1. What is the Façade RENEW Plus Program? Façade RENEW Plus is a matching‑grant program funded through CDBG that supports exterior improvements to commercial properties in select New Orleans commercial corridors. The program helps reduce blight, improve storefront appearance, and strengthen neighborhood business districts. This round of programming is specifically targeting the lower 9th ward & New Orleans East. 2. Is this a loan? Do I have to pay the money back? No, this is a grant, not a loan. You do not need to repay the funds unless you violate program requirements (such as failing to secure a tenant within the required timeframe for vacant spaces). 3. How much funding can I receive? Award amounts range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the linear frontage of your building. NORA funds up to 85% of project costs; the applicant covers the remaining 15%.

4. What types of improvements are eligible? Eligible activities include exterior façade rehabilitation such as: Exterior repairs Masonry and siding Windows and doors Storefront design improvements Signage compliant with HDLC guidelines Lighting Awnings and canopies Accessibility improvements that relate to the exterior façade Interior improvements are not eligible. 5. What types of improvements are not eligible? Grant funds cannot be used for:  Interior work  Equipment or furnishings   Roof replacement   Sidewalks   Paving  Billboards   Security bars   6. Am I eligible to apply? Eligible applicants include:Commercial property owners OR business tenants (with owner consent)Applicants must: Be located within an eligible corridor Be in good standing with the City and State 7. Can nonprofit organizations apply? Only if they own an eligible commercial property or operate a commercial business within the corridor. Nonprofits used solely for administrative/office functions are typically not eligible unless they serve the public within the commercial space. 8. Can I apply if my business rents the property? Yes. Business tenants may apply but must provide a signed Owner Consent Form from the property owner. 9. What do I need to apply? You will need: Project description Color photos of the existing façade Proof of property ownership or a completed tenant consent form if applying as a business tenant Proof of corridor eligibility 10. Where can I Apply? Applicants should be submitted online via the application portal (link here). Paper applications are not available and will not be accepted.  11. How are projects selected? Projects are evaluated based on: Property condition Defined scope Project Readiness Feasible project timeline 12. When can construction begin? Work cannot begin until: Environmental review is completed, and A Grant Agreement is fully executed & a Notice to Proceed is issued. Projects that start early are automatically disqualified. 13. Do I have to create my own designs for the project? No, selected applicants will be paired with a NORA-designated architect to help develop project plans and scope.  14. Will I have to find my own contractor to do the work? Yes, once the project designs are completed, the selected applicants are responsible for soliciting bids from at least two licensed contractors.  15. Can I hire my own architect or contractor? Applicants must work with a NORA‑designated architect for design documents. Contractors must be licensed and provide detailed bids. Applicants choose from among qualified contractors but must meet bidding requirements 16. What happens if construction costs come in lower than expected? Your award amount will be recalculated to ensure NORA funds do not exceed 85% of final eligible costs. For example, if your store has 50 LF, your award will be up to $50,000. If the project cost is 45,000, NORA will cover 85% of that, which is $38,250. You will cover the rest (15% of the project). 17. What if my building is vacant? You can still apply to this program; however, there are requirements to be met. Vacant ground‑floor commercial spaces must be: Brought to “occupant‑ready” status within 6 months, and Leased by a commercial tenant within 12 months Failure to meet these requirements may result in repayment of 10% of the grant. 18. How competitive is the program? Funding is limited, and awards are made through a competitive review process based on eligibility, project feasibility, corridor impact, and financial readiness. 19. How long does the approval process take? Timelines vary based on environmental review and scope of work. Most projects take up to 3-6 months from application to final approval. 20. Can mixed‑use buildings apply? Yes, as long as the improvements benefit the commercial portion of the building. Only commercial frontage is counted for funding tiers. 21. What if my corridor or address is not listed as eligible? Unfortunately, properties outside the listed corridors are not eligible for this round of funding. 22. Do I need to show proof of my 15% contribution? Yes. Applicants must provide documentation such as bank statements, loan agreements, or lines of credit dated within 90 days of board approval. 23. How does the reimbursement process work? This is a cost‑reimbursement program. Applicants must: Pay their portion first Submit itemized invoices and supporting documentation to NORA Complete a NORA inspection for each reimbursement request Once we complete the inspection, we will pay you, and you will pay the contractor. Up to three reimbursement requests may be submitted per project. 24. How long is the reimbursement process? Reimbursements typically take no more than 45 days after submission and approval of documentation and site inspection. 25. How long do I have to complete the project? The project must be completed within 12 months of signing the grant agreement.  26. Are there any post project requirements? Yes, you must adhere to the following requirements for 5 years after construction is completed: Maintain project improvements Keep property in good condition NORA will do an annual inspection to ensure these requirements are met. Recipients must not remove, alter, or significantly modify funded improvements without NORA approval. Unauthorized changes may trigger repayment of grant funds. 27. What happens if I do not maintain the improvements for the full 5-years? NORA may recapture grant funds on a pro‑rated basis, reducing the recoverable amount by one‑fifth (1/5) for each year you remained in full compliance. Example: If you comply for 3 years but fall out of compliance in year 4, NORA may recapture up to 40% of the awarded funds. 28. What happens if my project is not completed correctly? Projects that do not complete the approved scope of work, or that fail required inspections, will not be eligible for reimbursement. 29. Can NORA recover funds if I sell the property? Yes. NORA may recover grant funds if the property is sold or transferred within one (1) year of project completion. 30. What are the requirements for vacant ground‑floor commercial spaces after the project is completed? Properties with vacant commercial spaces at project completion must: Reach occupant‑ready status and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy within 6 months of executing the Grant Agreement Secure a commercial tenant within 12 months

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.

Israel Augustine Solicitation

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

Complete the Community Survey

Community Meeting Presentation

Community Meeting Recording

Community Meeting 2/24 Flyer

Virtual Community Meeting 3/4 Flyer

Israel Augustine

View presentations and meeting recordings from Israel Augustine meetings below:

Community Meeting Presentation

Community Meeting Recording

RFP Info Session Presentation

RFP Info Session Recording

Interior Photos

View the presentation and the recording from the 10/23 virtual meeting:

FAQs

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  

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​

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.

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.​​

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.

Esplanade Delille Apartments secure financing for construction

Lance Traweek, Editor // December 18, 2025 // Read article at New Orleans CityBusiness

HRI Communities has closed financing for a mixed-income, mixed-use apartment development on Esplanade Avenue, clearing the way for construction of a long-planned project that will add new housing and neighborhood retail near some of New Orleans’ most historic communities.

The New Orleans-based developer announced this week that financing is in place for Esplanade Delille Apartments, a 50-unit residential project planned for a vacant, city-owned site at 1141 Esplanade Ave. The development is a partnership with New Orleans Restoration Properties and is expected to begin construction this month, with completion targeted for early 2027.

The project is notable for completing the final one-for-one replacement housing requirement tied to the Iberville-Tremé Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, a federally supported effort to redevelop former public housing while preserving affordable options for displaced residents.

“Esplanade Delille builds on years of planning and neighborhood partnership to bring thoughtful, community-oriented development,” said Josh Collen, president of HRI Communities, adding that the project will deliver the final replacement units required under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program.

Once completed, the development will include three buildings totaling about 52,000 square feet. A primary structure along Esplanade Avenue will house 40 apartments above two ground-floor retail spaces, while two smaller camelback-style buildings will add five units each. Retail space will prioritize local small businesses, including minority- and women-owned enterprises, according to the developers.

The unit mix is designed to serve a range of incomes. Of the 50 apartments, 37 will be affordable to households earning 60% of area median income or less, including 15 project-based voucher units. Twelve of those units will serve as official Choice Neighborhoods replacement housing. Thirteen apartments will be offered at market rates.

The project is being developed on land controlled by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, which is leasing the site and providing a $500,000 subordinate loan. Additional financing includes 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Louisiana Housing Corporation, a $6.5 million loan from the City of New Orleans, construction financing from First Horizon Bank, and permanent financing from Boston Capital Finance. Finance New Orleans is providing a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement, and the Housing Authority of New Orleans will supply operating subsidies for the voucher units.

The buildings are designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities standards and FORTIFIED Multifamily Gold certification, emphasizing sustainability and disaster resilience. Planned amenities include off-street parking, bicycle storage, a fitness center, community meeting space and landscaped outdoor areas.

Landis Construction will serve as design-build contractor, with HCI Architecture as architect of record. Developers said the project will bring new life to a long-vacant site while reinforcing housing stability and economic opportunity in one of the city’s most culturally significant neighborhoods.

HRI Communities is a subsidiary of HRI Properties and focuses on mixed-income and workforce housing developments nationwide. The company and its affiliates have completed more than $3.9 billion in real estate projects since 1982, according to the firm.

Program Summary

In March of 2023, HRI Communities, LLC ("HRIC") and New Orleans Restoration Properties, LLC ("NORP") were selected by NORA to co-develop the previously vacant and underutilized parcel at 1141 Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans, LA into a new construction, mixed-income, mixeduse community. The property is uniquely located on a historical and culturally significant block surrounded by the Tremé, Marigny, French Quarter and Esplanade Ridge communities with immediate access to retail, healthcare, schools and public transportation. Esplanade Delille Apartments  includes 50 high-quality 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and two ground floor retail bays totaling 2,650 SF fronting Esplanade Avenue. The retail spaces are intended for community-minded, small, local businesses that will be openly marketed with community input and provide a preference for MBE/WBE-owned, local businesses. Following financial closing in December 2025, construction has begun on site and is anticipated to reach completion in Spring of 2027.

Design Renderings

Vibration Data

Meetings and Further Info

Register for our monthly virtual Esplanade Delille community engagement meetings below:

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 6:00 PM

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6:00 PM

View presentations and meeting recordings from previous Esplanade Delille meetings below:

Fact Sheet

1/21 Community Meeting Presentation

1/21 Community Meeting Recording

2/26 Community Meeting Recording

3/25 Community Meeting Recording

4/22 Community Meeting Presentation

FAQs

Construction has begun following December 2025 financial closing, and will conclude by Spring of 2027. Please click on the construction timeline above for more detailed information.

The apartments will include: 50 high-quality, one and two-bedroom apartments ​ 37 long-term affordable apartments with rents at or below 60% AMI Please consult the table above for more detailed information.

Two, ground floor retail bays totaling approx. 2,700 SF and accessed from the Esplanade Avenue landscaped courtyard entry​ Intended for community-minded, small, local businesses; Will be openly marketed with community input and provide a preference for MBE/WBE-owned, local businesses

Secure, off-street parking with entry/exit to Kerlerec Street ​ Bicycle parking​ Fitness center​ An approximately 900 SF community room​ Landscaped pocket park that will be open to the community

The contractor plans start pile driving the week of 2/2/2026 and plans to pre-drill piles down to a depth of 35 feet.

See the link below for a report on vibration monitoring data from 1/6/26 to 2/16/26: VIBRATION MONITORING REPORT