Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC) has begun construction on the NSA East Bank Apartments in New Orleans. The adaptive reuse project will convert a former naval base in the Bywater neighborhood into 294 affordable housing units and 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.
LAC’s NSA East Bank Project Brings New Life to Naval Buildings
According to PRNewswire, NSA East Bank Apartments will be the primary housing component of a major redevelopment of the former Naval Support Activity (NSA) complex, which has been vacant since 2011. The development will involve NewLab, an innovation hub aimed at advancing breakthroughs in the energy industry and supporting tech startups.
It will also include future phases, such as a riverfront estuary park and the Railyard Marketplace. “This project will be transformative for the Bywater community and will bring new life to these historically significant buildings,” said David Garcia, LAC Vice President and Project Partner.
“LAC is proud to play a role in preserving the architectural heritage of New Orleans while creating sorely needed affordable housing for local families,” Garcia added. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assigned the NSA East Bank Apartments as a priority project.
The iconic complex was built in 1919 by the US Army Quartermaster Corps. It was designed as a 1.5-million-square-foot logistics hub located along the East Bank of the Mississippi River.
The complex has three six-story buildings sprawling across over 84,000 square feet each. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in military supply operations during World War I and World War II.
Rooftop Pool, Community Spaces, and Green Design
NSA East Bank Apartments will include 294 affordable units with one-, two-, and three-bedroom options for households earning 20% to 60% of the Area Median Income, according to PRNewswire.
The project will include 74 units backed by a Project-Based Voucher. The amenities include a clubhouse, outdoor play areas, and a rooftop pool. It also features a ground-level community space, a bike storage area, and a dog park with a pet wash station.
The project, built in accordance with Enterprise Green Communities standards, will also include a rooftop solar system. It will help power shared areas, reducing energy use and operating costs.
LAC, JPMorgan, and Development Partners at the Ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony drew elected officials and local leaders, along with development partners and representatives from companies such as Capital One, Stonehenge Capital, Raymond James, JPMorgan, and Boston Financial.
Each company has contributed financially to the new development. “Through historic tax credit equity, bridge financing and strong public-private collaboration, we’re proud to support the revitalization of NSA East Bank – preserving New Orleans’ heritage and building a brighter future for its residents,” said Tim Karp, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking.
“By transforming a long-dormant historic site into a thriving district, NSA East Bank is creating affordable housing and lasting opportunities for the people of New Orleans.”
With construction underway, NSA East Bank Apartments represents a significant investment in affordability.
