NEW ORLEANS — The former Lindy Boggs Medical Center, also formerly known as Mercy Hospital, spans nearly four acres in the heart of Mid-City. Since Hurricane Katrina, the building has sat empty.
Almost two decades later, and the 400,000-square-foot facility has deteriorated, and trespassers have riddled its walls with graffiti.
On Monday night, Mid-City neighbors packed the Warren Easton High School cafeteria to discuss ways to fight the blight.
“I was in the ICU. I was there for Katrina. It’s very traumatic seeing this building in the state that it’s in right now," one woman said.
The Mid-City Neighborhood Organization is leading efforts to work with area artists on a mural project that would beautify the eyesore.
Vice President of MCNO, Mark Mascar, said Cm. Lesli Harris, NOPD, the property owners and MCNO met to discuss turning it into an art installation for the time being.
“So, what we’re hoping is, by making it an art installation, we would kind of detract those people from coming to the neighborhood so much," Mascar said.
The owner of the building, Woodward Investments, supports the idea, but some residents are skeptical. At the meeting, they expressed concerns that the murals would not deter vandalism.
Bill Hoffman of Woodward Investments answered neighbors' questions about the property at Monday's meeting.
Hoffman said they purchased the building in 2021 with the intent of turning it into a senior living center. The company worked with the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development on financing for more than two years, but time ran out.
“Ultimately, we were told that we would probably get the special exemption. That was about four to five months ago," Hoffman told the crowd, "But unfortunately, by the time we received that, the nursing home that we lined up to move into the facility is no longer available and that’s because they have to be in a new facility before we could have this one renovated.”
The special exemption was needed because the building is in a particular flood zone, and the basement continues to flood, Hoffman said.
Now, Hoffman said they're considering new, viable options for the facility including affordable housing or office and/or retail space.
In the meantime, Hoffman told residents they plan to better secure the facility with additional fencing, landscaping and cameras.
Already, Woodward Investments is spending $30,000-$40,000 a month on property taxes, mortgage and maintenance, Hoffman said.
Residents asked Hoffman and Councilmember of District B, Lesli Harris, why not raze the building?
“Spending taxpayer money right now when there is a plan in place, I think is wasteful," Harris said.
Hoffman estimates it could take up to $3.5 million to tear the facility down, and due to the building's historical status, it would require approval from state and federal officials.
“Nobody is willing to lend us money on something that’s going to tear down," Hoffman said.
Woodward Investments put the property up for sale in 2023, but Hoffman said Monday that no offers have been made.
The next MCNO meeting is on Jan. 13.
