Shreveport, LA — The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), alongside local and state partners, celebrated the grand opening of the Uneeda Biscuit Artist Lofts (The Lofts), in downtown Shreveport.
The Lofts will offer 32 units with a leasing preference for local artists of the Shreveport community. 50% of the units will be available to market rate tenants, while the others will be classified as affordable units. Located in the heart of Shreveport Common Art and Culture District, along the Red River, The Lofts will offer affordable housing and is centrally located nearby restaurants, the art district and riverwalk.
The Lofts will include a community room, and a kitchen where residential events will occur. The Lofts will feature one bedroom and one bathroom units, while still preserving its historic taste.
Originally, developers built the building in 1902, formerly known as the Voredenbauman Eastham Building; the locals called it "The Uneeda Biscuit Building" due to the painted mural on the side of the building. Over the years, it served as a hardware store, a National Guard armory, a furniture store, and an art gallery. However, this once prosperous building sat vacant and suffered neglect over the years. LHC helped restore this historic building to become a safe haven for those searching for affordable and sustainable housing.
Located in a U.S. Housing and Urban Development designated Choice Neighborhood Area, The Lofts was originally awarded $542,254 through Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). In addition, LHC awarded $1.25 million through the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF).
"Louisiana Housing Corporation prides itself on looking for opportunities to make communities better through affordable housing in Louisiana," said LHC Interim-Executive Director Marjorianna Willman. "Being able to take a once uninhabitable building and bring it back to life into its community where it can serve a purpose for the people, and all at an affordable price is what we strive for.
Developers of the newly renovated building is Edward Taylor and Wayne Brown, Brown-Taylor Development. Property management will be under Fairfield Property Management.
The Lofts welcomed its first tenants in August 2023.
For more information, Uneeda Biscuit Artist Loft
Phone Number: (318) 230-2393
