Housing for All

Hooper Springs Housing

Total Duration:

Approximately 2010 – 2014

Estimated Investment:

$6.9 million

Impact: Delivered 48 affordable rental units for seniors in Scotlandville, a historically underinvested neighborhood in North Baton Rouge.

Public Benefit: Replaced underused land with high-quality senior housing, supported by LIHTC and long-term professional property management, contributing to neighborhood stability and housing security.

Hooper Springs is a 48-unit affordable senior housing community located in the Scotlandville area of North Baton Rouge. Developed by AMEC Development in partnership with Build Baton Rouge and multiple public funding sources, the project targeted low-income seniors, offering 1- and 2-bedroom units with accessible designs, energy-efficient construction, and on-site management.

The site was transformed from vacant or underused land into a vibrant, secure residential space for seniors. Build Baton Rouge contributed $450,000 in gap financing, helping to bridge funding needs and advance the project. The apartments are professionally managed by Somerset Pacific and include a dedicated manager unit, community amenities, and long-term affordability controls supported by tax credits and performance reserves.

Project Objectives

01

Increase access to affordable housing for seniors in North Baton Rouge

02

Replace blight with safe, attractive, income-restricted housing

03

Ensure long-term affordability through layered public financing

04

Provide energy-efficient, accessible, and professionally managed homes

05

Support stability and aging-in-place in the Scotlandville community

06

Demonstrate the role of gap financing in unlocking challenging deals

Community Benefits

Beyond buildings and infrastructure, every BBR project aims to create lasting impact. These benefits reflect how the project improves lives, supports neighborhood growth, and contributes to Baton Rouge’s long-term vitality.

Benefits:

  • 48 affordable rental units serving seniors at 30%–60% of AMI
  • All units ADA-adaptable with 1- and 2-bedroom floorplans ranging from 650 to 886 sq ft
  • Includes one on-site manager unit and professional maintenance
  • Supported by tax credits, bond financing, and a strong debt service coverage ratio
  • Demonstrates how a small public investment ($450K) leveraged over $6M in development
  • Provided critical housing stability in an area with high senior poverty and low supply
No items found.

Conclusion

Hooper Springs reflects the best of Build Baton Rouge’s development model: targeted public investment, community-focused outcomes, and strategic partnerships. The project continues to serve as a stable, affordable housing option for Baton Rouge seniors—proving that with the right tools, reinvestment in our neighborhoods is not only possible, but transformational.

Back to All Projects

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.

Background Image