News & Insights

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

City of New Orleans looks to reactivate underutilized asset

For more than half a century, the Old VA Medical Center in downtown New Orleans stood as a pillar of care and service. But after years of vacancy and shifting priorities, the once-bustling campus became a looming reminder of what used to be—until the City of New Orleans decided it was time to reimagine its future.

In partnership with the City and the architectural firms Mathes Brierre and Marrero, Couvillon & Associates, B&D was brought onboard to lead a comprehensive study exploring what the site could become. The vision? A vibrant, mixed-use destination that not only honors the site’s legacy but meets the real needs of today’s New Orleans.

B&D began by listening—conducting interviews with city leaders, local institutions, and neighborhood stakeholders. What they heard was a consistent theme: a need for housing people can afford, access to essential retail, and a development that brings life back to a part of the city that has long felt dormant.

The answer wasn’t a flashy new tower. It was a thoughtful reuse of what’s already there. By repurposing much of the existing structure, the team found a way to create new housing, street-level retail, and city-serving office space—all while preserving the historic fabric of the neighborhood. Just as important, this approach makes the most of available tax credits and avoids unnecessary demolition costs.

B&D’s analysis pointed to a clear opportunity: a mixed-income residential community that includes both market-rate and affordable apartments, complemented by curated retail like a grocery store, coffee shop, and fitness center. And with Tulane, LSU, and City Hall all nearby, the site is perfectly positioned to serve residents, students, and city workers alike.

Today, the site is more than a redevelopment opportunity—it’s a chance to re-stitch a key part of downtown New Orleans into the city’s future. By combining market insight, community values, and smart reuse, this effort is poised to turn a long-vacant hospital into a beacon of neighborhood renewal.