First new development in years

By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

WALLACE – Two partners combined their expertise to develop a new subdivision on the west bank of St. John the Baptist Parish, offering affordable and secure living environments.

The construction of Sugar Lane Estates, the six-phase, 308-lot, and 120-acre subdivision in Wallace, is already in its first phase, finishing one to three lots per week, according to Bill Hubbard, one of the property owners.

The subdivision is located about a half a mile from the Veterans Memorial Bridge, allowing easy access to the east bank of St. John and St. James parishes, Interstate 10 and is literally 30 minutes from the surrounding areas.

Hubbard, and his partner Patrick McEvoy, both residents of LaPlace, purchased the property last year, after an approach to develop a subdivision in Wallace after previous investors of the same property three years ago, were unable to follow through due to financial reasons, McEvoy said.

The two have more than 40 years’ combined experience in construction and real estate helping to create the perfect team to develop this subdivision, according to Hubbard.

“I believe in this project,” said McEvoy. “There was a tremendous need for a close-knit community in this area.”

Hubbard and McEvoy teamed up with Latter and Blum realtor Wendy Benedetto on this project, according to Hubbard.

Community Bank of LaPlace’s Al Salas is responsible for the funding of this project, said Benedetto. Some of the lenders for this project are Omni Bank, First National Bank USA, and America’s Mortgage Resource, she said.

“Give us a call, we’ll get you in,” Benedetto said. “There are several people who just don’t know they can get into a new home, with literally no money down and as low as a $500 deposit.”

There are still lots available from phase one of the construction. So far, 17 lots are available out of 52, said Benedetto.

“Families have children moving away from Wallace to Jefferson Parish and other surrounding areas,” said McEvoy. “This is because, before now there was no land to build on or selling and by having this new close-knit community the children will hopefully return to Wallace.”

A solution to this problem is offering affordable, new homes for people in the River Parish areas and the surrounding areas, providing a “quiet, country atmosphere,” said Hubbard.

The average size home in the subdivision is 1,600 sq. ft. minimum with a frontage of around 80 feet, said Hubbard. These are new homes at affordable prices ranging from $120,000 to $180,000, he said.

There will also be homes available in all-brick, including crown molding and a fireplace. Surveillance will also be provided and available to look at on the computer at all times. Residents will have the convenience of knowing what is going on in their neighborhood at all times. This is expected to attract many different buyers, including first-time home buyers.

There is anticipation to draw people from Kenner, Gonzales, Baton Rouge, and even Marrero to the new subdivision, McEvoy said.

“This subdivision will have a safe and secure atmosphere,” he added, “With the convenience of living by the city and having the comfort of the country.”

Business is already a success for the subdivision in its early stages. Just last week two of the entrance homes had just to be built and an offer was made for one of the houses, according to McEvoy. Also, a model home will soon be available for people to come see different floor plans and ask questions at the River Road location, he said.

For further information or inquiries, contact Latter and Blum realtor, Wendy Benedetto.