LG Has More Living Options, With Apartments, RV Park Opening

Housing in La Grange got a little more affordable with the opening of the first new apartment complex in years.

The La Grange Springs Apartments just north of La Grange on US 77 began leasing this spring. The complex includes 72 units ranging from one bedroom and one bath to three bedrooms and two baths. Amenities at the complex include a laundry center, playground, barbecue pit area, fitness center and two computer terminals that tenants can use.

Sonia Medina, the property manager, said La Grange Springs was built as affordable housing, and it offers differing rental scales based on income. Medina said La Grange Springs currently has several two-bedroom, two-bath units available. Rent for those units ranges from $807 to $989 per month, she said.

“Affordable housing – it’s a challenge across the nation,” said La Grange City Manager Fred Bell. “Trying to find that balance is tough. The fact is, land is expensive. I don’t know how much higher it’s going to go. When will it cap or flatline? For businesses and us as a city employer, we depend on our blue collar workers and it’s hard for them to find housing. It’s a challenge we’re faced with and we’re not alone. We can’t survive if we don’t have employees.”

Bell said many folks, including himself, have had to seek non-traditional options for housing. The City hired Bell back in March, and he currently lives in a motorhome at Colorado Landing RV while he searches for a permanent home.

“I’m living in a motorhome right now,” Bell said. “Some folks, they’re not at the poverty level, but they can’t afford traditional housing.”

An RV resort being developed by John Haworth is taking shape on the west side of town. Bell said it will contain 150 RV spots, according to permit documents filed with the City.

“You drive by almost every RV park and everyone is full,” Bell said. “It will not surprise me if that fills up quickly.”