This document provides an economic impact analysis of converting an abandoned school building into an art, culture and civic engagement center in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward. It estimates the direct, indirect and induced economic effects of the project based on visitor spending using a computer model. Two scenarios are analyzed based on attracting 7,500 or 10,000 annual adult attendees. The analysis finds that the center would generate new economic activity and tax revenue for the local economy through visitor spending on meals, gifts and other purchases.

1. Planning Study
Lower 9th Ward Art, Culture, and Civic Engagement Center
New Orleans, LA
Economic Empowerment and Global Learning Project (EEGLP)
Lafayette College
Easton, Pennsylvania

2. Lafayette College Team
Faculty
David Veshosky
Ed Kerns
Anuradha Ghai
Jim Toia
Ute Schumacher
Gladstone Fluney Hutchinson
Students
Donald A. Ellis
Mitchell Bennett
Lewis Hunt-Irving
Melanie DeFazio
Nan Li
Katrina Ladd
Ting Chiu
Imogen Cain
Margaret Bruno-Metzger
Ashutosh Tamrakar

3. contents
4 Introduction
6 Programmatic Considerations
15 Economic and
Financial Considerations
20 Appendix A
Mission Statement
21 Appendix B
Proposed Conceptual Plan

4. i. introduction

5. Planning Study 2010 L9W | 5
T he vision for the Lower 9th Ward Art, Culture,
and Civic Engagement Center is to bring together
“residents, non-profits, community organizations,
and local businesses and entrepreneurs who share a
commitment to developing the cultural and creative
to convert the former McDonogh 19/Louis Armstrong
school at 5909 St. Claude Avenue into the Lower 9th
Ward Center for Art, Culture, and Civic Engagement.
The school, which includes the main school building,
a cafeteria annex and a caretaker’s cottage, along with
for locating program spaces within the school, based on
the results of the charrette. Appendix B presents the
proposed conceptual plan, as detailed in a site plan and
floor plans.
assets of the Lower 9th Ward in an environment of approximately 1.3 acres of open space bordered by St. Appendix B also presents a cost estimate for the proposed
civic inclusiveness and engagement as a platform for Claude Avenue and Alabo, Marais and Gordon streets, conceptual plan. Repair costs are based on estimates
the economic recovery and development, and the has been vacant since Hurricane Katrina. of the Orleans Parish School Board, adjusted to 2010.
democratic renewal, of the communities of the Lower Improvement costs include facilities and equipment
9th Ward.” The mission of the center is to “support Based on the vision and mission of the Lower 9th Ward required to support proposed programs, as described
community engagement and revitalization of the Lower Center for Art, Culture, and Civic Engagement and in the following section. Project costs are estimated to
9th Ward through utilization of its art and cultural discussions with Lower 9th Ward residents, including be approximately $13 million to $16 million, including
assets as resources to achieve economic development, a design charrette in June, 2010, the project team has design and construction management (CM) costs. Given
sustainability and the renewal of democratic practices developed an inventory of programs which could be the conceptual nature of the proposed plans, the cost
within the neighborhood.” (Appendix A) included in the center, and has determined the space and estimate includes a 25 percent contingency factor.
functional requirements for such programs. Program
Students and faculty from Lafayette College’s Economic spaces proposed for the center are inventoried in
Empowerment and Global Learning Project (EEGLP) have Appendix B.
been working with a group of Lower 9th Ward residents
to implement this vision and mission by developing plans The project team has also developed a conceptual plan

6. ii. programmatic
considerations

7. Planning Study 2010 L9W | 7
C onsistent with the fundamental EEGLP
principal of supporting rather than directing
community efforts, design considerations
were based on programs intended to support the
vision and mission of the Lower 9th Ward Center
for Art, Culture, and Civic Engagement. The
EEGLP project team has attempted to incorporate
programmatic considerations in the proposed plan.
Art has been considered in a broad sense, including
both visual and performing arts. Spaces included
in the plan to support programs in the visual arts
include a ceramics studio; a graphics/media, film
and printmaking studio; gallery space; and artists’
studios. Spaces included in the plan to support
programs in the performing arts include a theater;
dance/theater studio; and a music classroom. Plans
for the center also include offices and meeting
spaces for community arts organizations.
Culture has been considered in an ecological
sense, as the environment in which life flourishes. Conceptual models
Geographically isolated, with a long tradition of of the McDonogh 19 building
with the caretaker’s cottage
community and multi-generational family ties, the
Lower 9th Ward has a unique culture, even in the (Top) Rear Isometric View
context of the unique culture of New Orleans. (Bottom) Front Isometric View
Cultural considerations addressed the impacts on the
Lower 9th Ward of Hurricanes Katrina and Betsy,
segregation and integration, music, arts, and the re-population and development of the Lower 9th an artist-in-residence, including living and studio
connection of the community to nature, in terms of Ward. Spaces included in the plan to support civic space. Open spaces at the center will be used for
a tradition of backyard gardens and the proximity of engagement include areas for exhibits about the a playground, picnic area, farmer’s market, and
the Mississippi River and Bayou Bienvenue. Spaces history of the Lower 9th Ward, classrooms, a media community garden.
included in the plan to support cultural programs center/library, spaces for community meetings and
include areas for exhibits about the Lower 9th Ward functions, and offices for community non-profit The entire site will be secured by fencing designed
history and culture, spaces for community events organizations. to complement the buildings. Off-site parking will
and functions, and offices and meeting spaces for be provided.
community cultural organizations. Plans for the center also include a kitchen/culinary
school, gift shop and café. Gallery and exhibit
Civic engagement has been considered as a platform spaces can be used for receptions and banquets.
for democratic renewal to support the sustainable The former caretaker’s cottage will be used for

8. 8 | L9W Planning Study 2010
From the Charrette:
Computer generated models of the site, main building and individual floors were
created and rendered using Autodesk Revit Architecture Software, and Google Sketch-
up Software. Drawings and models are to scale and are accurate representations of the
proposed programs and activities decided at the Charette. 1
Site (adjoining page)- Proposed green space at the back that can be used for
multiple events, including the local Sankofa Market Place, as well as a children’s
play area. Desired parking spaces are highlighted by the red spaces.
Ground Floor (1)-Visual of a culinary art
school (top), and a connected café and gift
shop (top left)
Main Floor (4)-Visual of a small scale 2
theater (bottom right), and gallery space
(bottom)
Top Floor(5)- Visual of rooms that will be
transformed into art studios, artist studios,
and offices
3

9. Planning Study 2010 L9W | 9
Project Phasing:
Depending on the availability of funds, it may be necessary or desirable to
undertake the project in phases. While phasing would be determined by available
resources, it appears that phases could include:
• Renovation of the caretaker’s cottage; this work could begin in Spring, 2011,
and would be expected to take about three months and cost about $300,000;
• Site work, including demolition of the cafeteria annex and paved areas,
construction of a fence, and development of parking areas, green spaces,
playground, etc.; this work would be expected to cost about $750,000;
• Renovation of
the bottom floor and
building mechanical,
electrical and plumbing
(MEP) systems; this work
would be expected to
cost about $6 million;
and
• Renovation of the
main and top floors; this
work would be expected
to cost about $4, divided
approximately evenly
between the two floors.

10. 10 | L9W Planning Study 2010
Table 2.
Cost Estimate
Repair costs are based on estimates of the Orleans Parish School Board.
Table 1. Improvement costs are based on facilities and equipment for proposed
Program Spaces programs and these costs are based on typical RS Means cost estimating
methods. Cost estimates are directly derived from RS Means Commercial
The following are estimated minimum square footage:
Data
Item Item cost
Site repairs $370,000
Site improvments $340,000
Site work sub-total $710,000
Cottage repairs $250,000
Cottage improvements $30,000
Cottage work sub-total $280,000
Main building repairs $9,000,000
Main building improvements $750,000
Main building work sub-total $9,750,000
Sub-total $10,740,000
Design and construction management at 20% $2,148,000
Sub-total $12,888,000
Contingencies at 25% $3,222,000
Total $16,110,000

11. Planning Study 2010 L9W | 11
Building Uses:
Banquet Hall
Location: Galleries/Permanent Exhibit Space
Banquet hall will attend to the civic
engagement needs of the center. It will be a
flexible entity that can be located either in
a gallery space, open space on the ground
floor, or on the green space at the back of the
center.
Conference Room
Location: Top Floor
This room will be used for conferences and
meetings of non-profit organizations, the
Sankofa Market board and citizens of the
community.
Administrative Offices
Location: Top Floor and Main Floor
Office space does not have to be separate
rooms but could simply be a large room that
makes use of cubicles to create personal desk
space. If walls are needed, an operable/movable
wall system should be utilized. Movable walls
are known as drywall replacement systems
because these walls take on the role of a
drywall, without the cost of putting up a
drywall. Tracks for the walls will be installed
in the ceilings and floors, but this is not costly.
Carpet is also suggested for office space.
See Figure 1 (Appendix B) for the floor plan.

12. 12 | L9W Planning Study 2010
Theater
Location: Main Floor
Café Square Footage: 1,420 SF
Location: Ground Floor This area will be used as a multi-use area for theatrical
Square Footage: 717 SF performances and for artists’ displays. Additional space
The Café will serve the public and visitors simple in the Banquet hall could also be utilized for larger
refreshments and finger foods. The Café in the basement audiences.
will be supported by a kitchen that will also be located on
the ground floor to store and prepare food. The Café will
have outside seating that will be located at the side of the
building. The Café must also abide by the FDA codes and
requirements, as well as the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) design standards regarding dimensions and
facilities.
Gallery Space
Location: Main Floor
Square Footage: 1,579 SF
Gallery Space will be used for display purposes. See Figure
1 and 4 (Appendix B).

13. Planning Study 2010 L9W | 13
Gift Shop
Location: Ground Floor
The gift shop should be located toward the front of the
building to attract customers. See Figures 1 and 4.
Perfoming Art Studios
Location: Ground Floor
Square Footage: Varies
The performance art studios are a necessity to the
Center. The culture unique to the Lower 9th Ward
combines music, food and dance and is a backbone of the
community. These aspects and signature qualities typify
the Lower 9th Ward.
Visual Art Studios
Location: Top Floor (2,184 SF)
and Ground Floor (1,720 SF)
The visual art studios will be utilized by artists in
residence and students of the Center.
Welcome Booth/Tourism Information Center
Location: Main Floor
The Tourist Information Center will be to the main floor
front entrance. To conserve space, it could be placed at
the administrative offices on the ground floor and thus
serve a dual purpose.

14. 14 | L9W Planning Study 2010
Artist-in-Residence
Location: Former caretaker’s cottage.
Sankofa MarketPlace
Location: Green Area
A market place that utilizes the green spaces on the site
to produce and sell food.
Permanent Exhibit Sapce
Location: Main Floor, and hallways
Permanent Exhibits will consist of historical and cultural
artifacts of the Lower 9th Ward. It will be located in areas
of high traffic such as the halls and the media center.
Youth Guild Program
Location: Main floor
The youth guild program will utilize the physical spaces
of the building but will be solely for the development
and nourishment of the youth and young adults of the
community. It will make use of an office space on the
main floor and facilities throughout the building.
Media Center
Location: Main Floor
The Media Center will be used to enrich the community,
as it will provide literature and computer access. This can
be literature about sustainability, or by local writers, or
about the history of the Lower 9th Ward.
Artist Studios
Location: Top Floor
Square Footage: 400-600/Studio
This will be an extension of the visual artist’s residency
program, and will attract competition among local artists.
The studios will be rented out at monthly intervals to
artists, but artists must perform at an acceptable level in
order to keep their privilege of using the studio.

15. iii. economic and
financial considerations

16. 16 | L9W Planning Study 2010
E conomic impact analysis seeks to ascertain short-run net
changes in economic activities in the form of revenue,
income and employment that are associated with
additional spending in a region. To evaluate the economic
feasibility of this project and assess its overall effect, an economic
The economic impact study signals to the communities that
when they support the arts, they not only enhance the quality
of community life but also invest in their own economic
wellbeing.2
impact analysis was conducted using the computer program This analysis assesses the economic impact of the Center
IMPLAN1. The program captures the interdependencies of on the city of New Orleans as lack of social and economic
various economic sectors and provides detailed analysis of infrastructure creates significant leakages of money spent
how the local economy responds to the Lower 9th Ward Art, outside the Lower 9th Ward, where the Center is physically
Culture, and Civic Engagement Center. located. Due to data availability, the present study uses findings
by the Americans for the Arts: Arts & Economic Prosperity
In the model, economic impact is measured in three III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture
dimensions: direct, indirect and induced economic effects. The Organizations, Northwest Louisiana Regional Report (2007) as
conversion of the McDonogh 19 building into an art, culture direct expenditure estimates for the economic impact analysis,
and civic engagement center would create direct economic excluding cost of event admission (Table 1, Average $ spent
effects or expenditures directly related to the project, namely per visitor column). Despite obvious geographic differences,
spending on the construction of the building, subsequent Shreveport, where the NWLA report was conducted, is
maintenance and utility expenses, wages paid to employees, comparable to New Orleans in various socioeconomic
visitors’ expenditures such as complementary spending on dimensions3 and thus may be considered a suitable proxy
meals, accommodation, as well as gifts purchased at other for New Orleans in terms of direct expenditure estimates.
local establishments. Subsequent analysis assumes event admission charge of $6
per adult attendee4 and is conducted for two potential annual
The Center would also generate indirect economic effects as attendee number scenarios:
businesses experience an increase in demand for their output
due to the new spending and in turn step up input purchases • The Center attracts a total of 7,500 adult attendees per year5
and hiring. What’s more, induced economic effects would • The Center attracts a total of 10,000 adult attendees per
occur as a result of additional household expenditures induced year.
by the rise in income generated by the new economic activity.
Both business and household add to the local demand and It is acknowledged, however, that visitor spending at
provide further economic stimulus and thus indirect and the Center may induce a substitution away from other
induced effects are key to measuring spillover benefits to the
larger community. 2 Arts & Economic Prosperity III: National and Northwest Louisiana Re-
gional Report
Hence, the establishment of the Lower 9th Ward Art, Culture, 3 According to U.S. Census Bureau 2008 statistics, the city of New Orleans
and Civic Engagement Center would be expected to set in
motion a chain reaction and generate multiple increases in has a total population of 270,245 compared to 200,425 in Shreveport; New
economic activity in the city of New Orleans, whose total Orleans has a per capita income of $ 21,985 and Shreveport of $21,421; there
effect can be expressed formally as: are 75,788 # occupied housing units in New Orleans, slightly below 77,692 in
Shreveport.
Total Impact = Direct effect + Indirect effect + Induced effect 4 The median admissions charge over a sample of similar themed centers in
= Direct Effect x Multiplier New Orleans.
5 New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau data shows that in year 2009,
7.5 million visitors traveled to New Orleans, which yields an estimate of 7500
1 IMPLAN Professional Version 2.0, Social Accounting and Impact Analysis annual attendees, or 20 per day, if the Center were to attract one in every
Software developed by the Minnesota Implan Group, Inc. thousand visitors to the city.

17. Planning Study 2010 L9W | 17
Table 1 : Direct Visitor Spending on Admission & Event-related Activities
Average $ spent per per 7500 per 10000 Table 2: Economic Impact Analysis Results Summary
attendee attendees attendees
5% substitution effect 10% substitution effect
Refreshments during event 1.77 13,275 17,700
Meals before/after event 9.14 68,550 91,400 7,500 10,000 7,500 10,000
Direct spending impact (ticket revenue) 45,000 60,000 45,000 60,000
Souvenirs and gifts 1.77 13,275 17,700
Event-related direct spending impact 152,325 203,100 152,325 203,100
Clothing/accessories 0.99 7,425 9,900
Competing Art & Culture Center substitution effect -9,866.50 -13,155 -19,732.50 -26,310
Transportation 2.49 18,675 24,900
Direct spending impact (net of substitution) 187,458.5 249,945 177,592.5 236,790
Event-related child care 0.05 375 500
Indirect & induced impact (from IMPLAN) 67,735.50 90,314 64,170.50 85,561
Overnight lodging (1 night) 2.68 20,100 26,800 TOTAL OUTPUT IMPACT 255,194 340,259 241763 322351
Other 1.42 10,650 14,200 Labor income 78,338 104,451 74,215 98,953
Subtotal event-related spending 20.31 152,325 203,100 Employment 2.4 3.2 2.3 3
Ticket sales 6 45,000 60,000 Indirect business taxes 13,142 17,522 12,450 16,600
TOTAL 26.31 197,325 263,100 OUTPUT MULTIPLIER 1.36 1.36 1.36 1.36
Competing venues 10% substitution -2.631 -19,732.50 -26,310
NET TOTAL (if 10%) 23.679 177,593 236,790
Competing venues 5% substitution -1.32 -9,866.50 -13,155 of about 1.36 - As a result of indirect and induced effects,
NET TOTAL (if 5%) 24.99 187,458.50 249,945
Table 1 represents the direct overall output produced in New Orleans is projected
economic effects of the Center and to increase by about 36% above the ticket revenue and
existing art and cultural venues1. To account for this related spending in the economy. event-related visitor expenditures.
possibility, the analysis incorporates a negative direct
effect on competing businesses and institutions. Two The indirect and induced economic effects results are With 10,000 new visitors per year4, the Food Services
scenarios are considered: summarized in table 2 and impact on each sector is and Drinking Places sector would be the largest potential
detailed in table 3. direct beneficiary, producing over $80,000 in new output,
• 90% of total direct expenditure (ticket revenue plus creating 1.2 new jobs and nearly $30,000 in labor income.
event-related spending) represents net new direct The economic impact analysis suggests total output This is followed by the Museums, Historical Sites, Parks
injections; the remaining 10% represents substitution of produced in New Orleans would grow by over $340,000 sector, with $34, 000 new output and $20,000 labor
spending on other attractions that would have occurred as a result of $60,000 in ticket revenue and an additional income. The above table details estimates for other sectors
in its absence; $200,000 in event-related direct spending (assuming 10, that would stand to reap benefits under the project and
000 visitors a year and a 5% substitution effect). Labor also displays results obtained under the 7500 visitors
• 95% net new direct injections; 5% substitution2. income is estimated to increase by $100,000 with 3.2 new assumptions.
jobs created, and indirect business taxes would rise by
1 To the extent that $6 spent on an admission ticket at the L9W
about $17,000. These figures imply an output multiplier3
Center reduces visitor spending at the Contemporary Arts Center or
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, both in New Orleans, by the same amount, regional arts, culture and civic engagement experience, thus attracting
it does not add to net new spending. more visitors to New Orleans and all related events. Hence, while the
2 In reality, as there is little economic activity in the L9W currently, study models a negative substitution effect, the alternative possibility related direct spending impact)
the level of actual substitution is likely immaterial, or much lower than should also be recognized. 4 Assuming a 5% substitution effect.
is accounted for. It is also possible that the Center could strengthen the 3 Output multiplier= (total output impact)/ (ticket revenue+ event-

18. 18 | L9W Planning Study 2010
Table 3: Economic Impact Analysis Results by Sector
10,000 annual visitors
7500 annual visitors
5% substitution effect 10 % substitution effect 5% substitution effect 10 % substitution effect
Industry Output Employment Labor Income Output Employment Labor Income Industry Output Employment Labor Income Output Employment Labor Income
Food services and drinking places 60,459.00 0.90 22,490.00 57,277.00 0.90 21,306.00 Food services and drinking places 80,612.00 1.20 29,987.00 76,370.00 1.20 28,409.00
Museums- historical sites- parks 25,666.00 0.30 14,709.00 24,315.00 0.30 13,935.00 Museums- historical sites- parks 34,221.00 0.40 19,612.00 32,420.00 0.40 18,579.00
Hotels and motels 16,006.00 0.20 5,548.00 15,164.00 0.20 5,256.00 Hotels and motels 21,341.00 0.30 7,397.00 20,218.00 0.30 7,008.00
Transit and ground transportation 14,356.00 0.10 6,076.00 13,600.00 0.20 5,757.00 Transit and ground transportation 19,141.00 0.20 8,102.00 18,134.00 0.20 7,676.00
Retail Stores - Food and beverage 9,931.00 0.10 4,264.00 9,408.00 0.20 4,040.00 Retail Stores - Food and beverage 13,241.00 0.20 5,686.00 12,545.00 0.20 5,387.00
Retail Stores - Clothing and accessories 6,820.00 0.10 2,184.00 6,461.00 0.10 2,069.00 Retail Stores - Clothing and accessories 9,093.00 0.10 2,913.00 8,615.00 0.10 2,759.00
Other personal services 9,379.00 0.10 1,408.00 8,885.00 0.10 1,334.00 Other personal services 12,505.00 0.10 1,878.00 11,847.00 0.10 1,779.00
Retail Stores - General merchandise 4,609.00 0.10 2,025.00 4,366.00 0.10 1,918.00 Retail Stores - General merchandise 6,145.00 0.10 2,700.00 5,821.00 0.10 2,557.00
Real estate establishments 7,425.00 - 1,263.00 7,035.00 0.10 1,196.00 Real estate establishments 9,901.00 0.10 1,684.00 9,379.00 - 1,595.00
Wholesale trade businesses 2,821.00 - 1,077.00 2,672.00 0.10 1,020.00 Wholesale trade businesses 3,761.00 - 1,436.00 3,563.00 - 1,361.00
TOTAL 255,194.00 2.40 78,338.00 241,763.00 2.30 74,215.00 TOTAL 340,259.00 3.20 104,451.00 322,351.00 3.00 98,953.00
Of particular significance to the economic impact of this Orleanian cooking, and local youths earning a diploma In addition to the economic impact of event-related
Project is the implementation of a culinary school, offering in the culinary profession. For the former, the school spendings, the establishment of a culinary school has the
both short term New Orleans-style cooking lessons and offers all-day experiential cooking lessons for a one-time
potential to generate an additional $80,000 per year in
long term vocational training. The establishment of such a cost of $100 tentatively, whereas the latter pay a total
revenue to the Center and bring in $108, 800 new annual
school would not only provide a constant revenue stream tuition of $2,000 for a year-long, full experience, certified
output to the city. In the long run, the school would
for the Center, but would also address the pressing issues professional training session. achieve greater economic impact. As alumni of the school
of food security and unemployment in the Lower 9th establish careers in the culinary profession, expanding
Ward, and potentially mobilize repopulation by adding a Given the regional economic impact multiplier of 1.36, prestige and operations of the culinary school would
stabilizing force in the community. the complete economic impact analysis of the culinary bring in larger direct, indirect and induced economic
school is as shown in Table 4. benefits.
Consider two groups of audiences that the school targets:
out-of-town visitors taking one-time classes on New

19. Planning Study 2010 L9W | 19
As documented in Table 5, the culinary school has the development of New Orleans. $700
Thousands
highest projected start-up cost at $1,000,000 as well as $600
highest projected operating deficit at $99,200. The painting Based on the projected total expenses $500
and drawing studio, ceramics studio, digital photography ($585,685) and revenues ($612,786), the $400
studio, and music studio operating expenses range from Center is estimated to generate a profit $300
$11,800 to $39,200 annually. The digital photography of $27,101 per year. The data suggests $200
studio is projected to have the lowest operating deficit at that, although the Center may profit
an $11,200 deficit, followed by the ceramics studio with a from programming and ticket sales, $100
deficit of $18,243. It is important to note that according to outside grants and substantial funding $- Total Revenues:
the analysis, the dance studio is the only source of positive sources will be essential to sustain a $(100) Projected Expenses:
sustainable operations with projected profit of $149,575 positive cash flow. $(200) Net operating Profit or Deficit
annually. Ticket and gift shop sales provide an additional $(300)
source of revenue with potentially $14,000 in profit. In addition, the economic study
estimates that if the Center were to
The economic impact and financial analyses have shown attract 10,000 visitors per year with 5%
the proposed L9W Art, Culture, and Civic Engagement substitution effect on competing venues,
Center project to have potential to be financially viable it would produce approximately an
from the stand point of covering its operating costs, and additional $340,000 in new local output,
to become an important contributor to the economic and increase labor income by $104,000
by creating jobs
Table 4: Culinary School Economic Impact Analysis in local industries. It would also Table 5.
contribute an additional $17,000 Program-specific Operating Budget Analysis
Tuition per Projected number Total revenue/year
person/ of attendees/
Total sessions/
year
(direct spending
Total economic impact =
1.36*direct spending impact
in indirect business taxes to local In short, the project has the potential to become an
session session impact) government. important contributor to the economic development and
As the local economy recovers repopulation of the Lower 9th Ward as well as noteworthy
One-day cooking class 10.00 120,000.00 163,200.00
100.00 120*
Year- long vocational training 10.00 2.00 40,000.00 54,400.00 and redevelops over time, the spillover benefits to the city of New Orleans.
2,000.00
multiplier economic effects are
TOTAL 160,000.00 217,600.00
estimated to increase accordingly.

20. appendix A
mission statement
VISION cultural assets as creating a unique cultural destination that would educational groups.
be attractive to new residents and tourists alike. The Center • To brand the Lower 9th Ward as an art and cultural
The Lower 9th Ward Art, Culture, and Civic Engagement Center envisions this combination of theme and process serving as a destination by transforming the community assests into a
brings together residents, non-profits, community organizations, platform for the recovery and renewal of the economy, and civic marketable product that captures the place identity inherent
and local businesses and entrepreneurs who share a commitment and democratic life of the Lower 9th Ward. in the culture, people and life in the Lower 9th Ward.
to developing the cultural and creative assets of the Lower 9th • To contribute to the community development and
Ward in an environment of civic inclusiveness and engagement MISSION economic sustainability of the Lower 9th Ward, and to
as a platform for the economic recovery and development, and regional, national and international conversations on the
the democratic renewal, of the communities of the Lower 9th To support community engagement and revitalization of the role of culture, ethnicity, diversity, civic engagement and
Ward. The Center’s focus is the identification, development and Lower 9th Ward through utilization of its art and cultural assets inclusive democratic practices in civil society renewal and
implementation of initiatives and programs that are based on the as resources to achieve economic development, sustainability and modernization.
unique cultural and creative assets of the Lower 9th Ward. These the renewal of democratic practices within the neighborhood. • To build the social and human capital of residents, thereby
include, among other things, its rich oral and documentary history strengthening local institutions and furthering neighborhood
and cultural traditions, its celebrated people and works in the VALUES development in the Lower 9th Ward.
creative and performing arts, its historical practices of inclusive • To develop partnerships with academic institutions and
representative democracy at the state, city and community levels, • Democratic principles of participation, dialogue, and organizations interested in participating in the mission of
and its history and culture of environmental stewardship through pluralism the Center.
its ecological (sustainable fishing and crabbing in the Bayou • Community participation and inclusiveness • To build bridges among the arts, humanities, and design
Bienvenue, for example) and built environment practices (barge • Innovation and sustainability fields for the purpose of furthering the mission of the Center.
wood homes with high ceilings for cooling and open floor for flood • Cultural diversity, social equity, leadership, and self- • To create a Center that is a model of an environmentally
water drainage, for example). These accomplishments have formed empowerment efficient retrofitted historic restoration.
a cultural tradition and cultural history that connect the Lower • To create a space for community educational programs
9th Ward and its citizens to citizens and communities around GOALS through which children and adolescents can learn from
the world, and to universal principles and values of humanity, specialized art classes.
environmental stewardship and civil society. The Center believes • To create an art, culture and civic life “town square” in • To support collaborative engagement between project
that the recent crises have refocused the communities of the Lower the Lower 9th Ward where residents can create, display and partners to explore the development of the Center as a
9th Ward on these universal principles and values as foundational perform their creative works, and engage visitors. framework of education and continued learning.
in their recovery and renewal. It further sees the renewal of these • To create a space for teaching and learning, collaboration
communities around these core themes and the development and democratic dialogue between residents, and between
and commoditization of the communities’ artistic, creative and residents and visitors, including students and professional

21. appendix B Figure 1
conceptual plans Conceptual Ground Floor plan AutoCAD

22. Figure 2
Conceptual Main Floor plan AutoCAD

23. Figure 3
Conceptual Top Floor plan AutoCAD

24. Figure 4
Conceptual Site plan AutoCAD