New Orleans' historic corner commercial buildings are set for a revival following a recent ordinance passed by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. This initiative aims to restore and protect the city's architectural treasures by revitalizing vacant properties in neighborhoods such as the 7th, 8th, and 9th wards.
According to an article on the City of New Orleans' official website, The Residential Diversity Overlay 1 (RDO-1) expansion looks to quickly revitalize historically zoned structures from bygone eras of commerce. This urban renaissance, which began in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, has now been extended to breathe new life into the 7th, 8th, and 9th wards by transforming them into small, local businesses.
Structured to enhance community assets and investment, the RDO-1 has been an indispensable tool for reconverting eye-sores and unused spaces into dynamic centers of community engagement. "The City has identified more than 50 properties that can benefit from the expanded options of the RDO but are not compelled to build commercial businesses on their properties," as per the City of New Orleans' official website.
The ordinance allows a bouquet of non-residential uses such as doctor's offices, retail establishments, and galleries, although it draws a line at alcohol sales and strictly regulates operation hours.
