June 15, 2023 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Celebrates Opening of $4.9 Million Desire/Florida Multi-Service Center
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Director of Capital Projects Vincent Smith, CEO of the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission Larry Barabino, Jr., NORD Commission Chairman Theo C. Sanders III, District D Councilmember Eugene Green, State Senator Joseph Bouie Jr., State Representative Candace Newell and members of the Desire and Florida communities to celebrate the opening of the new $4.9 million Desire/Florida Multi-Service Center.
“We broke ground on this facility in April 2021 and are now gathered once again to celebrate the opening of the new $4.9 million Desire/Florida Multi-Service Center funded through City Bonds, FEMA funds and Hurricane Katrina Insurance dollars,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Thank you to the leadership on the local, state and federal levels for advocating for these necessary funds to build a much-needed resource for the Desire/Florida community. Thanks also to the Capital Projects Administration, NORD and all partners involved for helping to bring back and build new recreational facilities in neighborhoods across our city.”
“This is proof and evidence that the Nine is back,” said Senator Bouie. “I want to thank our Mayor, Mr. Barabino and members of the community for making this happen. I am happy to be a part of it and extremely happy that Senate District 3 is a part of bringing a community center to this neighborhood.”
“It is an honor to represent District 99 and this is a proud moment,” said State Representative Newell. “How can you say that you are listening and providing for your community without spearheading change? This is an example of that change. This is a state-of-the-art facility that offers something for everyone. It is a safe place for our children to utilize after school, a place to hold year-round activities for our seniors and a place to give our children access to books to add on to their educational experience. I am proud to partner with local and state leaders to ensure that the funding was provided to bridge these two communities together.”
The project scope included the construction of a new, 11,330-square-foot community center with meeting rooms, a center hall, a professional kitchen and office space. The facility also provides entertainment and event space for weddings, conferences and other community gatherings. The new building was designed to maximize natural LED lighting, contains energy-efficient mechanical equipment and appliances and is stormwater resilient. There are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant restrooms located throughout the building. The Desire/Florida Multi-Service Center replaces the former community center and health clinic that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
The operating hours of the center are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community activities include a chorus, FITNOLA, dance programming and other recreational options for all ages. Weekly programming began Monday, June 5.
“Today’s ribbon-cutting celebration marks a long-awaited addition to NORD, the City's public spaces and the Desire Florida community,” said Barabino. “We are thrilled to bring this new master-planned facility online with essential and modern amenities that will support the community and our seniors year-round. NORD is continuing it's commitment to the community to provide 'Something for Everyone.'”
The opening of The Desire-Florida Multi-Service Center is a significant investment in a community that has a rich but not well-enough recognized history,” said Councilmember Green. “This Center’s development and the resources provided to it and made available to the community will assist in the enhancement of the quality of life for so many residents who live near the center and throughout the City. The future is looking better because of the public investment in this facility. I look forward to working with residents of the community who are motivated to generate growth and with the Cantrell Administration and the City Council and other private and public sector entities. We will employ the Desire-Florida Multi-Services Center as a valuable resource in the rebuilding of this important, historic community.”
Under Mayor Cantrell’s leadership, the Capital Projects Administration has invested a total of $59 million in District D. Completed projects include:
- $18.2 million Juvenile Justice Intervention Center 28-bed Addition
- $6 million Equipment Maintenance Division Facility
- $3.8 million Nora Navra Library
- $2.9 million Department of Parks and Parkways Greenhouse
- $1.9 million Lafitte Greenway Restroom/Concession Building
- $1.8 million Hunters Field Phase III Addition
- $743,500 Harden Playground (New Restroom/Concessions Building)
- $630,438 Joe Bartholomew Golf Course/Pontchartrain Park Walking Path
- $198,000 Bunny Friend Restroom/Concession Building Renovations
“I want to thank Mayor Cantrell for coming to this community because, without you, none of this would happen,” said Wilbert Thomas, Sr., a member of the Florida neighborhood. “Margarete Doyle Johnston and I fought for a long time to make sure that this community center would be built, and the Mayor stepped up to give us a building with the promise to allocate more money to bring more resources to our community. We are building back up to where it should be. Now we are moving forward, and I am so glad to be a part of it.”
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