Opportunities of

THE 7TH WARD CULTURAL DISTRICT

Business

→ Revitalization and Economic Investment

→ Entrepreneurial and Business Opportunities

→ Community Resources and Support

Fink, Shawn. The Circle Food Store, in business since 1938, at the corner of St Bernard and North Claiborne avenues in New Orleans, La. 17 Oct. 2018. The Advocate, https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/circle-food-store-a-historic-new-orleans-grocery-and-7th-ward-landmark-up-for-sheriffs/article_c474a118-66cf-11e9-bc50-5355ae6805de.html.

Revitalization and Economic Investment

Neighborhood Revitalization Projects: The 7th Ward has been part of several post-Katrina revitalization efforts, with both public and private investments going into infrastructure, housing, and local businesses. This is creating opportunities for construction jobs, renovation projects, and real estate development.

Local Business Support: The city has implemented programs that support small businesses, especially those in historically underserved communities like the 7th Ward. These programs include grants, micro-loans, and small business development centers designed to encourage entrepreneurship and community development.

Tax Incentives: Working in the 7th Ward has association tax incentives. To qualify, you must meet one of the two criteria below:
1. Renovations to historic structures (the building must be over 50 years of age from current year) within the district may be eligible for state historic tax credits.
2. Sales of original, one-of-a-kind works of visual art are exempt from local sales tax.
  - Original works of visual art eligible for the tax exemption include:
    - Visual art: not limited to but including drawing, painting, sculpture, clay, ceramics, glass, fiber, leather, metal, paper, wood, installation art, light sculpture, wearable art, or mixed media
    - Art made by the hand of the artist or under his direction
    - Art not intended for mass production
    - Limited, numbered editions (up to 100) of lithographs, photography, silk screen, intaglios, etchings and graphic design
    - Ineligible media and products: performing arts, food products, live plants, music recordings, and reproductions of original art works

Community Resources and Support

Access to Grants and Subsidies: Because the 7th Ward has been identified as an underserved area, there are opportunities to benefit from government grants, low-income subsidies, and nonprofit programs aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. These include housing assistance, business development grants, and educational programs.

Nonprofit Support: There are many community organizations and nonprofits based in or supporting the 7th Ward, helping residents with everything from homeownership assistance to workforce development. These initiatives are aimed at improving the economic well-being of residents.

Nonprofit Initiatives

Planned neighborhood improvements like enhanced stormwater management, tree plantings, and the reduction of blight through projects like NewCorp’s Annette Street housing rehabilitation, will help increase property values.

NewCorp is putting together a package for aspiring and existing businesses to help move them from the storefront to e-commerce. NewCorp is also supporting technical assistance and training. E-commerce would be supplemental, and not replace storefronts, but would help small businesses understand how they can be viable in the online world.

Entrepreneurial and Business Opportunities

Community Support for Entrepreneurs: New Orleans offers support for small businesses, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. In the 7th Ward, community development organizations and nonprofits work with local entrepreneurs to provide funding, training, and resources.

Commercial Space Availability: Because the 7th Ward is less densely developed than some other areas, there are opportunities for businesses to rent or purchase commercial spaces at lower prices. This is ideal for startups, artists, and local retailers who want to establish a presence without the high overhead costs seen in more tourist-centric areas.

Valena C. Jones School Site

The Plessy-Ferguson Foundation, NewCorp, along with others, have identified the vacant Valena C. Jones School site for possible development as either an agricultural research school, or location for mixed-income housing, artists’ housing, and craftsmen’s studios. Per the latter possibility, one idea for supporting local artisans is to create shared onsite workspace, and to establish a tool library for borrowing equipment that might otherwise be unaffordable.

Housing and Living

→ Affordable Housing Options

→ Lower Cost of Living

→ Local Employment Opportunities

Bird’s eye view photo of the 7th Ward of New Orleans. Homes.Com, https://www.homes.com/local-guide/new-orleans-la/7th-ward-neighborhood/.

Affordable Housing Options

Lower Home Prices: Housing in the 7th Ward is generally more affordable than in neighborhoods like the French Quarter or Garden District. Median home prices tend to be lower, allowing first-time homebuyers and investors to enter the market more easily.

Affordable Rent: Rental prices are also more accessible for residents compared to higher-income areas, which can attract young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs looking to save on living costs.

Property Investment Opportunities: Because the 7th Ward is still undergoing revitalization, there’s potential for property value appreciation over time, making it an appealing option for real estate investors.

$18M senior housing development planned in 7th Ward

Located at 1950 St. Bernard Ave., Liberty Bank Community Development Corp. is leading the development of an $18M senior housing development in the 7th Ward. It includes 62 one and two-bedroom apartments to people who are at least 55 years old. It will have a myriad of perks to being a resident of the building which will include onsite visits from dentists, barbers and beauticians as well as educational and activity programs such as financial literacy, GED classes and dance lessons. The project began in early 2022 and is planned to open in the community withinthe next few years.

NewCorp is working with the 7th Ward Neighborhood Association on an affordable housing component for the proposed district. NewCorp acquired six properties on Annette Street, and are committed to building affordable housing there. The organization is looking throughout the neighborhood for other such opportunities.

Lower Cost of Living

Overall Affordability: Compared to neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Bywater, or Uptown, the 7th Ward has a lower overall cost of living. This includes lower grocery prices at local markets, more affordable utilities, and public transportation access. The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) serves the neighborhood with bus and streetcar lines, making commuting more cost-effective for residents.

Lower Property Taxes: Property taxes in the 7th Ward tend to be lower than in more affluent areas, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars per year. This is particularly appealing for new homeowners or those on a budget.

Local Employment Opportunities

Service Industry Jobs: Given its proximity to downtown, the French Quarter, and the tourism industry, residents of the 7th Ward have easy access to jobs in hospitality, food services, and tourism. Bars, restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions frequently hire workers from nearby areas.

Community-Based Jobs: Revitalization efforts often focus on employing locals, whether it’s in housing rehabilitation, community development projects, or infrastructure improvements. This creates local job opportunities, particularly in construction, maintenance, and community outreach roles.

Culture

→ Rich Cultural Heritage

→ Arts and Festivals

Two men enjoying a coffee in the 7th Ward of New Orleans. Homes.Com, https://www.homes.com/local-guide/new-orleans-la/7th-ward-neighborhood/.

Rich Cultural Heritage

The 7th Ward is a historically significant neighborhood, known for its Creole culture, music, and traditions. The area attracts cultural tourists interested in exploring local history, African American heritage, and Creole architecture. Small businesses like cafes, art galleries, music venues, and walking tours have economic opportunities to thrive by leveraging this cultural capital.

Arts and Festivals

New Orleans is known for its vibrant arts scene, and the 7th Ward plays a role in hosting local events and festivals that bring in visitors and economic activity. For example, Mardi Gras celebrations and second-line parades pass through the area, offering income to local vendors, musicians, and artists.

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Annual Street Festival

Planned future creation an annual neighborhood street festival at the A.P. Tureaud “At the Gates” Monument and pocket park which will feature artists, musicians, food trucks, and other vendors from the area.

THE 7TH WARD CULTURAL DISTRICT

Business

Revitalization and Economic Investment

Affordable Housing Options

Lower Cost of Living

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THE 7TH WARD CULTURAL DISTRICT

Business

​

Revitalization and Economic Investment

Discover the Avenue!

Find us on social media

Stay up-to-date

Our partner projects