NEW ORLEANS — After more than 14 years of delays, District C Councilmember Freddie King, III, and Mayor Helena Moreno today announced they have secured approximately $3 million to demolish the long-vacant DeGaulle Manor apartment complex in Algiers, removing one of the neighborhood’s most persistent sources of blight and public safety concerns.
The one-time housing-related funding will be used to complete the full demolition of the 12-building complex at 3010 Sandra Drive. The funding was made available from the short-term rental fund, allowing the city to move forward with a project that had remained unfunded for years due to financial and administrative barriers.
Vacant for more than a decade, DeGaulle Manor has become one of the city’s most visible symbols of blight. Residents have long raised concerns about deteriorating buildings, illegal dumping, overgrown vegetation, rodent infestations, and criminal activity associated with the abandoned property. City records show the site has accumulated more than 100 minimum property maintenance violations. Demolishing the complex will remove a longstanding public safety hazard, improve quality of life for nearby residents, reduce nuisance activity, and create new opportunities for reinvestment and revitalization in the surrounding neighborhood.
“Residents in Algiers deserve action, not more delays,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “For years, neighbors have lived next to a property that threatened public safety and diminished quality of life. By identifying the funding needed to move this project forward, we’re finally delivering on something this community has waited far too long to see happen.”
“Demolishing DeGaulle Manor is a top quality-of-life priority for Mayor Moreno,” said CAO Joe Giarrusso. “Algiers has been promised this would be demolished and Councilmember King pushed for this humongous eyesore to come down. These are the types of projects residents want that the Moreno Administration will continue pursuing.”
“For years, DeGaulle Manor has been a symbol of neglect and an ongoing source of concern for residents, but giving up on demolishing this blighted property was never an option. I remain committed to resolving this issue,” said Councilmember Freddie King, III. “I want to thank the administration for partnering to move this long-overdue project forward.”
Mobilization began in early June followed by the required environmental abatement. Demolition is proceeding in phases, with each of the 12 buildings scheduled to come down sequentially from June 2026 through May 2027. Final site clearing and fence repair will be completed by June 1, 2027, marking full project completion. This phased approach ensures the city can safely manage environmental requirements while delivering steady, visible progress for nearby residents.
It is important to note the city does not own the DeGaulle Manor property. The site was purchased at a Sheriff’s sale on September 7, 2017, by Granaio, LLC, owned by Josh Bruno. After demolition and environmental remediation are completed, the Department of Code Enforcement will work with the Central Adjudication Bureau to initiate a cost‑recovery hearing to attempt to recoup the city’s expenses for clearing, abatement, demolition, and related work.
The demolition marks a significant step toward improving quality of life in Algiers by removing a longstanding public nuisance, reducing safety hazards, and creating new opportunities for future investment and revitalization in the surrounding neighborhood.
As demolition activities progress, the city will continue coordinating with public safety agencies, environmental contractors, and neighborhood partners. Additional updates, including timelines, safety protocols, and community advisories, will be shared as work advances. Residents are encouraged to report any onsite concerns through 311.