Evangeline Apartments

Pros

• The staff, especially Michelle and Dallas, are exceptionally helpful and genuinely caring toward residents.
• Residents and visitors consistently praise the staff for their willingness to assist and their friendly demeanor.
• The Evangeline Elderly Apartments are described as a safe, secure, and welcoming community.
• The building's location in downtown Lafayette is ideal, with easy walking access to the post office, train station, bus terminal, restaurants, and entertainment.
• The apartments are well-designed for retirees 55+, offering amenities such as in-building post office access, washers/dryers, security, and a front desk for packages.
• Renovations preserve the historic architecture while updating living spaces for modern residents.
• The community is pet-friendly, diverse, and friendly, with residents who seem genuinely connected to one another.
• The surrounding area provides abundant cultural and recreational options, including festivals, parades, bowling, music, and museums.

Cons

• The front desk clerk was extremely rude and unprofessional, and did not explain the rules.
• The staff's attitude was persistent and argumentative, making the visitor feel unwelcome.
• The exchange was described as unprofessional and in need of customer service training.

Review

The Evangeline House in Lafayette is more than just a building to many who live there or have family who did. In one heartfelt account, a brother's time at the property is remembered with warmth and gratitude. The writer describes their brother as having lived in Lafayette at the Evangeline, and after his passing on July 29, 2025, the staff - especially Michelle and Dallas - stood out as a steady source of support. They were exceptionally helpful, often answering the call for welfare checks with genuine kindness and a ready smile, even when the brother could be gruff. They would encourage him to call his sister, and they helped him whenever he asked. The author emphasizes how these two staff members went beyond the call of duty, and how their care has continued as they help the family navigate the difficult process of loss. The sentiment from other tenants echoes the same appreciation: Michelle and Dallas are seen as kind, dependable people who consistently treat everyone with respect.

Architectural history comes up as a point of reflection, tying the Evangeline to a broader story. The building is noted to share the same architect as the Downtowner Motor Inn, originally Gregg Hotel, in Longview, Texas. That hotel stood from 1930 until its demolition in 1995, and the reviewer recalls watching a tornado disaster film that showed a glimpse of the Evangeline, which sparked a realization that these structures are related as "cousins." The narrative then connects to Longview's history, where Conrad Hilton expanded the hotel in 1935 while preserving its original architecture. On a personal visit dated Sunday, March 30, 2025, the writer felt a sense of d?j? vu seeing the Evangeline, as if glimpsing the past in a new place, a memory of the Longview hotel's demolition resurfacing in Lafayette.

Beyond its history, the Evangeline is described as a thoughtfully designed living environment, particularly appealing to retirees. The apartments are noted for features like a post office, washer/dryers, security, and a strong sense of community, all within the heart of Lafayette's thriving downtown. The building has undergone recent renovations, and its central location makes it easy to access the bus transit system and other amenities, transforming daily life by reducing lawn-care burdens and car ownership hassles. Nearby conveniences include an electric bike rental right next door and even the option to have a luxury rental car delivered to the property. A front desk with security for packages is highlighted as part of the modernized, tenant-friendly setup designed for residents aged 55 and older. The neighborhood around Evangeline has continued to evolve, with a well-regarded coffee shop, a new pizza/craft brewery, and Rock N Bowl - an entertainment venue offering bowling and live music on weekends - within a short walk. The reviewer paints a lively downtown scene where rock-and-bowl, zydeco-and-bowl, or simply dancing-and-bowl options are all within reach.

Not every moment was perfect, however. On a first-time visit, the reviewer recounts an experience with a front-desk employee who was extremely rude. The person followed the visitor's attempt to understand the building's access rules with a sharp, argumentative attitude instead of offering a calm explanation. The incident is described as unprofessional and in need of customer-service training, reminding readers that even in a well-regarded property, individual interactions can fall short of expectations.

Despite that single negative experience, the Evangeline Elderly Apartments emerge as a lovely, well-regarded community. The staff - particularly Michelle and Dallas - are described as blessings who genuinely care for residents. The writer mentions their dog, Amy, as a familiar and comforting presence during visits, underscoring a sense of hominess in addition to safety. The location is celebrated not only for its security but also for its proximity to essential services: the bus terminal, train station, and post office. The views from the apartments are noted to be especially pleasant during local festivals and parade seasons, and the property is praised for being pet-friendly. The overall sense is of a warm, inclusive environment where families feel supported and residents feel safe.

Further testimony reinforces the strong sense of community. Descriptions of the staff as great and the residents as genuinely caring paint a picture of a place where people choose to look out for one another. The sentiment "if I were old enough to be a resident I would definitely enjoy living among such amazing and diverse people" captures the appeal of a community that feels both welcoming and active. Night security and safety are also highlighted, adding to the confidence that the building offers a stable home for its residents.

Finally, the Evangeline's downtown location is repeatedly praised for its walkable access to essential amenities and cultural options. The property's proximity to the post office, the train station, and the museum speaks to a convenient urban lifestyle. Nearby restaurants and locally owned businesses contribute to a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere, while the overall footprint of the building places it within easy reach of entertainment venues, clubs, and various events. The repeated emphasis on the convenience of walking to the bank, post office, concerts, groceries, and other attractions reinforces the sense that Evangeline Elderly Apartments is more than just a residence - it is an integral part of a lively, historic downtown Lafayette that residents are proud to call home.

This area of Lafayette, Louisiana, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors. Nearby restaurants like Tsunami Sushi and Marley's Sports Bar provide dining options within walking distance, while cafes such as Panera Bread and Starbucks offer cozy places to relax and socialize. For medical needs, there are several trusted physicians and pharmacies in the vicinity, along with hospitals like University Medical Center H R and Lafayette Behavioral Health Unit for comprehensive healthcare services. Parks like Oakland Park and Girard Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, and places of worship such as Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church cater to spiritual enrichment. Additionally, the Lafayette Regional Airport provides easy access to travel options for visiting family or exploring new destinations.

Restaurants

• Tsunami Sushi (0.1 miles)
• Marley's Sports Bar (0.1 miles)
• Pamplona Tapas Bar (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Charlies Seafood Restaurant (1.2 miles)
• Zeus Ul Express (1.3 miles)
• Izzo's Illegal Burrito (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Barras Family Dentistry (0.3 miles)
• University Medical Center Eye Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Kenneth Odinet (0.9 miles)
• St Francis Medical Office Building (0.9 miles)
• Robert L Morrow, Jr MD FACS (0.9 miles)
• Azar Eye Clinic (1 miles)
• Hall, Frederick Uhc Eye Clinic (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Benny's Sportshack (1.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.8 miles)
• CC's Coffee House (1.9 miles)
• Kung Fu Tea (2 miles)
• Johnston Street Java (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Oakland Park (1.3 miles)
• Girard Park (1.4 miles)
• Beavers Park (1.5 miles)
• Moncus Park (2.2 miles)
• Brown Memorial Dog Park (3.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Medicine Bin (1.5 miles)
• Carmichael's Home Iv Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Drug Emporium (2.1 miles)
• Northside Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Sav-On Pharmacy (3.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church (1.5 miles)
• Our Savior's Church Midtown Campus (2.9 miles)
• St Pius X (3.1 miles)
• Saint Edmond Catholic Church (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Johnson Gerald-SWLA Center for Health Service (1.7 miles)
• University Medical Center H R (1.7 miles)
• Children's Hospital Burdin Riehl Clinic (1.7 miles)
• Acadiana Management Group (2.2 miles)
• Lafayette Behavioral Health Unit (2.5 miles)
• LCMC Health Children’s Hospital New Orleans Specialty Care - Lafayette (3.3 miles)
• Lafayette Physical Rehabilitation Hospital (3.8 miles)

Transportation

• Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) (1.9 miles)