CEO of PH+ Oji Alexander and District B Councilwoman Lesli Harris speaking at the November 9 Press Conference
In the heart of New Orleans’ Central City, a long-neglected building is about to experience a remarkable transformation. The Louisiana Avenue Firehouse, once a symbol of blight and vacancy, is set to be restored as a vibrant community asset. This project is a shining example of how public-private partnerships can not only breathe new life into historic buildings but also bring lasting benefits to local communities through affordable housing opportunities and offering essential services to families.
The firehouse, which has stood empty for over two decades, will soon become home to seven affordable housing units and an early childhood education center, making it the only facility of its kind in the city. This development is the first project under the Redevelopment Framework, a groundbreaking collaboration between the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) and the City of New Orleans. The goal is to transform underused city-owned properties into spaces that offer real value to residents. People’s Housing+ (PH+) CEO Oji Alexander said,
“This project is the first of its kind, and we are excited about the replicability of this project. Our multiple bottom-line approach aims to increase the supply of stable, affordable rental housing in a city where over 60% of renters are cost burdened. Affordable rental housing is the 'on-ramp' to eventual homeownership, while the ground-floor early education center will provide up to 65 seats, offering accessible childcare for the residents above.”
Councilmember Lesli Harris, who represents District B, expressed her commitment to these types of projects, stating,
“Restoring the 100+ year-old Louisiana Avenue Firehouse into permanently affordable housing with on-site early childhood education embodies exactly what our residents need.”
Her vision aligns with the goals of NORA and the developers involved—leveraging underutilized city-owned properties to create housing opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
This project showcases the strength of public-private partnerships, with nonprofit People’s Housing Plus leading the development, and firms like Alembic Community Development, Studio Kiro (woman-owned architectural firm), and CDW Services (black-owned construction firm) contributing as partners. This collaboration brings together diverse stakeholders to ensure that the project not only benefits the community but also reflects the values of equity and opportunity by supporting local, woman- and black-owned businesses.
"Restoring this historical landmark will bring back a hidden treasure to the Central City neighborhood, while the childcare center will serve as a great resource for the tenants and neighborhood community. The building's historic Tudor styling and detailing were a key inspiration to the project's design goals, while also accommodating modern needs, current building codes and new technologies. In addition to restoring the historic spaces of the building, each of the second-floor residences will connect into the large attic spaces, creating lofted bedrooms in the existing double gable roof structure." – Miwako Hattori, Principal of Studio Kiro
Renderings Supplied by Studio Kiro
The success of the Louisiana Avenue Firehouse project highlights the broader potential of the Redevelopment Framework, showcasing how the proposed Housing Trust Fund (on the ballot November 5) sets a precedent for repurposing underused or vacant properties citywide to meet community needs. By transforming blighted properties into vibrant spaces, New Orleans can create affordable housing, provide essential services, and strengthen neighborhoods—all without raising taxes.
As New Orleans grapples with challenges related to housing affordability and community development, projects like the Louisiana Avenue Firehouse prove that strategic public-private partnerships can offer real solutions. With the power of collaboration, historic buildings can be revitalized, delivering lasting benefits for generations to come.