FSRP Artwalk Named to Mayor Landrieu’s List of Top 100 Recovery Projects

The Faubourg St. Roch Project Artwalk has been selected by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu as one of 100 priority recovery projects set to move forward.

The complete roster of recovery work comprises 655 projects selected by the Nagin administration at a total cost of $1.5 billion, 273 of which have been completed or are nearly complete.

Handicapped by an inherited budget deficit, the new administration has been forced to scale back the City’s plan for the remaining 382 projects, which range from police and fire stations to community centers to road improvements.

After an intensive internal review, the new administration has decided to target projects which reflect both City Council and community priorities, and also align with Mayor Landrieu’s philosophy of place-based development.

During this review process, FSRP joined with local partners to convince City officials of the urgent need for recovery work in the St. Roch neighborhood. These efforts proved successful, as three of the most significant recovery projects in St. Roch – renovations to the St. Roch Market, repair of the pool facility in Sampson/St. Roch playground, and the installation of FSRP’s Artwalk – were all named to the Mayor’s top 100 list.

“These are the (projects) that after 100 days of assessment, we realized were absolute priorities,” Mayor Landrieu said at a press conference announcing the list. “Some of them are further along than others, but you can take these to the bank.”

Designed to promote community pride, healthy lifestyles, and reduce blight and crime, the Artwalk will be installed within the St. Roch Avenue neutral ground extending 6 blocks behind the historic St. Roch Market to Independence Square. Through partnership with the Arts Council of New Orleans, FSRP held a national competition for proposals, and selected environmental public artist Jefre Figureras Manuel from over 100 candidates. Jefre engaged St. Roch neighborhood residents through a series of public art exercises, and his final design represents a thoughtful integration of sculpted pieces that reflects the unique history and culture of the St. Roch neighborhood.

Guaranteed of the City’s funding commitment, FSRP continues to explore ways to expedite the Artwalk’s path to completion.