11-19-2025: Re: Support for Resolution No. R-25-584 – Plaza Tower Redevelopment

November 19, 2025

New Orleans City Council
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Re: Support for Resolution No. R-25-584 – Plaza Tower Redevelopment

Dear City Council Members:

Louisiana Landmarks Society is pleased to express our strong support for Resolution No. R-25-584, which seeks to expand the Difficult to Develop Area (DDA) boundaries to include Plaza Tower and facilitate its redevelopment into senior housing.

Plaza Tower has been a matter of deep concern for our organization. In 2022, we designated the building as one of Louisiana's Nine Most Endangered Sites, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. This historic landmark, designed by Leonard R. Spangenberg and Associates and completed in 1969, is a cornerstone of New Orleans' architectural heritage. As the city's first high-rise building, it holds tremendous significance in our urban development history. Its vacant status since 2002 represents not only a missed opportunity for economic development and community revitalization in our Downtown core, but also a threat to an architectural treasure.

We commend Councilmembers Harris and Morrell for advancing this innovative solution. Converting Plaza Tower into quality senior housing would address critical housing needs while simultaneously preserving this iconic structure through adaptive reuse. This approach aligns perfectly with New Orleans' commitment to sustainable urban development, historic preservation, and neighborhood activation.

The DDA designation and the 30 percent basis boost under the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program are essential financial tools to make this project feasible. We urge the City Council to pass this resolution and to work with HUD and the State of Louisiana to secure the necessary approvals. With these supports in place, we can finally see the revitalization of this important landmark begin.

Thank you for your continued leadership on historic preservation and equitable housing development.

Sincerely,

Sandra Stokes
Chair of Advocacy
Louisiana Landmarks Society