Chenier Village to be completed in 2008

Chad Ruiz

St. Tammany News

Big construction is under way along U.S. Highway 190, and it has nothing to do with the expansion of the roads.

Soon to be completed, the upscale village Chenier will host luxury apartments and lavish retail stores. The $30 million project, developed by The Park Companies, is located off of U.S. 190 bordered to the North and East by the Greenleaves and Tanglewood subdivisions. Encompassing 21 acres, the site is scheduled for completion in the latter part of next year, according to John Arms, representative for The Park Companies.

"We forecasted to finish this year, but due to weather delays, the first residential units will become available for lease in the first quarter of next year," said Arms.

For now, bystanders are forced to endure the monotonous drones of heavy machinery and the clusters of wooden eyesores, but eventually, Arms anticipates a self-contained community boasting more than 200 "condo quality apartments," 3,600 square feet of chic, retail boutiques, restaurants, parks and even a small amphitheatre.

"We're trying to develop a little village that would cater to not only the Chenier community but also to the surrounding area of Mandeville," said Arms.

A variety of living spaces will be offered including 700- to 1600-square-foot apartments ranging in price from $850 to $1,800 per month. According to Arms, all of the units will contain fashionable elements.

"The apartments will have very upscale features like fireplaces, French doors, balconies, alarm systems, full washer and dryers and stainless steel appliances."

Although the company believes Mandeville to be the ideal location for the project, some residents in the Greenleaves neighborhood have concerns regarding the contractors seizing portions of their land for drainage purposes and the proximity of some of the residential units towering above their back yards.

According to Arms, the drainage issue has already been addressed.

"As part of Chenier's fully permitted drainage plan, we were required to widen the ditch. All work has been fully permitted and is being performed in accordance with the drainage plan that was reviewed and approved by both, the city of Mandeville and the parish," he said.