Rivana Apartments at New Orleans' River District Neighborhood Development
Rivana Apartments is the first residential anchor of the River District—New Orleans’ newest neighborhood rising on the city’s last undeveloped stretch of riverfront. Designed in partnership with Studio Kiro and Gensler, the mixed-use residential building translates the district’s vision for an inclusive, connected community into a form grounded in the industrial heritage of the Cotton Press District.
As the residential anchor within the River District, this 40-acre mixed-use neighborhood will transform New Orleans’ last undeveloped stretch of riverfront. This once-in-a-generation project called for a design that could root a new community in the city’s cultural and architectural heritage, aligning with the River District’s mission to be inclusive by design, sustainable in practice, and connected to its surrounding neighborhoods. It aims to provide equitable access to housing, economic opportunity, and shared public space.
Outcome
With durability, performance, and cultural authenticity, Rivana delivers 220 market-rate and affordable units within a network of green, social, and retail spaces that extend beyond the building’s walls to strengthen neighborhood bonds. Through an integrated, collaborative process, our team created a resilient, inclusive residential community that enriches the lives of its residents, contributes to the vitality of the city, and models how responsible development can serve both people and place.