Riverside Retreat at Federal City

Opportunity

Following the closure of the naval base in 2011, Federal City lacked the residential density needed to support long-term neighborhood activity and reinvestment. The project sought to introduce affordable senior housing that could address a critical local need while helping establish a more walkable, mixed-use community within the larger redevelopment district.

STRATEGY

The four-story residential building was organized around resilient site planning, durable materials, and shared community space. Brick masonry, stormwater bioswales, permeable paving, and defensible landscape strategies support long-term performance in the Gulf South climate while reinforcing the neighborhood streetscape. Developed through Louisiana Housing Corporation’s LIHTC pilot program, the project prioritizes accessibility, safety, and social connection through ADA-compliant units, shared amenities, and pedestrian-oriented circulation.

Outcome

Opened in 2025, Riverside Retreat became the first new residential building constructed at Federal City since the Navy’s departure and is approaching full occupancy. The project demonstrates how affordable housing can serve as a catalyst for broader neighborhood reinvestment by pairing resilience, accessibility, and long-term community stability within a historically significant site.

The Team

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