Developer and New Orleans native Dimitri Menutis has been active in real estate and commercial development his entire life. Upon completion of his first real estate course at the young age of 14, Mr. Menutis has had a passion for property development ever since. Now at the age of 33, Mr. Menutis has some sixteen years of hands on experience in the residential and commercial development field. "An attention to detail makes all the difference in the world, especially in real estate" says Mr. Menutis.

Working for his family airport retail business, The Grove and Branded Works, Inc., Mr. Menutis successfully developed some 90 plus stores in airports across America. In addition to the airport side of the family business, Mr. Menutis has also developed and renovated numerous commercial and residential historic buildings in the world famous French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Loft Twelve 45 will be the first Lafayette development by Mr. Menutis but not the last. Upon completion of Loft Twelve 45, he plans to co-develop 65 acres near the Acadiana Mall into what will be known as Tuscany, a residential community with an Italian countryside theme.

Developer, successful entrepreneur, and Lafayette native Ruth Ann Menutis has some 30 years experience in residential and commercial real estate. Founder of The Grove and Branded Works, Inc., both nationwide retail airport concession companies, Mrs. Menutis has developed a keen sense for identifying great real estate. In addition to The Grove and Branded Works, Inc., Mrs. Menutis has for 30 years continuously developed property in the New Orleans French Quarter.

She has served on numerous boards such as the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, the French Market Board, and was selected Entrepreneur of the Year by University of New Orleans. Mrs. Menutis served as Chairperson of the Louisiana Delegation to the White House Conference on Small Business in both 1979 and 1990. Loft Twelve 45 has given her the opportunity to introduce Lafayette to an exciting new way to look at our living spaces. Lofts in Lafayette brings that urban sense of place to a suburban landscape. "Chic wide open loft living is what Loft Twelve 45 is all about and we want to be the first in Lafayette" says Mrs. Menutis.

Steven Oubre has practiced architecture since 1976, co-founding Architects Southwest in 1980.  ASW is a professional corporation of individuals dedicated to providing high quality, efficient, and cost effective building facilities to complement and enhance the environment. The firm specializes in the new urbanist development of greenfield and infill places, cultural architecture, as well as educational and campus planning, with work throughout the Gulf South. Mr. Oubre holds a Bachelor Degree of Architecture from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (formerly USL) where he has served as an adjunct professor. 

He has also served as a visiting critic for various groups and organizations and lectures frequently on design and urban design. He has helped pioneer the new urbanist movement in Louisiana beginning in 1994 with the new urbanist project, The Village of Ile de Canne, in association with Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater Zyberk. 

As a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, Mr. Oubre has studied and worked during the nineties on creating spaces, which re-address the art of building for people. Currently, Mr. Oubre is planning focus is comprised of several New Urbanist projects, most notably The Village of River Ranch, a 256 acre Traditional Neighborhood Development located on land in the heart of Lafayette. The River Ranch Design Code, containing architectural covenants and building codes, ensures the continuity and integrity of the architectural and aesthetic environment.

 ASW is responsible for the successful completion of The City Club at River Ranch, LGMC Family Health Plaza, The Early Learning Center for Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Lagniappe Bakery, as well as many of the Town Center merchant shops.  ASW is looking forward to the successful completion of two new projects at River Ranch.  The Mill House Condominiums are fashioned after the Warehouse District of New Orleans, offering dramatic architectural design. The Carriage House will offer the latest luxury condominium residences located on beautiful DeGaulle Square, featuring old world charm created by terraces, porches, and lush gardens. Other new urbanist projects include Acadia Plantation in Thibodaux; Waterside in Lake Charles; Olde Towne at Millcreek in Lafayette; Southeastern University in Hammond; Lake District in Alexandria; Provenance in Shreveport; Sugar Mill Pond in Youngsville; Willow Grove in Baton Rouge; Terra Bella in Covington and a yet unnamed project in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Oubre and the staff of Architects Southwest embraces the sleek, urban setting of Loft Twelve 45.

Everyone at ASW is truly excited about the opportunity to be involved with this most innovative Project, which promises to be one of Lafayette’s most sought after living space.