Our Work
NOLA Repurpose is 1735’s flagship initiative dedicated to restoring blighted, vacant, and adjudicated properties across New Orleans.
Our mission is bold but necessary: to return these properties to productive use by 2035—one home, one lot, one block at a time. But we’re not in this alone. This work takes all of us. If you’re an individual, organization, or business that wants to support, partner, or get involved—we need you, and we appreciate you.
Email us at info@1735nola.org to learn more and join the movement.
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Mrs. Rebecca's Home
Once home to Rebecca Jones and her family, this historic Central City double holds deep community roots. With ties to a tragic RTA accident in the 1980s, 3609-3611 stands as a symbol of the stories behind New Orleans homes. As part of the NOLA Repurpose initiative, this property will be restored to serve as an example of transformation through historical preservation.
Mr. Kelly's Family Home
In the 1930s, this property was home to Mr. Walter Kelly, a respected hospitality worker who served at the L’Enfant Rosedale Inn, once located at 2201 S. Claiborne Avenue. Mr. Kelly represented a proud tradition of professionalism and service within New Orleans’ booming hotel industry. Though the original home is gone and the lot has long been neglected, its legacy lives on.
Now, through NOLA Repurpose, 2925 MLK will be acquired and restored by The Avenue to establish a hospitality and culinary training school. This new chapter honors Mr. Kelly’s legacy by preparing a new generation for careers in food service and hospitality—right on the same ground where he once lived.
The Greer Brothers'
​Purchased in the early 1980s by the father of Edward Mobuta and Kente Greer, 2716 Cherry Street was once a vibrant family home filled with childhood memories. The brothers grew up on this block, playing in the yard and creating bonds that, at one time, seemed unbreakable. However, tragedy struck in the late 1980s with an accidental shooting that fractured the family’s unity. Sadly, the brothers have since been unable to reconcile or agree on how to move forward with the home that shaped their early lives. In 2025, the City of New Orleans demolished the house, citing safety concerns. Now, the once beloved family home sits as a vacant lot, currently listed for sale on CivicSource. The story of 2716 Cherry Street is a somber reminder of how unresolved pain can leave not only emotional scars but also a legacy of lost property and missed opportunity.
Do you have a property in mind?
Are you interested in transforming empty lots into something meaningful? NOLA Repurpose is actively working to restore and reimagine neglected properties across New Orleans—especially in neighborhoods like Cherry Street, South Roman, and Central City. If you've ever looked at an abandoned lot and thought, "This could be something great," you're not alone—and you're exactly who we want to work with. Whether you're a future homeowner, community leader, artist, or entrepreneur, NOLA Repurpose offers a unique opportunity to turn blight into beauty. Let’s collaborate to preserve history, build equity, and create spaces that serve the community. ✨ Ready to get involved or explore nearby lots? Reach out today and let’s start building the future—together.