Creating Room for Opportunity

Families in Southwest Louisiana are still feeling the effects of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. While much has been rebuilt, access to quality, affordable housing remains one of the region's greatest needs. As communities continue to recover, new affordable housing developments are helping provide families with stable places to live while supporting the region's long-term growth.

Reserve at Power Place is one of those developments. The new $40.8 million community adds 144 affordable apartments to Lake Charles, offering one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes for income-qualified households. Located within a gated community, the development features contemporary architecture, thoughtfully designed interiors, and amenities that support everyday living, including a clubhouse, fitness center, computer room, swimming pool and cabana, basketball court, playground, and dog park.

For resident Floyd Gabriel, those features are part of what has made Reserve at Power Place feel like home. 

"I've really enjoyed living at The Reserve at Power Place," Gabriel said. "The property is always clean, quiet, and well maintained. The pool and gym are great amenities and are kept in excellent condition, which I really appreciate. There is also plenty of parking, so I never have to worry about finding a spot."

Gabriel also credits the community's staff for creating a positive living experience.

"The office staff and maintenance team have been friendly and responsive anytime I've needed help," he said. "Any maintenance requests I've had were handled quickly and professionally. The location is convenient, the community feels safe, and overallit's been a very comfortable place to live. I'm happy with my experience here and would definitely recommend The Reserve at Power Place to anyone looking for a nice apartment community in Lake Charles." 

On June 12, 2025, housing leaders, elected officials, development partners, and community members gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Reserve at Power Place. The milestone marked the completion of a collaborative effort to expand quality housing options in a region where affordable rental housing remains in short supply.

The development team was led by Thomas Delahaye of CST Land Developers, LLC, a division of Louisiana-owned CST Multifamily Real Estate Services, LLC. The Architectural Studio designed the community,Block Builders, LLC served as the builder and general contractor, Arianne Bellizaire Interiors created the branding and interior design of the community spaces and the model apartment, and CST Multifamily Group, LLC will manage the property. Working alongside the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the Louisiana Office of Community Development, these partners brought the development from concept to completion. Financing included Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding, Multifamily Revenue Bonds, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

“Our firm has been warmly received by the community of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish. Indeed, there is a great need for affordable housing in every community in Louisiana. Our emphasis on quality, modern design, on-site management, and exceptional amenities continues to demonstrate the importance of working together with LAAPH and governmental officials to open more doors to our working families,” said CST Multifamily Real Estate Services President/CEO Thomas Delahaye.

Louisiana Office of Community Development-Disaster Recovery Executive Director Gina Campo said developments like Reserve at Power Place play an important role in meeting the region's housing needs.

"We are proud to help fund The Reserve at Power Place with a Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery loan that will be used to provide 144 units of much-needed affordable housing that is resilient, energy-efficient and offers desirable amenities in Lake Charles," Campo said. "The city is well on the road to recovery after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Laura and Delta, but rental housing is still scarce. This project shows what we can accomplish when we work together to ensure that Louisiana's recovery is safer, stronger and smarter than before."

Reserve at Power Place reflects the continued commitment of Louisiana's affordable housing community to expand housing opportunities where they are needed most. Developments like this provide more than new apartments. They give families a stable place to call home, strengthen local communities, and help ensure Southwest Louisiana's recovery continues for years to come.

Learn more about Reserve at Power Place here.