City leaders break ground for the Village De L’est Multi-Purpose Building

A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for the Village De L’Est Multi-Purpose Building. Mayor LaToya Cantrell joined other city officials and neighborhood leaders to break ground for this community center that will serve NORD in District E .

“This is an exciting project for New Orleans East and the surrounding community, said Larry Barabino, Jr., NORD CEO. “Our parks and playgrounds are essential in providing healthy recreation and social engagement for residents of all ages. The new multi-purpose building and playground equipment will raise the bar for community programming and activities at Village De L’Est Playground.”

The new building and play area designed by Holly and Smith Architects includes a large, multi-purpose room, ideal for community gatherings and small events. Support spaces include a new concessions area, accessible from the building interior and exterior, as well as restrooms and an office for the park manager. The much-welcomed spaces can be used to enforcing the mission of the community including Community-Oriented Policing, as well as Neighborhood Engagement.

“Village De L’Est residents and NORD users will benefit from a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility and new playground equipment for this community to enjoy,” said Ramsey Green, Deputy CAO for Infrastructure.

This 1,758 SF new community building is expected to be complete in the fall of 2022. Stallings Construction Company, Inc. is the general contractor.