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The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority is proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of Esplanade DeLille, a mixed-income residential development that will transform a former city‑owned, long‑vacant 7th Ward property into a vibrant community asset.
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Developed in partnership with HRI Communities, New Orleans Restoration, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, Finance New Orleans, the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the city of New Orleans, the project will deliver 50 high-quality units, 37 of which will be affordable. In addition to its residential impact, Esplanade DeLille will introduce new ground-floor retail spaces designed to activate the corridor and strengthen the surrounding commercial landscape.
This milestone reflects our shared commitment to equitable neighborhood reinvestment and long-term community stability.
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On March 10, NORA welcomed partners and community members to Central City to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of its first Double Up! duplex home. This new pilot model introduces a creative path to affordable homeownership by pairing two complete units in a single structure. The design allows a homeowner to live in one unit while renting the other, creating built-in financial support and long-term stability.
This Central City debut marks an important step in expanding flexible, attainable housing options across New Orleans. This first home was completed in partnership with People’s Housing+. In Central City we are working in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and CNTRD. We are looking ahead to bringing more duplex opportunities to neighborhoods throughout the city.
NORA’s Small Business Marketing Assistance Program helps neighborhood entrepreneurs strengthen their brand presence, reach new customers and grow sustainably. Eligible small businesses receive one-on-one support from professional marketing consultants at no cost to the business. Participants can access services that include brand development, website creation or updates, social media strategy, photography, signage and other customized marketing tools that increase visibility and drive engagement.
The program supports NORA’s larger effort to revitalize commercial corridors across New Orleans by investing directly in the businesses that anchor these communities. By pairing small business owners with experienced marketing experts, NORA ensures that local entrepreneurs have the resources they need to compete in today’s digital and consumer-driven landscape.
Here are two local businesses putting the program’s support into action:
Addis NOLA
Addis NOLA, a woman- and Black-owned Ethiopian restaurant on Bayou Road, is a new participant in NORA’s Small Business Marketing Assistance Program. With support from the program, the team has completed an operational and customer-service assessment, introduced an AI-supported call system, finalized a new exterior banner, updated website forms and launched a refreshed email marketing strategy. They also began developing a centralized online ordering page to simplify access for diners.
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These upgrades are already showing results. Call volume increased 42 percent from late January to late March, and the improved phone system doubled the amount of staff time saved. Clearer call routing also led to more completed reservations and smoother customer interactions.
Through these efforts, Addis NOLA is strengthening its operations, improving customer experience and expanding its visibility as a cultural and culinary anchor in New Orleans.
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Salsa of New Orleans
Salsa of New Orleans, a family-owned Cuban-Mexican café on N. Broad Street, is making strong progress through NORA’s Small Business Marketing Assistance Program. With support from the program, the team has completed a digital strategy audit, evaluated new online ordering systems, optimized social media content, and has started integrating its website, ordering platform and Point of Sale system into Square for a smoother customer experience.
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These upgrades are helping Salsa prepare for major improvements, including expanded hours, catering services and enhanced outdoor dining. The work lays a strong foundation for the café’s goals to grow its customer base, strengthen its brand and deepen its presence along the N. Broad Street Corridor. |
Together, these examples show how NORA’s Small Business Marketing Assistance Program is giving neighborhood businesses the tools and support they need to strengthen operations and grow.
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