Local real estate company buys Chapel Downs Apartments

Tucked away off Port Street in Abbeville is one of the nicest apartment complexes in the city. Since the mid-1980s, Chapel Downs Apartments has been the home of many residents over the last 40 years. Today, the apartment complex now has a new owner.
This week, Royal House Buyers out of Abbeville purchased the apartments for an undisclosed amount.
Rhett Hebert, the owner of Royal House Buyers, purchased the property.
“It is in excellent condition,” said Hebert. “We are going to make a few upgrades in some of the apartments, like changing the floors and painting.”
The complex has 12 one-bedroom apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments. As of Tuesday, the apartments are 100 percent occupied.
The rent is $850 for a two-bedroom and $635 for a one-bedroom.
Hebert said the rent will remain the same.
However, he said the apartment complex will have a new name. He is getting rid of the name Chapel Down Apartments, and he plans to rename the complex after one of his two daughters, Juliette. He was not 100 percent sure of the exact name he would give the complex.
This is the second apartment complex Hebert has purchased in five years. He bought and made significant repairs to a smaller complex on North State Street in Abbeville. His first apartment is named Skarlet’s Place, after his other daughter.
“This is what our company does,” said Hebert. “We buy homes and buildings, repair them if needed, and rent or sell them. We also buy older properties to rejuvenate them.
“This is a good thing for the city. It helps generate sales tax dollars, along with utilities,” he added.
Hebert said he plans to keep the working staff: maintenance manager Danny Duhon; office manager Charity Boudreaux, property manager Daniel Girard and office assistant Leah Girard.