On Monday, Tulane University announced that it signed a long-term lease for redeveloped space at the decaying eyesore that was once Charity Hospital.
The lease makes Tulane an anchor tenant occupying 350,000 square feet, or about one-third of the building, and paves the way for future development at the site.
Tulane says it will fill its portion of the building with state-of-the-art spaces for research, teaching and administration.
"Over the next few years, the developers and Tulane will transform Charity into a mixed-use complex with apartments, retail, educational institutions and other uses, all anchored by Tulane’s academic and research presence," according to a Tulane University statement.
The former hospital building remained empty since taking considerable damage from Hurricane Katrina back in 2005.
“Developing the building in a way that is true to the roots and spirit of the historic former Charity Hospital has been a guiding principle for Tulane University since this project’s inception,” said Tulane COO Patrick Norton. “By ensuring this redevelopment is anchored by research labs searching for the newest discoveries and by public health and medical classrooms training the next generation of physicians and leaders in public health and healthcare — all in a space that is accessible and open to the community — we will remain true to those roots.”
Over the next two and a half years, the building will be redeveloped before Tulane customizes its space inside the building.
Tulane’s goal is to occupy the building by 2025.
