Heritage Senior Residences at Columbia Parc

Project Details

Project Description

This project is the 4th phase of a redevelopment project. The 23-acre, mixed income redevelopment lies on a main thoroughfare in New Orleans which connects to downtown and the lakefront area. The project consists of seventeen new city blocks created on the footprint of the former St. Bernard public housing project and re-connected to the surrounding neighborhood. With the need for Senior Housing in the area and desire to have a multi generational mixed income community, it was decided to make phase 4 a senior housing community. The community lies on 1 block, 2.35 acres with 120 senior housing units. The block is bisected by a newer easement running north/south that could not be relocated. On the large parcel we placed a 2 and 3-story main building. On the smaller remaining parcel we placed 1-story senior cottages. This enabled us to maximize the use of the site and provide multiple product types to senior residents. In the main building, community living/dining, 25-seat Movie Theater and outdoor sitting areas keep residents mentally engaged with other residents. The first floor of the building had to be three feet above street level per code. So we raised the internal courtyard three feet resulting in no ramps necessary on the courtyard side of the project. Where the senior cottages lie along Duplessis Street, units include roll in showers, grab bars and accessible kitchens. Although the cottages are attached, there is a unique design to each and every unit including different porches and colors which gives them the look of single-family housing. The outside buildings were brought to the edge of the street where Live Oak trees have been preserved in the redevelopment. Sidewalks curve around the existing tees, giving the community a true New Orleans feel. On the inside of the community is a heavily landscaped courtyard with a Porte Cochere, generous outdoor seating areas, 2 fountains, brick pavers and multiple entry points. Seating is placed around the courtyard for seniors to relax and socialize with other residents. Residents can enjoy more amenities in the earlier phases of the development including a pool, vegetable garden, park and additional community room for social functions.