From the Client
“The Circle Food Store was not only a full service grocery, it was a warm and welcoming community hub for generations of New Orleans residents and the first African-American owned and operated grocery store in our city. Bringing it back is a major accomplishment, and we’ve reached this milestone because of the perseverance of Dwayne Boudreaux, who was determined to see The Circle Food Store return better than it was before. I commend him for never giving up on this iconic store.” – Mayor Mitch Morial
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Circle Food Store Historic Renovation
The Circle Food Store, at the corner of St. Bernard and Claiborne Avenues, is a registered federal landmark and a New Orleans cultural icon. Originally constructed in 1938, the grocery store was flooded following Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent levee failures. The full restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Circle Food Store structure includes:
- The store’s iconic exterior will remain in tact with a full restoration of the distinctive curved facade and green and white color scheme
- The building’s interior will be modernized and opened up by removing the existing drop ceiling to expose wooden trusses and let in natural light through nearly a dozen skylights
- Financing includes a mix of federal new market tax credits, federal and state historic tax credits, funds from the Louisiana State Office of Community Development, $1,000,000 from the City’s Fresh Food Retailer Initiative, and $100,000 from the City’s Economic Development Fund
Client:
Circle Food Store
Location:
Start Date:
January 2013
Completion Date:
December 2013
Square Footage:
22,000
Categories:
Retail
