Myrtlewood Cottages Local Architect Develops Homes in Downtown West Monroe
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OR OVER 24 YEARS, TIM BRANDON has been creating and designing office buildings, medical facilities and educational facilities across Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas with his firm, Tim Brandon Architecture. His firm oversees all aspects of architectural projects, from site analysis to conceptual planning to programming to design to construction administration. Some of their projects include the new Bayou Pointe facility at ULM, the former Georgia Tucker School turned assisted living facility, D’Arbonne Woods Charter School, the Louisiana Tech Davison Athletic Complex and Joe Aillet Stadium Press Box and more. And now, he is working on a project close to home. In fact, it is just steps away from his office on Cypress Street in West Monroe. Myrtlewood Cottages is a development of homes available for lease with reduced square footage located on Wood Street in West Monroe. “This is an area that was blighted, had old homes and overgrown yards,” said Tim Brandon. “It was really an eyesore, and I was thinking what I could do with this area to improve downtown West Monroe.” When the opportunity came to purchase the area, Tim knew what he wanted to do. For this project, Tim and his team not only designed the development, but also oversaw the building and construction with his company, Venture Development. Phase I of this development features 15 homes with reduced square footage with one and two bedroom options. “Some people may think they are tiny homes and they aren’t,” says Brandon. “They are more along the lines of minimalistic living and ideal for young
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families and the older generation.” There is little upkeep and maintenance required in a safe and secure environment, all available at market rate leasing. Some of the amenities include security cameras, granite countertops, decorative security fencing and open floor plans. With these homes located in the heart of downtown West Monroe, they are within walking distance of an elementary school, post office, churches, restaurants, retail shops and more. But this isn’t just about creating options for residents to lease housing. Tim Brandon is passionate about historical preservation and being a part of the revitalization of downtown West Monroe. In fact, when Tim started the process of taking down the old homes to begin the Myrtlewood Cottages development, he didn’t just demolish the homes. He removed wood and other materials in the shuttered homes to implement throughout the Myrtlewood development, preserving history. This passion for preservation continues with Brandon’s current term or president of the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group. This group is made up of dedicated community and business leaders, who are dedicated to improving the downtown area in West Monroe for the prosperity of the entire city. The group raises funds that are used for the purpose of capital improvements made to the downtown area like crosswalks, single facade grants and general beautification. Brandon has also recently acquired the Hatchell Building, at the corner of Trenton and Natchitoches Streets in downtown West Monroe. Brandon plans on using state and
federal historical tax credits to renovate the building. It will feature multiple retail spaces on the first floor and six upscale residential apartments on the second floor. And while Tim Brandon credits his hometown upbringing and education at Louisiana Tech for his success, he credits his team even more. Donna Cathey serves as the COO of all of Brandon’s companies, which range from architectural design to construction as well as real estate. With a background in teaching, Donna serves as special advisor for educational projects as well. Donna and Tim’s skills and strengths complement each other, leading to the team’s success. Clint Whittington serves as Vice President and Director of Production. Clint is a licensed Architect and has 13 years of architectural experience with TBA Studio. Serving alongside Clint is Robbie Meredith, who is a new addition to the TBA team. Robbie comes to TBA with a vast amount of experience working in all sectors of architectural projects. Lisa Peddy Frontaura serves as the Vice President of Operations in the Bossier office. She is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University School of Architecture and has been managing projects for most of her 12 years with TBA Studio. Tim and his team are excited to continue to work on architecture and design projects for a variety of businesses and institutions in this area, as well as create developments that preserve history and promote interest in downtown West Monroe.