Stabilization to begin on blighted Algiers nursing home
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The Touro Shakspeare Home has been left vacant since 2005. Photo: HRI Communities
Construction crews will start stabilization work on the long-blighted Touro Shakspeare Home in New Orleans' Algiers neighborhood this summer, according to a press release from its developers.
Why it matters: Once complete, the project will provide low-cost independent living apartments for 52 low-income seniors.
The latest: Stabilization work will last through early this summer, an HRI Communities representative tells Axios New Orleans.
- Renovation should start in late summer and last through fall 2026, the representative says, with new residents expected to move in upon its completion.
Follow the money: HRI Communities has $6 million in financing from the city to stabilize the 72,000-square-foot facility, a press release says, which sits on 7.7 acres near Federal City and has been left to blight since Hurricane Katrina.
- Funding for the full $26 million renovation has been committed, the representative says.
What they're saying: "This project is a win for Algiers and for our seniors," said District C Councilman Freddie King III in the press release.
- "Restoring the Touro Shakspeare Home will breathe new life into this historic building while creating affordable housing for those who need it most. It's a perfect example of how we can honor our past while investing in our community's future."
Flashback: When early New Orleans philanthropist Judah Touro died in 1854, he left $80,000 to establish the city's first almshouse for its poorest, elderly residents, New Orleans magazine says.
- The nursing home was housed elsewhere first, but eventually opened in Algiers in 1934. At the time, about 175 residents moved into the William R. Burk-designed Neoclassical- and Jacobethan Revival-style facility.
- By 2005, the city-owned facility was operated by Touro Shakspeare Inc., and about 120 residents were evacuated ahead of Hurricane Katrina's revival.
Storm damage prevented any of the residents from ever moving back in, and the facility has sat vacant since.
- See photos from Abandoned Southeast and the Preservation Resource Center.
What's next: All 52 one-bedroom apartments will be offered to elderly residents at rates not exceeding 30% of their income, a press release says.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that HRI Communities is redeveloping 7.7 acres (not 42 acres) of Algiers property to provide independent living apartments (not nursing home care) for 52 low-income seniors.