NOLA Officials Break Ground On $4.31M Desire Florida Multi-Service Center

New Orleans LA

08 April, 2021

3:05 PM

Description

From the City of New Orleans: April 6, 2021 Mayor LaToya Cantrell today joined other officials and community leaders to break ground on the $4.31 million Desire Florida Multi-Service Center in District D. "Efficiently and effectively spending federal funding on projects like the Desire Florida Multi-Service Center perfectly illustrates how we can be good stewards of the funding we're receiving under the American Rescue Plan Act. We recognize the importance of keeping these infrastructure projects moving throughout New Orleans, including right here in District D. We're also excited that this NORD facility will provide year-round programming for seniors during the day and afterschool and cultural programs during the evening hours. This gives NORD more flexibility in serving the residents of the Desire and Florida communities," said Mayor Cantrell. [WATCH: Desire Florida Multi-Service Center groundbreaking] "Today's groundbreaking marks a long-awaited addition to NORD and the City of New Orleans public spaces identified for use by our Senior community," said Larry Barabino, Jr., NORD CEO. "We are thrilled to bring this new master-planned facility online, with essential and modern amenities to support the surrounding community and seniors year-round." "Community-based projects like the Desire Florida Multi-Service Center offers residents more option to enhance their quality of life by giving them access to affordable facilities and programs that bring families and neighbors together," said Eddie Williams, FEMA Infrastructure Branch Director. "FEMA's partnership with the City of New Orleans and the State will continue as additional projects are completed or identified for future enhancements." "Throughout my term as the District D Councilmember, I have advocated for this multi-service center. The end result is a flexible and adaptable space that will serve as an anchor for the Desire/Florida neighborhood for many years to come. From meeting spaces to dance studios to its commercial kitchen, this center is a significant investment in our residents, especially our seniors," said Jared C. Brossett, City Councilmember, District D. The project for this 11,418-square-foot facility is mainly funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will include the following: A full commercial kitchenVarious office facilities for staffMusic roomTwo meeting rooms with multimedia capabilitiesThree multipurpose roomsFlex space for future planned programsExterior secured rear yardOn-site off-street parking (38 spaces) in well-lit lot The Project team features: Architect- Mathes Brierre ArchitectsContractor- NFT Group, LLCCPA Project Manager- Jerry Harris Under the Cantrell Administration, the City's to-date investment in City facilities and parks in District D totals $39 million. Completed projects in District D include: JJIC 28-bed addition - $18.2 millionNora Navra Library - $3.8 millionParks & Parkways Green House - $2.9 million Hunters Field Phase III addition - $1.8 million Harden Playground (New Restroom/Concessions Bldg.) - $743,500Joe Bartholomew Golf Course/Pontchartrain Park Walking Path - $630KBunny Friend Restroom/Concession Bldg. Renovations - $198,000 Mayor Cantrell was also joined by Vincent A. Smith, Director, Capital Projects Administration; Marguerite Doyle-Johnston, President, Upper Ninth Ward Association; Renee Cambrice, Present, Liberty Terrace Homeowners Association; Chuck Morse, Executive Director, Thrive New Orleans; and Katherine Prevost, Presidents, Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association. This press release was produced by the City of New Orleans. The views expressed are the author's own.