Photos: Lincoln Beach redevelopment inches forward
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New Orleans officials have selected a construction manager to lead the long-awaited redevelopment of Lincoln Beach, marking a key milestone in the project.
Why it matters: The timeline to reopen the city's historic Black beach is behind schedule but still moving forward, with an estimated grand opening in early 2027.
The big picture: Metairie-based RNGD (pronounced "renegade") was selected as the construction manager at risk, a city spokesperson confirmed this week.
- This type of contractor is hired during the design phase so it can be more involved early on during complicated projects, according to the American Institute of Constructors.
- RNGD, founded by Wesley Palmisano, has previously worked on NOMA's sculpture garden, the New Orleans Lakefront Airport and several hotels in town, according to its website.
Between the lines: Axios New Orleans filed a public records request for RNGD's winning bid, which the mayor's office declined to release.
- The administration responded but didn't answer other questions related to the project.
Behind the scenes: We toured the beach in May during the city's open house for prospective contractors.
- Access was difficult, with the main tunnel partially flooded and mud covering the sidewalk.
- But once we got through the trees, the space opened up to a wide waterfront with several historic structures still standing.
- The beach remains closed to the public, with on-site security.
Zoom in: Construction is expected to start in December and take 12 to 18 months to finish the first phase, according to Sasaki, the firm hired to do the master plan.
- The first phase includes replenishing the sand on the beach, building a parking lot and creating safe pedestrian access via an elevated walkway, elevator and tunnel.
- The master plan, which was unveiled in May, has a wide, sandy shoreline with bathrooms, a restaurant and eventually a welcome center/history museum. More renderings.
By the numbers: The first phase is expected to cost $17 million to $23 million and is fully funded through local, state and federal sources, Sasaki says.
- Lincoln Beach will be free to access, in contrast to the now-stalled plan for Pontchartrain Beach.
- Additional phases will require more grants and fundraising.
State of play: Lincoln Beach closed in the Little Woods area of New Orleans East shortly after Pontchartrain Beach, the white-only beach, was integrated in 1964.
- Pontchartrain Beach closed in 1983.
- Lincoln Beach is about 15 acres along the lakefront near Hayne Boulevard and Vincent Road. It's on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The beach was marketed as "The Coney Island of the South" and was a major recreational spot for Black residents during segregation.
What's next: Project leaders are applying for permits now and still hope to reopen Lincoln Beach in early 2027 — a timeline they call "very conservative."
