JEDCO, Jefferson Parish break ground on first model home in Terrytown

(TERRYTOWN, La) – Wednesday, the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), in coordination with Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, Councilman-at-Large Ricky Templet and key development partners, broke ground on the first model home being built under the Jefferson Parish Neighborhood Revitalization Model Home Pilot Program in Terrytown.

The model home pilot program is a key action item created through the Terrytown Neighborhood Revitalization Study Strategic Plan, which aims to provide a suite of tools, resources and recommendations that will improve existing housing stock, encourage the development of new desirable housing units and improve the neighborhood amenities and infrastructure in Terrytown. Spearheaded by Jefferson Parish and JEDCO, the plan was created to stimulate investment in housing stock that complements surrounding architectural styles while featuring contemporary interior and exterior designs in demand by today’s homebuyers. The plan is a result of a multi-year focus on housing stock enhancement by Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng and initiated in Terrytown by Councilman Ricky Templet.

Design of the house will utilize mid-century modern architectural design guidelines developed by the Tulane School of Architecture Albert & Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design, who incorporated historical and existing architectural styles in Terrytown and input from residents through in-person Terrytown Civic Association meetings and online surveying. Future homes through the Terrytown model home pilot program will be constructed through a partnership between the New Orleans Educational League for the Construction Industry (NOEL) and the Jefferson Parish Finance Authority.

“This model home will have a positive economic impact on our community,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “When a prospective business considers a community, they make decisions based on a number of factors, including quality of life, education and housing. Improving our housing stock and addressing and providing a variety of housing options will allow our community to remain economically competitive and attractive. Our innovative approach to neighborhood advancement, along with our dynamic partnerships, are some of the many reasons why Jefferson Parish continues to be a destination for business.”

“Beginning construction of a model home in Terrytown is a momentous step in addressing the aging housing infrastructure in Jefferson Parish,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “It is critical to the future of our community that we focus on our neighborhoods to attract the next generation of families here. This groundbreaking is the culmination of multiple years of work alongside many engaged, enthusiastic partners who have worked hard to spark investment and excitement in this neighborhood and many others. We are appreciative of those who prioritized this project even in the midst of a pandemic. It speaks to the power of passion and partnership that we continue to take major steps toward improving housing and quality of life in our neighborhoods during this time.”

“Early on in the strategic planning process, we recognized the need for a model home to showcase what is possible in Terrytown,” said Councilman-at-Large Ricky Templet. “The construction of a model home became a centerpiece for the Terrytown Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Plan. I am proud to have dedicated funds to the construction of this home in order to bring our vision to fruition. This home and the continued improvement of the Terrytown neighborhood will be a catalyst for private investment and growth in Terrytown. We thank our partners for bringing this project to life and look forward to seeing the final product.”

“NOEL is excited to partner with Jefferson Parish, JEDCO and the Jefferson Parish Financial Authority on this important effort,” said Lynda Nugent Smith on behalf of NOEL.  “The Terrytown Model Home Program aligns with our mission to benefit Greater New Orleans communities through the construction of current, open floor plan home styles.”

The construction of the home, located at 522 Farmington Place, will be completed by West Bank-based builder Hyman Bartolo Contractors. The project is being overseen by NOEL.  Other organizations participating in this effort include the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR) and the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBA). Construction is scheduled for completion before the end of the year.

The groundbreaking was held with limited guests and adhered to social distancing regulations to ensure the health and safety of those in attendance. The event was streamed live on JP-TV and can be watched online here.