The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority has issued a conditional funding award for a housing development along Tulane Avenue, marking a step forward in the city’s efforts to expand housing access and redevelop underused properties.

The award, approved during NORA’s April board meeting in partnership with the City of New Orleans Office of Community Development, advances plans for the Tulane Avenue Redevelopment Project. The initiative calls for transforming several city-owned parcels on the 2900 block into a non-congregate housing facility aimed at serving individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

HRI Communities was selected as the development partner and is expected to lead construction and operate the site upon completion.

Adrienne Celestine, NORA’s chief of real estate development and strategy, said the project reflects a broader push to bring underutilized properties back into productive use while addressing critical housing shortages. She noted the effort leverages federal funding and private-sector collaboration to support both immediate housing needs and long-term stability for residents.

Plans call for private units equipped with kitchens and bathrooms, along with on-site supportive services designed to help residents transition into permanent housing.

Funding for the project comes from HOME-ARP resources allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Under a cooperative agreement, the city has tasked NORA with administering the funds and overseeing redevelopment in compliance with federal guidelines.

The site spans roughly 35,000 square feet across multiple parcels along Tulane Avenue, South Gayoso Street and South Dupre Street. Officials say the project is part of a broader strategy to reinvest in key corridors while addressing housing instability across New Orleans.

Mayor Helena Moreno said the initiative represents a targeted effort to convert underused public assets into opportunities for residents while strengthening commercial corridors.

The project emerged from a competitive request-for-proposals process and is part of the city’s Strategic Redevelopment Framework, which enables NORA to lease and redevelop city-owned properties in partnership with private developers.

Officials said the conditional award represents an early phase of the development process. The project must still meet requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development before funding is released.

Additional details, including design plans and construction timelines, are expected to be released as the project progresses. Community engagement efforts, including opportunities for public input, will be incorporated in later stages.

Read the full article on Neworleanscitybusiness.com.