Laffite Phase VII
Size of Project
2.75 Acres
Number of Units
50
Location
New Orleans, LA
Industry
Multi-Family
Type
New Construction/Historic Renovation
Status
In Progress
Architect
METROstudio
Overview
Completing a Two-Decade Vision for Faubourg Lafitte
Nearly twenty years after Hurricane Katrina reshaped New Orleans, the final phase of the Lafitte redevelopment is moving forward. What was once one of the city’s most heavily damaged public housing sites is now being restored with purpose, bringing residents back and completing a long-promised vision for the Faubourg Lafitte neighborhood.
RNGD is advancing Lafitte Phase VII, a 2.75-acre multifamily development in the heart of New Orleans that combines new construction with the restoration of the last remaining historic Lafitte building. The project includes 50 affordable housing units across 40 new buildings, along with the rehabilitation of a 1941 structure that will house additional residences and a centralized leasing office.
Executing on a Constrained Urban Site
Located within a tight urban footprint in Tremé, the project is bounded by active streets, neighboring structures, and public spaces, leaving minimal room for staging and laydown.
RNGD approached this constraint through early preconstruction planning, breaking the site into four construction quadrants to maintain workflow and keep trades moving efficiently. This phased approach, combined with close coordination among subcontractors and suppliers, has allowed framing, enclosure, and interior buildout activities to advance simultaneously across the site.
Procurement strategies and value-driven decisions during preconstruction also reduced overall project cost while maintaining quality and long-term durability standards, helping keep the project aligned as work progresses toward completion.
Balancing Preservation with Progress
At the center of Lafitte Phase VII is the final remaining historic Lafitte building, a structure that represents both the neighborhood’s past and its path forward.
Delivering this portion of the project requires careful coordination across historic preservation requirements, regulatory oversight, and modern construction demands. Following months of documentation, permitting, and National Park Service coordination, the team is restoring key architectural elements including chimneys, balconies, railings, and masonry while adapting the building to meet current residential and operational needs.
Inside the structure, crews are working within tight existing conditions to replace damaged stairs, integrate new structural steel, and route updated MEP and fire protection systems without compromising the building’s character. Each step is measured, ensuring the building’s history is preserved while preparing it to serve the community again.
Building Toward Long-Term Community Impact
As construction continues, Lafitte Phase VII is positioned to deliver more than new housing. It will provide high-quality, affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families while reconnecting the neighborhood to its historic roots.
The project also supports broader community infrastructure, including shared public spaces, recreation areas, and access to the Lafitte Greenway, reinforcing the neighborhood’s role as a connected, active part of New Orleans.
Once complete, this final phase will close out a multi-decade transformation, restoring a critical piece of the city’s history while helping move the community forward with stability, resilience, and opportunity.
