April 24, 2025 | Biz New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority along with Co Developers, HRI Communities, LLC (“HRIC”) and New Orleans Restoration Properties (“NORP”), are proud to announce the grand opening of the St. Bernard Circle Apartments, a new mixed-use, mixed-income, sustainable, residential community located at 1431 St. Bernard Avenue across from the historic Circle Food Store in New Orleans’ storied 7th Ward. A ribbon cutting took place today with remarks from public and private partners and community dignitaries including New Orleans Director of Housing Policy, Community and Workforce Development Tyra Johnson Brown, and NORA Executive Director Brenda M. Breaux. With construction led by Landis Construction Co., LLC, the event marks the official opening of the building that is already a cornerstone of ongoing revitalization in the area.

The St. Bernard Circle Apartments, a transformative $22 million development, features a four-story building with 56,000 total square feet of residential and ground floor retail space. Of the 51 mixed-income units, 40 apartments are reserved for families earning at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI), with 16 of those units fulfilling the one-for-one replacement unit requirement of the HUD Iberville/Tremé Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Grant.

“The opening of St. Bernard Apartments marks a monumental step forward in our continued efforts to provide safe, affordable housing for all New Orleanians,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This project not only addresses the pressing need for affordable housing but also strengthens our communities, creates new opportunities for local businesses, and preserves the rich culture and heritage of the 7th Ward. I’m proud to see this development come to life, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our residents and our city for generations to come.”

Designed with an emphasis on sustainability and disaster resilience, the St. Bernard Circle development is built for certification under Enterprise Green Communities, Energy Star and FORTIFIED Multifamily Gold standards. Amenities include a fitness center, community room, community park and performance stage fronting North Robertson Street, secure off-street parking, bike parking, and in-unit washers, dryers, and dishwashers.

Development of the St. Bernard Circle site was first envisioned by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (“NORA”) as an extension of its long-term work in the area, including affordable homeownership, small business support, and façade improvements. NORA acquired a cluster of long vacant properties, including the St. Bernard Circle site, from a private owner in order to develop a community-centered anchor featuring new opportunities for affordable housing and small businesses.

“We are proud to mark completion of the St. Bernard Circle Apartments, a project that addresses critical needs to provide affordable housing and opportunities for local minority-owned small businesses, reflects the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the neighborhood, and embraces resilience and sustainability for the future,” stated Brenda M. Breaux, Executive Director of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. “This is only the beginning. We look forward to future phases of development that will deliver more affordable housing and commerce to the neighborhood.”

NORA conducted extensive community engagement which ultimately led to the selection of HRIC and NORP as developers to lease the property and create new, mixed-use reinvestment in the community. “We are thrilled to officially open the St. Bernard Circle Apartments and welcome our first residents,” said Josh Collen, President of HRI Communities. “This project represents not just quality mixed-income housing that furthers our dedication to the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, but is also a significant step toward revitalizing the St. Bernard Avenue corridor. We are committed to creating a community that prioritizes resilience, sustainability, and celebrates the unique culture of the 7th Ward.”

“NORP is proud to serve as development partner with HRI and NORA in advancing the St. Bernard Circle project, one of the final essential pieces of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) in the 7th Ward,” said Managing Member Paul Irons. “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to equitable redevelopment that embodies the voices and aspirations of the local community. St. Bernard Circle will provide high-quality housing and help revitalize a historic neighborhood with inclusive, place-based strategies that promote long-term resilience and economic opportunity. At NORP, we believe development is most impactful when it is community-driven, and we are honored to be a part of this vital collaboration that embodies this philosophy.”

“The opening of St. Bernard Circle Apartments is a proud moment for the 7th Ward and the entire city. This development brings affordable housing, supports minority-owned businesses, and reflects the resilience and culture that make New Orleans unique. Projects like this move us closer to the equitable future our communities deserve,” said Councilman Freddie King III, District C.

“In October 2023, we joined together at this site to break ground for the St. Bernard Circle Apartments; now, 18 months later, we are here to open the doors to the local 7th ward community,” said Council President JP Morrell. “What was once a vacant lot is now a developed site with 51 total units, 40 affordable housing units, 2 retail spaces for local businesses, and sustainable design features. The St. Bernard Circle Apartments are a leading example of what community-focused development looks like in the city of New Orleans. The positive impact this will have on our residents and city for generations ahead is something I truly look forward to.”

“I’m proud of this development, it’s a true example of what can happen when strong public and private partners work together for the good of the community,” said Marjorianna Willman, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of New Orleans.

The ribbon cutting marked the inclusion of two ground-floor retail spaces totaling 1,800 square feet, dedicated to local, minority-owned businesses. Gr8ful Events, an event management company founded by New Orleans native, Marsha McGee, will open an event space designed for elevated and intimate corporate and non-corporate gatherings. “As someone who was born and raised in this community, it is truly an honor for me to be part of the revitalization of the Claiborne Corridor at St. Bernard Ave. Being involved in this development is not just a professional achievement, but a personal one as well. I am committed to bring business into the community that ensures that the spirit and culture of the neighborhood is nurtured and preserved. I am truly Gr8ful for this opportunity,” said McGee.

Vince Craige, a local New Orleans screen print artist and entrepreneur will occupy the second retail space with Nola by Nature, an authentic lifestyle, clothing and products brand for Nola-Native and Nola-Inspired individuals to live in a naturally creative and positive way every day. The retail and gallery space will offer screen printing and DTF, embroidery and creative services. “This opportunity feels like winning the lottery—surreal, deeply nostalgic, and filled with purpose. As someone from Algiers who often envisioned being rooted on the Eastbank, having my name on a new building meant to preserve local culture feels like both a powerful manifestation and a spiritual rebirth. It’s more than just a financial blessing—it’s a chance to honor my roots, uplift my community, and be part of something truly transformative,” said Craige.

The development showcases local art and cultural elements, including a custom fabricated metal arch created by local artist and blacksmith, Daryl Reeves, and a wall at the park area designed to be the canvas for a community mural, which will be unveiled at a later date. This St. Bernard Avenue mural project is led by HRIC, NORP and Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation (“Ujamaa”) and will feature the work of one or more local artists honoring the historic culture and traditions of the neighborhood. Ujamaa is an organization focused on equitable redevelopment of the Claiborne Corridor and adjacent communities with a commitment to cultural preservation, economic opportunity, housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and safe and healthy neighborhoods.

“To see this project move from inception, perform community engagement initiatives during and beyond COVID, and now, be ready to open with a FORTIFIED Gold Star, is better than a dream come true,” said Ujamaa Executive Director, Nyree Ramsey. Ujamaa arranged for Corey Henry & the Tremé Brass Band, CID Artist-in-Residence, Sunni Patterson, and Big Chief Darryl Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas “Hunters” Black masking Indian Tribe to be a part of the St. Bernard Circle Apartments ribbon cutting.

The project was made possible through the collaboration with multiple public and private stakeholders and financial partners, each of which has actively participated in delivering the St. Bernard Circle Apartments through investments including a Ford Foundation grant, administered by NORA; $6,000,000 of HOME and GO Bond funds provided by the City of New Orleans; a reservation of 9% Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Louisiana Housing Corporation; rental assistance provided by the Housing Authority of New Orleans. Additionally, the Finance Authority of New Orleans served as the issuer of a PILOT property tax abatement; Hudson Housing Capital LLC served as the federal tax credit equity syndicator; Capital One Bank, N.A. served as the tax credit investor and construction loan lender; and Hope Credit Union served as the permanent first mortgage lender.

“We are making housing dreams come true for those who never thought it was possible,” said LHC Executive Director Kevin Delahoussaye. “We are excited to repurpose this area into a tangible necessity that will serve the community and enforce our mission of providing safe, affordable, and energy-efficient housing for Louisiana residents.”

“St. Bernard Circle is an example of community partners uniting to develop a space that has the potential to transform an area. The design of the property compliments and recognizes the culture of the community, which is of critical importance to Finance New Orleans (“FNO”). FNO is pleased to support St. Bernard Circle with public resources as we believe it’s a model for the investment we need across New Orleans,” said Damon Burns, Chief Executive Officer of Finance New Orleans.

“Access to safe, quality and affordable housing can unlock pathways to greater economic and financial success among residents,” said Desiree Francis, managing vice president of Community Finance at Capital One. “As a top community development lender, Capital One is proud to have played a role in financing St. Bernard Circle Apartments, which will provide long-term, affordable units for working families, veterans, and individuals. This community demonstrates the power of public-private investment through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program in delivering affordable housing at scale for Louisiana citizens.”

“Hope Credit Union is always delighted to celebrate affordable housing events like this one with HRI, the City of New Orleans and so many other important partners. As a community development financial institution, putting our money to work providing much needed housing for working families is part of our mission. It’s exciting to see a vision for resilient housing come together like this one,” said Phil Eide, Senior Vice President, Hope Credit Union.

For more information on leasing at St. Bernard Circle Apartments, please visit www.stbernardcircle.com.

About New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA)

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority is a catalyst for community redevelopment, working to stimulate investment, support economic development, and promote an equitable and sustainable future for the city. NORA collaborates with public and private partners to implement innovative strategies that enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses. Learn more at noraworks.org.

As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, CNBC asks “Can New Orleans Save Its Homes From Flooding Again?”

NORA Executive Director Brenda M. Breaux, interviewed alongside several community members and leaders, highlights the organization’s work to return properties to commerce in a deliberate and thoughtful manner with programs that build affordable homeownership and land acquisition opportunities for low to moderate income households while enhancing the city’s commercial corridors.

From CNBC: Twenty years ago Hurricane Katrina flooded hundreds of thousands of homes in New Orleans and killed over 1,800 people. In the aftermath, a quarter of the city's housing stock was left vacant or abandoned. The U.S. government has spent billions to rebuild homes, restore infrastructure, and fortify the levee system. But more may be needed to counteract the city’s slow decline into the sea. On top of that, parts of the federal response have been criticized for their complexity and impact on low-income homeowners. Today, the city is facing a housing crisis as homeowner insurance premiums and property taxes rise.

Guest column: Housing Trust Fund vote gives New Orleans a chance to move forward

By Michelle Whetten | Jan 10, 2025

New Orleans is in the midst of a housing crisis, fueled by the effects of the pandemic, skyrocketing insurance rates, higher costs of utilities, a lack of new housing stock and stagnant wages.

More than 40% of households in this city spend more than half their income on rent, and family homelessness has soared 69% in the past two years.

Centuries of history have indelibly shaped our streets and culture — it seeps out of our urban landscape. That also means we have aging homes, which are expensive to maintain or repair to bring up to today’s standards, especially for low- and moderate-income owners and landlords. Housing stability, let alone homeownership, is becoming increasingly out of reach.

On Nov. 5, New Orleanians took a bold step and voted overwhelmingly to establish the first ongoing funding source for the city’s Housing Trust Fund.

This amendment, supported by 75% of voters, directs 2% of the city’s annual budget to create and preserve affordable housing and will be the largest local investment in housing affordability in our city’s history — with no new taxes for residents. This sustained funding is projected to create roughly $17 million per year for this purpose and, when paired with other private and federal funding sources, has the power to generate more than $1 billion to invest in New Orleans neighborhoods over the next 20 years.

But passing the amendment was just the beginning. Now comes the task of turning this commitment into real homes for real people.

To solve a problem as large and complex as the one we face, we need to think big and about making consistent and compounding progress. This money will go toward building new affordable rental apartments, preserving existing ones and creating pathways to affordable homeownership.

Working together is key to making this vision a reality. The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and Finance New Orleans will guide the fund, joined by a city council-appointed advisory committee to help prioritize projects. Affordable housing developers, nonprofits and financial institutions can now rely on a stable public funding source, enabling them to scale up their efforts.

For Leiana Quintero, a lifelong resident of New Orleans and a single mother raising her son, it was often difficult to save for anything after paying for the bare necessities like food and rent each month.

But with help from People’s Housing+ and others, Quintero has returned to her family’s neighborhood in Treme as a homeowner. The commitment to this fund will allow for more families to follow in her footsteps, achieving stability while preserving the unique culture and community of New Orleans.

“Thanks to community partners and organizations like People's Housing+, not only am I reaching my dreams,” Quintero said. “I'm also returning to the very neighborhood where my family has lived for generations. My son now makes the 7th generation to grow up in the Treme neighborhood.”

This is the type of impact we can achieve through committed public-private partnerships — impact that honors our history while making a brighter future possible.

In an era when federal funds often can’t fully address local needs, the public support for this amendment reflects a deep civic alignment to tackle our housing crisis head-on. As the national spotlight on affordable housing grows, this devoted funding can serve as a catalyst, attracting more investment and grants from state and federal governments, nonprofits and other private funders to not only support the rehabilitation of blighted areas, but also preserve affordable homes and ensure residents aren’t displaced.

Capable and dedicated city leaders like Council Member Harris, alongside for-profit and nonprofit partners, have worked tirelessly to address these housing challenges. Now, they can accelerate their essential work and focus on creating and preserving the 47,000 affordable homes New Orleans needs.

New Orleans, let’s keep this momentum going. By working together to make sure these funds are used effectively and strategically, we can turn this vote into real, lasting change. Let’s ensure every resident has a stable, affordable place to call home and that future generations can thrive in the neighborhoods that have shaped their families for decades.

Michelle Whetten is a vice president at Enterprise Community Partners.

New Orleans leaders to build new homeless shelter in Mid-City. See details

BY SOPHIE KASAKOVE and JAMES FINN

Two weeks after Gov. Jeff Landry opened a temporary homeless shelter in New Orleans to some local criticism, city leaders have signed off on plans to build a new city-run shelter for 65 people living on the street.

The move, which is months or more away from being realized, is an apparent pivot from earlier city efforts to move homeless people from encampments to permanent housing, the pace of which has been criticized by Landry and his allies.

City officials on Thursday said the new shelter – which will offer temporary apartment-style living when it is eventually built – will help address a longstanding shortage of beds available for homeless people.

"There's a strong need and political will to solve the homeless issue in New Orleans and provide wrap around services and housing for our residents," said Tyler Russell, director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Assets and Investment.

The plan, pitched by Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration and approved Thursday by the City Council, would see the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, a public agency tasked with revitalizing city neighborhoods, select within six months a developer that will design and eventually construct a temporary shelter.

The apartment-style shelter, the first of its kind in the city, would be built on a vacant lot between South Gayoso and South Dupre streets, which before Hurricane Katrina housed the city’s former crime lab.

Homeless services providers say that such shelters --- officially non-congregate shelters -- can be a better option for some homeless residents, especially those with mental illness who may struggle to share close quarters. City officials have also acknowledged that more “transitional” support is needed before some with mental illness are stable enough to be permanently housed.

Cantrell's administration will dedicate $8 million in federal Department of Housing and Urban Development funds to develop the site. It will also reimburse the redevelopment authority up to more than $880,000 annually to oversee the site.

The developer selected by the redevelopment authority will be tasked with securing other project financing.

The move comes at a time when other shelters in the city – such as those operated by The New Orleans Mission, Ozanam Inn, and the city’s 296-bed low-barrier homeless shelter – are at capacity almost every night. Those facilities are also all shared living spaces, not apartment-style living.

The decision also comes as Landry and his supporters have criticized the speed of the city’s effort to permanently move people off of the streets. A spokesperson for Landry said she did not have enough information on the project to comment Thursday night.

Meanwhile, critics of Landry's temporary 200-bed shelter have questioned the state spending -- up to $16 million for three months of operation -- on a shelter, rather than permanent housing.

City Councilmember Lesli Harris has blasted that shelter as lacking needed services, though shelter officials dispute her claims.

Harris, who sponsored the proposal for the city's shelter at Cantrell's request, said the project was "a win for the city of New Orleans and will provide much needed housing for some of the city's most vulnerable population."

New Orleans is at a Pivotal Point in the Real Estate Market

December 31, 2024 | By Brenda M. Breaux

The real estate market in New Orleans is resilient and constantly evolving to reflect broader economic trends and address local challenges. Like many urban centers, New Orleans grapples with the complexities of affordability, supply and rising construction costs. However, it is also navigating the effects of post-pandemic economic shifts and national interest rate policies. Amid these challenges, the city is experiencing a transformative moment, implementing strategic policies and investments designed to reshape its housing landscape forever.

A Mixed Market: Affordability and Demand Challenges
New Orleans remains a highly desirable location for its unique culture, rich history and diverse neighborhoods. However, the city faces persistent affordability issues. Rising property values, rental rates and insurance costs have made housing less accessible for many residents, with home prices increasing by approximately 6% annually over the last five years, according to regional market data. Renters — who make up more than half of the city’s residents — are particularly affected, with median rent increases outpacing wage growth.

At the same time, the demand for housing remains steady, driven by New Orleans’ appeal to new residents, investors and businesses. Areas like the Garden District, Uptown and parts of Mid-City continue to see strong buyer interest while emerging neighborhoods like the Seventh Ward and New Orleans East offer opportunities for both residential and mixed-use developments. However, inventory shortages, increased insurance costs and high construction costs have slowed new housing starts, exacerbating supply challenges in a market already constrained by historic preservation guidelines increased insurance costs and unique infrastructure requirements.

A Bright Spot: The Housing Trust Fund and Redevelopment Efforts
Against this backdrop, voters’ overwhelming passage of the Housing Trust Fund represents a beacon of hope for New Orleans, signaling a commitment to addressing the affordability crisis head-on. This fund, designed to create and preserve affordable housing, provides new resources to tackle some of the city’s most pressing housing needs. These funds are set to catalyze redevelopment projects that increase housing options and strengthen the city’s social and economic fabric.

One such example is the Louisiana Avenue Firehouse project, which exemplifies the transformative potential of thoughtful redevelopment. We were thrilled to be part of breaking ground on this project — a transformative development that reflects our commitment to creating affordable, sustainable housing and expanding early childhood education access in New Orleans. This project showcases the incredible impact of thoughtful redevelopment of city-owned properties through the redevelopment framework.

With the passing of the Housing Trust Fund, we have an unprecedented opportunity to preserve and create affordable housing opportunities and bring even more projects like this and others to life — projects that can empower our residents, support economic growth and strengthen our neighborhoods.

Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient, Inclusive Future
The Housing Trust Fund and the Redevelopment Framework pave the way for more projects prioritizing equity, sustainability and resilience. Initiatives like this address not only housing supply but also the interconnected needs of the community, such as education, workforce development and economic revitalization.

As New Orleans continues to navigate its real estate challenges, its efforts to implement innovative solutions offer a path forward. Leaders and citizens aim to create a city where all residents can thrive by prioritizing affordable housing and fostering inclusive development. The real estate market’s trajectory will depend heavily on the success of these programs and the partnerships that drive them.

New Orleans is reshaping its housing landscape. These efforts are not just about creating homes; they are about building a more substantial, more inclusive city where residents can live, work and contribute to a thriving community.

Brenda M. Breaux is the executive director of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, a catalyst for the revitalization of the New Orleans region, partnering in affordable and equitable strategic developments that celebrate the city’s neighborhoods and honor its traditions. She may be reached via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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