Mayor Announces Renovation of Historic North Boulevard Property To Provide More Affordable Housing

Baton Rouge, LA - December 2, 2024 - Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has announced the renovation of the Historic Prince Hall Masonic Temple on North Boulevard that will create 46 mixed-income units in a mixed-use historic development, adding to a significant list of investments in affordable housing in East Baton Rouge Parish.

At a ceremony held at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge this past week, hosted by Dr. Ralph Slaughter, MW Grand Master, Mayor Broome joined the Lodge in announcing the project as part of more than 1,500 housing units whose development the Broome Administration has funded in the past eight years here in East Baton Rouge Parish.

"This project is a vital step toward ensuring that all families in Baton Rouge have access to safe, stable and affordable homes," Mayor Broome said. "The renovation of historic properties like the Prince Hall Masonic Temple and Hotel Lincoln is part of a parish-wide effort that ranges from large multi-family complexes to single-family homes."

The Prince Hall Masonic Temple project is one of six developments currently underway in North Baton Rouge, South Baton Rouge and Mid-City.

"Affordable housing provides security and opportunity for families and individuals and helps reduce poverty. It supports healthier communities and allows people to invest in the future," the Mayor said.

Mayor Broome recognized the Mayor's Office of Community Development for the dedication and work undertaken to make these projects a reality. Affordable housing developments currently underway in East Baton Rouge Parish include the following City-Parish investments:

• Hotel Lincoln Housing Development - Renovation and construction of 12 mixed-income units in a historic mixed-use development.
  $1,170,172.00 in HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds
• The Villas at Mohican - Construction of 58 mixed-income units near Plank Road.
  Up to $2 million in ERAP Housing Dollars
  Partner: Louisiana Housing Corporation
• Dayton Street Housing Development - Construction of 4 home-ownership units.
  $367,408.00 in HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds
  Partner: Habitat for Humanity
• 1335 North Residences Project at the Historic Prince Hall Masonic Temple - Renovation and construction of 46 mixed-income units in a historic mixed-use development.
  $2 million in ERAP Housing Dollars
• Melrose III Housing Development - Construction of 2 housing units.
  $264,092.00 in HOME Investment Partnership and ERAP funds
• Melrose IV Housing Development - Construction of 10 housing units.
  $360,000.00 in HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds.
  Partner: Louisiana Housing Corporation