Construction Underway on West M Apartments in Lake Charles, LA

Atlanta, GA/Lake Charles, LA (July 15, 2010) – Construction is now underway on West M Apartments (rendering top left) – a new luxury multifamily community in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The $25 million first phase of the 23-acre gated community includes 222 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Reservations for the new residences, which will be completed early next year, are now being accepted.

The product is a mid-density, center corridor type design surrounding a resort-style amenities package including the residents’ club and infinity-edge swimming pool with fountains, cabanas and an outdoor kitchen equipped for social functions.

 Other upscale amenities of the controlled access community include a state-of-the-art fitness center, java café, theater and pet park all set in a heavily landscaped setting more typically found in a high-end resort.

 Interiors feature modern kitchens with granite countertops, high-end wood cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances.

 Each apartment has its own washer and dryer as well as garden tub, contemporary lighting and upgraded flooring. Most apartments will have built-in desks as well as storage closets located on their patios or hardwood balconies.

Some loft-style floorplans are available. Residents can also rent convenient enclosed garages. The architect for the project is Dallas-based JH+P Architects. Interiors were designed by Faulkner Design Group, also of Dallas.

“West M is going to be the most appealing apartment community in Lake Charles,” said Cortland Partners president Steven DeFrancis.

“While it is difficult to get any deal financed in today’s market, we were able to take advantage of the excess slack in the construction market and the particular strength of the south Louisiana market to bring an unprecedented level of product and design to the area.”

“Getting a project of this scope off the ground in this very challenging financing environment took tenacity, but we are confident we will bring a new experience to Lake Charles,” he added. “The first residents should be able to move in early next year, and I am sure they will be as excited about moving here as I am about getting construction started.”

Construction first began in late May. The address is 1330 West McNeese Street in Lake Charles.

The community near I-210 is easily accessible to McNeese State University (lower left rendering) .

 Future phases will bring the total number of apartments to 330. M&T Capital Realty Corp., which financed the project, received a HUD 221d4 loan guarantee for the $21.5 million construction and permanent loan.

For more information, send an e-mail to info@cortlandpartners.com or visit http://www.westmapartments.com/

Media Contact: Terri Thornton 404-932-4347 Terri@TerriThornton.com