Renaissance Gateway

Total Duration: 2011 – 2016

Estimated Investment: Approximately $23.4 million

Impact: Rehabilitated 129 affordable units with modern amenities in North Baton Rouge near major transportation and educational anchors.

Public Benefit: Preserved deeply affordable housing, enhanced quality of life for residents, and anchored long-term corridor revitalization in the Melrose East area.

Renaissance Gateway involved the acquisition and full rehabilitation of a 129-unit affordable housing complex in Baton Rouge’s Melrose East neighborhood. Located near the Florida Boulevard and Ardenwood corridors, this project brought modern, energy-efficient, and professionally managed housing to an area with significant disinvestment.

The redevelopment preserved HUD-assisted units while updating infrastructure, design, and property management. Build Baton Rouge (formerly RDA) contributed $350,000 in gap financing and supported strategic coordination as part of the area’s broader revitalization vision, which would later include the Ardendale Urban Village and the BRChoice Neighborhoods planning effort.

Financing for Renaissance Gateway was layered from multiple sources, including CDBG Disaster Recovery, HOME, and bond loans, with structured surplus cash repayments tied to project performance. The project also benefited from a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract and tax abatements, making it financially sustainable while maximizing public value.

Project Objectives

Preserve and rehabilitate 129 HUD-assisted affordable housing units

Support corridor revitalization in Melrose East and Florida Boulevard

Improve housing quality, safety, and energy performance

Maintain long-term affordability through layered financing

Leverage public funds and private investment efficiently

Provide housing stability near public transit and BRCC

Our Role

Public Financing & Incentives

We structure creative capital tools, like tax incentives and public financing, to unlock reinvestment in Baton Rouge’s overlooked corridors and communities.

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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:

Rehabilitated 129 deeply affordable units, including ADA-accessible apartments
Preserved a 20-year Housing Assistance Payments contract through HUD
Generated economic development in a corridor targeted for reinvestment
Leveraged Restoration Tax Abatement to reduce operating costs and extend affordability
Used surplus cash repayment model to protect public investment and ensure long-term viability
Contributed to larger community development goals in Melrose East and the BRChoice footprint

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Partners

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Conclusion

Renaissance Gateway is a model for how affordable housing preservation, strategic financing, and public-private collaboration can strengthen entire corridors. With Build Baton Rouge’s early investment and long-term vision, the project helped stabilize housing while setting the stage for future development in one of Baton Rouge’s most historically disinvested communities.