A New Chapter Close to Home

Meet Dorothy

After decades of working as a medical collector in New York, Dorothy Dessoine made the decision to return to Baton Rouge to be closer to her siblings. The move marked a new chapter centered on family, familiarity, and stability. 

Today, Dorothy calls Cypress Pinchback home, a community designed to support wellness and aging in place. Since becoming a resident in late 2023, she has found comfort in the details that make the space feel welcoming. She treasures her one-bedroom apartment, admires the artwork displayed on every floor, and spends many evenings sitting with her sister in the outdoor rocking chairs. These simple routines offer a sense of peace and security, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful design and intentional community. 

For Dorothy, Cypress Pinchback is a place where she can remain connected to family, maintain her independence, and enjoy a lifestyle designed around comfort and dignity. 

Purpose-Built Senior Living 

Cypress Pinchback is a 99-unit affordable housing development created specifically for seniors ages 62 and older. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, the community represents a significant investment in meeting the growing demand for safe, stable housing for older adults. Five of the units are reserved for Permanent Supportive Housing, further expanding access for residents with additional needs. 

Construction on the community began in April 2021 and was completed in April 2023, marking the culmination of years of planning, coordination, and investment. The development stands as a testament to what can be achieved when public and private partners align around a shared vision for community development. 

At the Ribbon Cutting, former LHC Executive Director Joshua G. Hollins celebrated the use of CDBG_DR funds to address those parishes impacted by the floods in 2016, saying, “Through recovery programs like these, we can provide an opportunity to obtain affordable housing to every Louisiana resident, especially our senior citizens.”

Designed for Resilience, Sustainability, and Quality of Life 

The development reflects a commitment to sustainability and resilience. Cypress Pinchback is certified under Enterprise Green Communities and Energy Star, ensuring energy efficiency while reducing operating costs for residents. These standards help create healthier living environments while supporting long-term affordability. 

Beyond environmental performance, the community was thoughtfully designed to support daily life. Residents enjoy access to a walking trail, exercise and computer rooms, a garden, a community room, and small gathering and reading spaces on each floor. Monthly programming includes social activities and health and wellness education, reinforcing a holistic approach to aging in place. 

Built for Connection and Well-Being 

The community was designed to foster connection, activity, and well-being. Residents have access to shared spaces that encourage interaction, along with safety features like building security and in-unit call systems, which provide peace of mind. 

This balance of independence and support allows residents like Dorothy to establish meaningful routines and relationships, turning a housing development into a true community. 

A Legacy Rooted in History and Identity 

The community’s name honors P.B.S. Pinchback, the first African American to serve as governor in Louisiana and the United States, grounding the development in a legacy of leadership and progress. 

The name also reflects the symbolism of the cypress tree, which inspired Partners Southeast’s signature approach to family and senior communities. As Chief Operating Officer, Janelle Brown explains, “We wanted these communities to be a symbol of strength and resilience like Louisiana’s iconic cypress trees. Quality housing for families and seniors instills a sense of quality of life and independence. Our families have pride in their neighborhoods and are excited to be a part of the growing community.” 

Collaboration That Drives Impact 

“Cypress Pinchback is an example of what can be accomplished when public and private partners come together with a shared vision,” said Metro Councilman Rowdy Gaudet. "This project reflects our commitment to expanding access to quality, affordable housing while supporting the long-term well-being of our seniors.” 

Cypress Pinchback is the result of a strong public-private partnership, bringing together the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority, Partners Southeast, Louisiana Housing Corporation, the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development, the City of Baton Rouge, and a broad team of development, finance, and construction partners. 

“This investment represents the power of partnership and collaboration,” said J. Wesley Daniels Jr., CEO of Partners Southeast. “EBRPHA’s mission of providing quality affordable housing coupled with Partners Southeast’s vision and execution demonstrates a new era of housing in the Capital Region.” 

He continued, emphasizing the scale of coordination required: “This public-private partnership model displays an unmatched ecosystem created by EBRPHA, Louisiana Housing Corp., State of Louisiana Office of Community Development, City of Baton Rouge, Integral Development, Home Bank, Coleman Partners, M.J. Womack Construction and NRK Construction, and the many other attorneys and professionals necessary to execute this complicated transaction.” 

A Model for the Future of Senior Housing 

At its core, Cypress Pinchback demonstrates how intentional design, collaboration, and community-focused planning can shape the future of senior housing. 

“We will continue to replicate this model with intentional design and construction to allow seniors to age in place and age with dignity,” Daniels said. “The seniors’ environment will be enhanced by a curated art experience by local artists commissioned by the Arts Council of Baton Rouge. This is truly a partnership-driven solution for community development.” 

“This community and others like it in the future will grow the footprint of quality affordable housing in the Capital Region and Southeast and shows what planning, compassion, and hard work can accomplish.” 

More Than Housing, A Sense of Belonging 

For residents like Dorothy, Cypress Pinchback offers more than housing. It provides a sense of belonging, comfort, and pride in a place designed with intention at every level. 

As developments like this continue to take shape, they reinforce a simple but powerful idea: when housing is done well, it strengthens not just individuals, but entire communities.