Celeste Landing Celebrates Grand Opening in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District

Holly & Smith Architects (H/S) is proud to celebrate the grand opening of Celeste Landing, a transformative affordable housing development in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District. Designed by H/S, the project combines the thoughtful restoration of a historic structure with new construction to provide 46 modern, energy-efficient housing units for residents earning up to 60% of the area median income.

The design approach preserved the architectural character of the original three-story brick building—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—while introducing a complementary new construction that fits seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. The result is a cohesive development that respects the site’s history and supports the community’s future.

The development includes one- and two-bedroom units, a community room, gated parking, and enhanced security features—all within walking distance of grocery stores, schools, parks, and transit. Thirty percent of the units are reserved for vulnerable populations, including veterans, elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those transitioning out of homelessness or domestic violence situations.

Developed through a collaborative effort led by Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation (a subsidiary of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana), Atrium Housing, and Cobalt Construction, Celeste Landing was made possible in part by funding from the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), which awarded $1.4 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

Holly & Smith Architects is honored to have contributed to a project that not only preserves a significant part of New Orleans’ history but also addresses critical housing needs for the community.