Tulane Architects Lead Pro Bono Design Projects in Central City and the Ninth Ward

The Tulane City Center has announced that Tulane architecture professors will assist in the pro bono design of new infrastructure in the A.L. Davis Park in Central City, as well as the Guardians Institute Cultural Arts and Community Center in the Ninth Ward.

The Tulane City Center, the outreach arm of the Tulane School of Architecture, oversees numerous design partnerships that bring together students, faculty and community partners to help revitalize New Orleans neighborhoods. Their work is possible due in part to a $1 million anonymous gift that was announced earlier this year. The grant is paid in annual installments of $100,000 and supports two university/community design partnerships a year.

Professor of Practice Cordula Roser Gray will direct the A.L. Davis Park enhancement project in conjunction with the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative. A.L. Davis Park on LaSalle Street has long served as a meeting place for uptown Mardi Gras Indian tribes and brass band parades, and was the heart of the C.J. Peete Housing Projects which were recently razed to make way for new mixed-use and mixed-income housing. Roser Gray"s team is seeking input from community residents about how they"d like to see the park enhanced.

The design phase has already begun for the Guardians Institute Cultural Arts and Community Center in the Ninth Ward, which is being directed by Associate Professor Scott Ruff. The construction phase is slated for spring 2011. The facility will provide a safe haven for neighborhood children to read, explore cultural traditions and pursue physical fitness.