This was not the standard tour. Dozens of real estate editors from around the country were in New Orleans last week to cover the annual convention of the National Assn. of REALTORS. But the real story was not about the convention, it was all about New Orleans. It was about a city still struggling to recover from the most devastating storm this country has ever seen. The story of Katrina remains the housing story of the century.
Musicians' Village is a success story about a housing project in New Orleans' 9th Ward that involves partners Harry Connick, Nr. and Brandford and Ellis Marsalis and Habitat for Humanity They are building homes for displaced New Orleans musicians.
Colorful new dwellings are being built on cinderblock stilettos across the street and alongside ruined homes and unswept rubble that are stark reminders of Katrina's wrath.
There will be 81 homes here when they are finished. New Orleans needs thousands more. Some of the lucky ones are living in trailers. Others drive hours to work. Families are separated. There is still much work to be done.--Frances Flynn Thorsen
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