A $26-million, 45-unit mixed-income residential improvement is getting into its last stretch on the former Winn-Dixie grocery retailer website adjoining to Bienville Basin Flats within the Tremé neighborhood. Building at 1431 St. Louis St. is anticipated to wrap up in August, and a topping-out ceremony is scheduled for March 11 to mark completion of the constructing’s structural framework and the transition to inside build-out and website finishes.

Nationwide mixed-income, mixed-use group developer McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) is the lead developer on the Winn-Dixie Section II mission, in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO). Building broke floor in June 2025 on land ground-leased from HANO to WD Section II LP. HRI Administration Inc. will handle the property upon completion. HCI Structure of New Orleans is the lead architect, and RNGD is the final contractor.

RNGD superintendent Dirck Duncan stated framing wrapped up about two weeks forward of schedule with home windows, the TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roof, and constructing techniques all progressing in parallel. The four-story constructing is totally framed, with sheathing full and tiebacks about 90% completed, and window set up roughly 35% full.

“We’re approaching dry-in, which is able to permit us to start façade work, exterior portray, and full website enhancements, after which all trades might be lively to finish drywall, mechanical techniques, and inside finishes,” stated Duncan. “We’re excited in regards to the progress, and every step ahead brings this improvement nearer to delivering high-quality, accessible housing in a historic New Orleans neighborhood that wants it.”

Marketed as Metropolis Sq. 162 Section II, the event follows the success of Metropolis Sq. 162 Section I. The earlier improvement at 1501 St. Louis St. was accomplished in 2021 and included 76 mixed-income models and resident facilities. Collectively, the 2 phases advance the broader Iberville/Tremé Selection Neighborhood Initiative, launched after HANO and the Metropolis of New Orleans acquired a $30.5 million HUD grant in 2011 to redevelop the previous 821-unit Iberville public housing website and revitalize the encircling neighborhood.

“Metropolis Sq. 162 Section II builds on the progress of Bienville Basin and ensures that New Orleans households of all revenue ranges have entry to high-quality housing and group sources,” stated Vincent R. Bennett, CEO and president of McCormack Baron Salazar.

Totaling roughly 49,800 sq. ft of residential area, the 45-units include 21 one-bedroom models and 24 two-bedroom models, together with 10 market-rate models and 35 inexpensive models throughout a spread of revenue ranges. Thirty of the models will function Selection Neighborhood Initiative alternative housing for residents of the previous Iberville public housing website.

“We’re excited to develop entry to inexpensive housing in New Orleans with the Winn-Dixie Section II mission,” stated HANO Government Director Marjorianna Willman. “Metropolis Sq. 162 has positively impacted the group by offering numerous housing alternatives. Along with our housing companions and the Metropolis of New Orleans, we’re devoted to investing on this historic neighborhood to domesticate a powerful and thriving group.”

Facilities embody a 675-square-foot group room with supportive providers, a pc middle, an elevator, mail services, web and cable entry, a backup generator, and outside options corresponding to a landscaped courtyard, seating areas, safety features, and off-street parking. Residents may also have entry to Section I facilities, together with a health middle, rooftop patio, and the greenway alongside North Villere Avenue that connects to the Lafitte Greenway.

Winn-Dixie Section II might be Enterprise Inexperienced Communities (EGC) licensed and constructed to the IBHS FORTIFIED Multifamily Gold Commonplace. There might be high-efficiency HVAC techniques, Vitality Star home equipment, environment friendly lighting, and water-saving fixtures.

“The event will emphasize long-term resilience, sustainability, and effectivity,” stated Brock Leonard, assistant superintendent for RNGD. “The constructing sits above base flood elevation, and all supplies on the primary ground as much as two ft are flood- and moisture-resistant as an added layer of safety. Every unit may also bear blower door and duct leakage testing to make sure tight constructing envelopes and long-term power efficiency.”

All 45 models have been designed to be ADA compliant. The location additionally consists of ADA accessible and van parking, ramps, and elevators serving all flooring. “The entire models are being constructed to allow them to be transformed to ADA models sooner or later, with in-wall blocking added throughout framing for seize bars and different lodging,” Leonard stated. “We’ll additionally ship totally ADA-ready models at opening, with adjusted outlet heights, audio-visual alarms, accessible loos, and roll-in showers.”

RNGD assistant mission supervisor Corey Schneider stated materials procurement has remained comparatively easy regardless of broader trade challenges. As a result of the mission requires BABA (Construct America, Purchase America)-certified, American-made merchandise to fulfill EGC requirements, sourcing sure home equipment was initially troublesome, however “we labored carefully with our commerce companions to seek out compliant options, and people points are actually behind us,” stated Schneider. “Total, we now have been very lucky and haven’t confronted main materials lead-time points.”

In compliance with necessities from  HANO and the Industrial Growth Board of the Metropolis of New Orleans, 30% of the mission’s $14 million building funds was allotted to native deprived enterprise enterprises, with 5% particularly designated for women-owned companies. Roughly 40% of the work is being accomplished by low revenue individuals and New Orleanians. “We’ve put a variety of emphasis on hiring locals for this mission,” Schneider stated.

Duncan stated the RNGD mission workforce has prioritized group engagement by way of mentorship and volunteer partnerships with native youth and workforce applications, corresponding to Son of a Saint, the Joseph A. Cuillier Sr. Profession Heart, and the ACE Mentor Program of America.
“Staying lively locally and serving to construct the following era of expertise is a crucial and rewarding a part of this mission,” Duncan stated.