Construction Update: The Myrtle Banks Redevelopment

by CSB Staff • December 27, 2013 • Central City, Community Development, Development, Food & Beverage, Tax Credits • Comments (1) • 7458

The redevelopment of the old Myrtle Banks school by Alembic Community Development continues to move forward.

Constructed as McDonogh 38 Elementary School in 1910, the historic structure was too run down to be used as a school in 2002 and closed. A dramatic fire ravaged the shuttered property in 2008, transforming it into an humongous, blighted eyesore one block away from NORA’s new headquarters building.

Alembic Community Development purchased the property from the school board in 2011 with the grand vision to create a commercial office and fresh food hub for the surrounding low income community. Now under construction, the Myrtle Banks Redevelopment will be anchored by a 26,000 square-foot grocery store, Jack and Jake’s Market.

The facility is situated on a 65,000 square foot site within three blocks of St. Charles Avenue and the Central Business District, including close proximity to the interstate and public transportation. The Myrtle Banks redevelopment also features 10,000 square feet of landscaped green space/edible landscape and 11,000 square feet of small business office space; 25-30 permanent, full-time jobs will be created.

Founded after Hurricane Katrina, Jack and Jake’s acts as a distribution channel for approximately 200 farmers and fishermen, most of whom work within 65 miles of New Orleans.

Ryan Gootee General Contractors and Eskew+Dumez+Ripple Architects are involved with the project.

We drove by today and took a few snaps of the progress!

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