Magnolia Projects, Public housing district in Central City, New Orleans, United States.
Magnolia Projects is a residential area in Central City, New Orleans, stretching across several blocks between Louisiana Avenue and Washington Avenue. The buildings display Colonial-style elements with cast-iron decorations and were originally built in one to three stories.
Architect Moise H. Goldstein designed the project starting in 1939 under commission from the city housing authority, with 740 units completed by 1941. In 2011, the site underwent a complete redesign and received the new name Harmony Oaks.
The neighborhood played a central role in shaping New Orleans Bounce rap and produced several regionally known musicians. A.L. Davis Park regularly hosted brass band performances where residents and visitors danced to the sounds of traditional brass instruments.
Today the site operates as Harmony Oaks with a mix of housing models, including subsidized units and market-rate apartments. Visitors can walk through the neighborhood and observe the layout of the former housing complex.
Cast-iron Corinthian columns decorate many building fronts and connect the development to the city's architectural tradition. Courtyards between residential blocks served as gathering spots for residents and remain partially visible today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
