Federal City Community Housing Development
At a decommissioned naval base, a burgeoning community development gives rise to a housing solution: affordable apartments that prioritize accessibility and quality-of-life for low-income seniors.
Category
Living
Community
New Build
Adaptive Reuse + Modernization
Unbuilt
Size 66,998 SF
Location Algiers, LA
Year Phase 1: Completed 2025 | Phase 2: In Progress
Federal City, a former U.S. Navy base in Algiers, is being transformed into a mixed-use urban neighborhood through a combination of new construction and historic rehabilitation. As part of this long-term master plan, TPA has partnered with Brown-Taylor Development to design and deliver new housing that balances affordability, resilience, and preservation.
Riverside Retreat, the first new residential building on the site since the Navy’s departure in 2011, provides affordable housing for low-income seniors, meeting a critical citywide need. The new 4-story, multi-family apartment complex offers affordable housing prioritizing low-income seniors, championing economic inclusivity and aligning with the district’s master plan to create a walkable, mixed-use urban neighborhood. This building is funded by the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) pilot program and aims to meet high sustainability standards, including Fortified Gold and Green Enterprise Communities certifications.
Across the street, Riverside Lofts will adapt a 120-year-old warehouse into market-rate apartments, preserving the district’s historic fabric while introducing modern amenities. The rehabilitation project will convert 58,600 square feet of warehouse space into 60 loft style, market-rate apartments. The development seeks utilize state and federal historic tax credits in order to preserve the area’s character-defining features, promote adaptive development strategies, and integrate modern amenities within the community, such as a pool and rooftop terrace.
Together, these buildings seek to create a cohesive and vibrant residential environment that balances affordability, historical preservation, and modern living.
Outcome
Riverside Retreat opened in 2025 and is approaching full occupancy, underscoring the New Orleans' urgent need for affordable housing. By delivering safe, storm-resilient housing within an intergenerational community, the project enhances residents’ quality of life and sets the stage for broader neighborhood reinvestment.
When completed, Riverside Lofts will reinforce Riverside Retreat by introducing a broader community base with market-rate housing that offers shared amenities. The projects, and associated master plan for development, further Federal City’s vision of a walkable, mixed-income community.
We see Federal City as a tangible example of responsible design and development: architecture that simultaneously prioritizes affordability and sustainability goals, without compromising community character or quality of life.
