The building that once housed Charity Hospital, empty since Katrina, is finally close to being brought back to life. The LSU Board of supervisors today voted to approve the plans from 1532 Tulane Partners to redevelop the site .with mixture of retail, office, apartments, a fitness center, a courtyard and two high schools, among many other things.
"I think it's a huge step for New Orleans in a lot of way," said LSU Board of Supervisors member Jimmie Woods. "The potential for this project to transform the city on many levels, including socio-economic, is tremendous."
John Stebbons, CEO of 1532 Tulane Partners, has been working on the plans for four years, and says there is a big focus on keeping the historic components of the building.
“We are going to keep as much of it as we can,” Stebbons said.
Construction could begin at the end of the year. It is expected to take three years to complete.