Demolition crews are now tearing down the old Lindy Boggs Hospital in Mid-City. Construction crews began that work Tuesday morning, and city leaders are excited about the property's future.
"This is a big day. This is really a historic day," New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno says, celebrating the demolition.
It comes after Hurricane Katrina flooded the facility 21 years ago. Ironically, the hospital's old basement will be used for stormwater detention.
"What's going to happen is we're going to create a structure and a system of water detention," developer Paul Flowers said. "Depending upon the storm, it will hold four million gallons of water."
Phase 2 of the project will be the most visible portion of the redevelopment.
"We're looking at potentially putting 150 to 200 housing units here, whether they are affordable or for our seniors, as well as a combination of retail and office space," Moreno said.
According to Flowers, this new development will be a boon to Mid-City.
"This is the largest area of available for development in the Mid-City area of the city, which is one of the most popular areas of the city, especially for young professionals moving in," Flowers said. "What it's going to do is it's going to redevelop this site. It's also going to spur the development of the site across the street--right across Conti Street that's waiting for this building to come down--as well as the surrounding area."
Demolition will continue through early 2027.
