When Hurricane Katrina destroyed the former St. Bernard public housing
development, local business leaders recognized a unique opportunity. An
opportunity to bring a new level of hope and a way of life to those
less fortunate through the development of a completely new neighborhood
in Columbia Parc at the Bayou District.
The design of the development replaces the former high density, low
income housing of St. Bernard with 685 new housing units. Each dwelling
is designed to provide the amenities most have grown to expect in
traditional market competitive rental units. The development is modeled
after traditional neighborhood design concepts, whereby units are
oriented directly to the public way, while parking is developed within
the interior of the individual blocks. The former street grid, which
had been destroyed in development of St. Bernard, was re-introduced into
the project. This provides for interaction between adjacent
neighborhood residents and those of Columbia Parc. Project amenities
include an Administration Building and Community Center in which an area
is dedicated for a fitness center and theater entertainment space.