Organizers behind Erdace Apartments, a planned $43 million apartment complex in downtown Lake Charles, said they are busy tidying up the project’s finances and preparing to start construction within the year.

Project leaders spent Thursday in the Muller’s Building meeting with local contractors and suppliers interested in working at the site during construction. Jason Walker, president of Unicorp Construction, the project’s head contracting company, said they are seeking contractors for all phases of the project, including dirt work, framing, roofing, masonry and flooring.

While the company plans to bring in some “out-of-state subcontractors,” he said it wants to hire local as well.

“We’re opening the doors to everybody,” Walker said.

Residents could also browse detailed architectural blueprints and artist renderings during the event. They are available online at www.erdaceapartments.com.

Lake Charles native Roger Landry is one of five partners that make up BRaDD LLC — the development company behind the project. Landry, who now lives in Georgia, is known for developing Muller’s Lofts, which opened about 10 years ago.

He said Erdace Apartments is under review by the city and state fire marshals and the city’s permit office. The financier, New York-based Greystone Bank, must receive a final copy of the plans by April 13.

Landry said he expects to close in June or July and break ground immediately afterward. The complex is scheduled to open in 2018.

History

The project will be located at the vacant lot formerly owned by Sears. Landry bought the 3.5-acre property for just over $1 million in July 2013. He purchased it from the city of Lake Charles, who took ownership of it after Sears left.

The project was originally planned as a $20 million, 170-unit apartment and retail space, but the planning phase took much longer as the project grew into a $43 million, 272-unit apartment complex.

Because the project hasn’t moved forward in four years, the city can now opt to buy the property back at the original price. So far, the city hasn’t chosen to exercise that option.

In its act of sale, the city gave itself a six-month buyback option if, after 42 months, Landry couldn’t move forward with plans. That 42-month period ended in December and started the six-month window.

Striking a compromise, the City Council voted in February to extend its buyback option period through this December, protecting itself for another year while the developer had more time to make visible progress.

Design plans

Landry says the city and residents will be glad they waited, especially when they see the designs architects have prepared so far.

The complex contains 272 one- and two-bedroom units, each with its own balcony. He said the units are designed as small, urban-style flats not seen anywhere else in Lake Charles. The outside design mirrors different parts of the downtown area, he said, so it fits seamlessly with nearby buildings.

“We’re trying not to make them look like apartments,” Landry said.

It includes a 380-space enclosed garage, a workout facility, bar/lounge area, small courtyard, and a large swimming pool and fountain area. He said he’s also filling the space with green plants and flowers to avoid it looking like a “concrete institute.”

Landry said planning out every square foot of the complex was an intense, but enjoyable, process.

“I love doing this,” he said.

An architect’s rendering of the proposed Erdace Apartments in downtown Lake Charles is shown above. (Source: Erdace Apartments)