WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Support local, independent journalism on WWNO with your Member Fest gift now! Click the donate button or Call 844-790-1094.

St. Roch Market Set For Renovation

Eileen Fleming

New Orleans officials kicked off a renovation project to return the St. Roch Market into commerce. The historic building is considered an essential anchor to improve the neighborhood.

Rain moved the ceremony inside the market that’s been empty since Hurricane Katrina. And a downpour at the conclusion showed holes in the roof as evidence that work is sorely needed to refurbish the market, first built in 1875. Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the goal is to return the structure to offering fresh food and becoming a community gathering spot once again.

“This building is going to be a symbol of the rebirth of the city," said Landrieu. "It’s a $3.7 million repair. As you can look at this beautiful shell, it’s a wonderful renovation of an iconic, historic site. And this is what historic preservation, when it’s done the right way, really looks like.”

FEMA spokesman Joe Threat says the market on St. Claude Avenue is one of several projects getting under way.

“What you’re seeing right now is progress. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. But right now, we’re trying to catch up with a few years where we lost momentum.”

Officials say the market should be finished by next spring.

Eileen is a news reporter and producer for WWNO. She researches, reports and produces the local daily news items. Eileen relocated to New Orleans in 2008 after working as a writer and producer with the Associated Press in Washington, D.C. for seven years.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info