Marrero Commons Housing Development
Project Description
The B.W. Cooper project, which was renamed Marrero Commons during development, was one of New Orleans’ “Big Four” housing developments undertaken by Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) to address the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Project Stats
Location
New Orleans, LA
Year of Completion
2013
Units
660
Project Gallery
Design Features
Moody Nolan led the design of the project, bringing together city government, the community, the developer and HANO to achieve a responsive master plan and successful project. The first phase, which broke ground in mid-2008, was comprised of 440 units, followed by an additional 220 units in the final phase.
Marrero Commons has had a positive impact on the community, providing a safer and more economically diverse neighborhood. This community had been adversely affected by crime and poverty, but the unique blend of mixed incomes and housing designs has brought new life to this area and become a stimulus for growth and development. Historic attributes, such as wide front porches and more private rear patios, were designed for all the dwellings. Second-story balconies also provided New Orleans flavor to the development. In all facets, security of site design was considered for residents’ safety. For the first time in many decades, a community exists again with a rich New Orleans architectural character, designed to be home for future generations.