MenuLafreniere Neighborhood Revitalization Study
Small Center worked with the Jefferson Parish Planning Department, N-Y Associates, Jefferson Parish Council District 4, and the Lafreniere Sub Area Plan Task Force to explore means of neighborhood revitalization through improvements to commercial properties and housing stock. The study prescribed regulatory changes paired with renovation design concepts for businesses, apartments, and homes.
Project Dates
November 2020–June 2021
Context
Lafreniere Park is a much-loved amenity that serves residents from across Jefferson Parish and the wider metro region. The corridors and neighborhoods surrounding the park represent a cross-section of the Parish, from single family housing, to apartments, to suburban vehicle-oriented commercial corridors. Building upon prior studies and public input, the project looked to distinguish David Drive from nearby Veterans Blvd. with a “town center” approach that focused on walkability and visual improvements.
To achieve these goals, regulatory changes were proposed alongside residential renovation ideas provided to homeowners. The project represented an effort by the Parish, in partnership with residents, to adapt an aging suburban neighborhood with sought-after amenities including bike paths, parking improvements, and enhanced architectural design quality.
Small Center Engagement
In Fall 2020, the Jefferson Parish Planning Department engaged the Small Center to work with Council District 4 and Councilman Dominick Impastato on an effort to assess current and proposed zoning along David Drive and residential housing design in neighborhoods immediately adjacent to Lafreniere Park.
Working alongside N-Y Associates, Inc., Small Center participated in a process of community engagement throughout Fall 2020 and early 2021, helping to visualize proposed changes to zoning, signage regulations, roadway improvements, and speculative residential development improvements.
Partner Organization
Small Center staff has worked with Jefferson Parish Planning on a number of previous projects including neighborhood planning efforts, model home design, and design guidelines. The Parish and its leadership has continued to promote progressive planning practices to encourage biking and walkability, preserve value for homeowners, and promote design excellence in public spaces and private development.
Outcome
The Lafreniere revitalization study engaged with residents and business owners to determine and gain support for proposed regulatory changes in the neighborhood. Small Center created visuals for proposed zoning changes to ensure understanding and facilitate meaningful public input. The study suggests pedestrian-friendly changes focused on walkability, landscape and signage improvements, and the ability to develop mixed-use properties appropriate to a denser, walkable “town center.” It also provides facade improvement ideas for local property owners, focused on adaptation of the common 1970s ranch style homes and apartments.
Zoning changes proposed by the study received overwhelming majority support in public meetings, and will likely be approved by the Parish Council in the second half of 2021. To see the comprehensive project document, click here.
Collaborators
Lafreniere Task Force
Jefferson Parish Planning Department
N-Y Associates, Inc.
Team Members
Project Leads
- Nick Jenisch (Project Manager & Design Lead)
Students
- Kareem Elsandouby
- Sofia Perrotta
- Katie Schultz
Staff
- Jose Cotto
- Emilie Taylor Welty
- Rashidah Williams
- Ann Yoachim
Special Thanks
- Councilman Dominick Impastato
