Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation (LTHP) is seeking qualified developers, entrepreneurs, investors, & preservation-minded buyers to redevelop two historic commercial buildings located prominently on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Homer.
The properties, known locally as the “Wooden Buildings”, are located at 500-506 East Main Street within both the Homer National Register Historic District & Louisiana Cultural District. LTHP has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) inviting interested parties to submit qualifications for the acquisition & rehabilitation of the buildings.
“The Wooden Buildings represent exactly the type of historic property that can serve as a catalyst for continued downtown revitalization,” said Brian M. Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation. “Our goal has been to save these important buildings through our revolving fund program we find the right owner who can bring them back into productive use while respecting their historic character.”
Originally acquired by LTHP in 2018, the buildings were saved from further deterioration through stabilization efforts designed to preserve their historic character & position them for future investment. Today, the buildings offer a rare opportunity to redevelop a highly visible downtown property while benefiting from significant historic preservation incentives.
The approximately 3,280-square-foot property consists of two historic commercial buildings situated directly on Homer’s courthouse square. The structures are currently in “vanilla box” condition, providing a flexible starting point for a variety of future uses including retail, restaurant, office, hospitality, or mixed-use redevelopment.
Eligible purchasers may be able to offset up to 55% of qualified rehabilitation expenses through the combined use of Federal & Louisiana Historic Tax Credit programs, significantly improving redevelopment feasibility. A façade easement remains in place to help preserve the buildings’ historic architectural features while allowing for adaptive reuse.
Located in the heart of Downtown Homer, the property benefits from strong visibility, walkability, & proximity to government offices, local businesses, restaurants, & community amenities. “This project is an important component of Main Street Homer’s ongoing efforts to attract new investments & businesses that revitalize Homer through economic development & historic preservation,” said Main Street Homer’s Jimmy Hand.
Interested developers are encouraged to review the RFQ package, which includes property information, market data, redevelopment incentives, historic preservation requirements, & submission guidelines. The RFQ can be found here.
Responses to the RFQ are due by 5:00 PM Central Standard Time on June 30, 2026.
For additional information or to obtain a copy of the RFQ, contact:
Brian M. Davis
Executive Director
Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation
(318) 267-5220
About the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation
The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, & promoting Louisiana’s historic places. Through advocacy, education, technical assistance, & strategic preservation projects, the Trust works to ensure that Louisiana’s historic buildings & communities remain vital assets for future generations.