Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC), a nonprofit community development organization that transforms communities by investing in people and restoring neighborhoods, has been recognized by the Louisiana Housing Alliance as the 2013 Excellence in Homeownership winner for UREC’s Urban Gardens subdivision.

Urban Gardens is a thriving community of single family residences located at the redeveloped site of the Old Hollywood Elementary School. Urban Gardens provides a nontraditional route to affordable homeownership for first-time homebuyers in North Baton Rouge.

Emel Alexander, UREC’s President and CEO said, “We are honored to be recognized by LHA and we are also thankful to all of our partners for helping to make this project possible. As an organization, we are dedicated to using our resources to assist people in securing safe and quality affordable housing.

LHA Executive Director Marla Newman, said, “LHA is proud of UREC and its selection as the 2013 Excellence in Homeownership winner for the Urban Gardens development. So often our communities fail to recognize the tremendous work done by organizations like UREC and the other Award nominees. Working to revitalize Louisiana’s distressed and underserved communities, and making homes affordable to low and moderate income families, is no easy task. LHA holds this annual event to thank these professionals for their hard work and dedication in improving the quality of life in neighborhoods and communities throughout Louisiana.”
UREC was chosen by a panel of judges representing local banks, associations and community organizations during a recent award program hosted by LHA.

Urban Gardens Partners include: Louisiana Housing Corporation; Whitney Bank; Foundation for Louisiana; Southern University Center for Social Research; Exxon Mobil; Baton Rouge Green; Kings Children’s Ministry and Scotlandville Community Development Corporation.

Prospective homeowners interested in touring a model home can contact Sharon Graves at (225) 356-8871 or info@urecbr.com.