Program Summary
NORA and the Orleans Parish School Board have executed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to codify their partnership for redevelopment of School Board-owned properties no longer suitable for use as schools and to facilitate economic redevelopment of the properties. NORA's responsibility is to develop a Request for Proposals and recommend a development partner for Orleans Parish School Board to select. OPSB will enter into a long-term lease and development agreement with selected developer.
Solicitation - Israel Augustine
On Tuesday, November 18th, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), in coordination with the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB), issued Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified respondentsfor the development and operation of the former Israel Augustine School building located at 425 S. Broad Street. The property borders the Lower Mid-City neighborhood and the Tulane-Gravier neighborhood. The development of this property provides a unique opportunity to add to existing investments in the neighborhood along the Tulane Avenue and Broad Street corridors to create a catalyst for additional investment that builds upon the culture and heritage of the building, the neighborhood, and the city.
NORA extended the deadline for submissions to Feburary 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM. In addition. NOLA PS hosted a review of the interior of the first floor of the building for interested developers. Photos from the interior of the building can be viewed at this link.
Projected Development Timeline
Israel Augustine
Valena C. Jones
Meetings and Further Info
Valena C. Jones
Israel Augustine
View presentations and meeting recordings from Israel Augustine meetings below:
FAQs
Where are the schools located?
Israel Augustine:
- Municipal Address: 425 S. Broad Street
- Frontage: S.Broad Street, Baudin Street, S. White Street, and Banks Street frontage
- Lot Area: 110,532 square feet/2.54 acres
- Building Area: 84,584 square feet
- Current Use: Vacant Two-Story Building, Parking Lot, Greenspace
- Nearby Businesses: Beauty Salon/Barber Shop, Vehicle Rental, Courthouse, Daycare, Office, Nail Salon, Restaurants, Shopping Center, Convenience Store/Gas Station
Valena C. Jones:
- Municipal Address: 1901 N. Galvez Street
- Frontage: N. Galvez Street, Annette Street, N. Miro Street, and St. Anthony Street frontage
- Lot Area: 92,752 square feet/2.13 acres
- Building Area: 54,414 square feet
- Current Use: Vacant Three-Story Building, Concrete, Greenspace
- Nearby Businesses & Services:
- Churches, Fire Department, Restaurants, Library, Retail Strip Mall, Truck Stop, Hardware Store
What are some proposed re-uses for these schools?
Israel Augustine:
- Legal services hub offering comprehensive services through the legal process as well as re-entry service such as mental health services, workforce development, job placement
- Multi-family housing, affordable housing, workforce housing, senior housing
- Community healthcare facility
- Social services center
- Education support and services
- Non-profit office space
- Childcare center
- Community work space
- Community recreation and fitness center
Valena C. Jones:
- Affordable housing, workforce housing, senior housing
- Workforce development
- Community healthcare facility
- Social services center
- Education support and services
- Non-profit office space
- Early childhood education/child care facility
- Community work space
- Community recreation, fitness, and greenspace
- Solar development
- Urban farming/agriculture
How will the developer be selected?
NORA, with input from NOLA Public Schools, will issue a Request for Qualifications in the Fall of 2025 for Augustine and early Spring 2026 for Jones requesting proposals from eligible developers and will score the developers based on the strength of their proposals. The strongest applicant will be selected. The developer must demonstrate a project that is financially feasible long-term, meets community needs and wants, and encourages economic development.
What are these sites zoned for?
Israel Augustine: MU-1 Medium Intensity Mixed-Use District
This zoning type is intended to encourage walkable neighborhood centers and corridors, with a mix of residential and commercial uses. Buildings may contain vertical mixed-use as well as single purpose uses designed to provide transitions to adjacent lower density residential areas.
Valena C. Jones: HU-RD2 Historic Urban Two-Family Residential District
This zoning type is intended to provide for two-family development on smaller lots in older, densely populated urban sections of the City mixed with detached single-family dwellings. Allows higher residential densities when a project provides significant public benefits such as long-term affordable housing. Limited non-residential uses such as places of worship, historic neighborhood commercial establishments, and recreational facilities that are compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods may be allowed.
Does NORA have design plans for the building?
NORA will not have design plans until a developer is selected. Additional community meetings will be held for the developers to present design plans and gain community input, as well as after a developer is selected.
1409 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
P: 504.658.4400 • F: 504.658.4551
New Orleans, LA 70113
P: 504.658.4400 • F: 504.658.4551
© 2025 NORA: The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority.