursues acquisition and clears title using available legal tools

Once acquired, the applicant receives a first right of refusal to purchase the property

Applicant completes purchase through the Build a Lot program within 60 days, or potentially forfeits their deposit

Our Projects

See Examples of this Program in Action

All projects

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The 5 Community Improvement Plans (CIPs)

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Ardendale Master Plan

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Florida Corridor Master Plan

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JPMorgan Chase’s AdvancingCities Grant

Our Approach

Guided by Purpose, Built for Impact

Clear to Build is rooted in a commitment to turning overlooked properties into opportunities for reinvestment. These values shape how we evaluate sites, partner with applicants, and move properties from legal complexity to real-world development.

Community-Centered

We engage residents as partners and leaders in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

Equity-Focused

Our work prioritizes disinvested areas and aims to create inclusive, lasting opportunity for all.

Partnership-Driven

We collaborate across sectors—public, private, nonprofit, and grassroots—to leverage resources and expertise.

Action-Oriented

We turn vision into reality by aligning planning, policy, and capital to deliver measurable results.

Ready to build a better EBR Together?

Whether you're a resident, developer, investor or public agency, we want to work with you to turn vision into action and create lasting impact.

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Clear to Build

Program