The project to convert the derelict former Navy base in the Bywater into nearly 1,000 affordable apartments is moving forward, as the developers’ prime contractor seeks bids for a range of work that will finally bring visible progress to the long-blighted property.
Broadmoor, which is managing construction of the project, said Friday that it will host a digital presentation for potential subcontractors on Tuesday. The company is also planning a walk-through on Oct. 10 so that bidders on work including demolition, electrical wiring, plumbing and steelwork jobs can view the project site in person.
The search for subcontractors on the project, known as NSA East Bank Apartments, is another sign that the long wait for progress on one of New Orleans’ largest eyesores may finally be over.
The last military personnel departed the Naval Support Activity Base in 2011 after more than a century operating in various capacities for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. It was taken over by the city in 2016, which then tapped a consortium of developers led by the late Joe Jaeger to rehabilitate the three buildings that occupy a site covering around 1.5 million square feet.
The terms of the federal grant mean that it must start construction no later than 10 months after it has been approved for the money.
Bid for work
In addition to the call from Broadmoor for subcontractors, City Hall also provided bidding details for qualified disadvantaged business enterprises, or DBEs, that want to pitch for work. The deadline for subcontractor bids is Oct. 24.
The abandoned former naval base in the Bywater neighborhood is seen in New Orleans on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. (Staff photo by Brett Duke, The Times-Picayune)
The first phase of the project envisions converting the largest building in the dilapidated complex into a total of 294 apartments, all of which would be designated as affordable or workforce housing for people earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development puts the median income level for a household of four people at $86,800 for the New Orleans metro area in 2024.
Rents would be set at no more than 30% of income for qualifying tenants.
The project also calls for 38,000 square feet of ground floor retail space and more than 1,000 parking spaces, according to documents filed by the developers in March.