Rebuilding New Orleans
Holy Cross Project
Holy Cross Project Blog
Visitor Center Now Open
May 15, 2008: The Global Green Holy Cross Project Visitor Center is now open. There are four docents, provided by the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association (HCNA), along with Global Green staff, who will lead tours of the completed home.
The Visitor Center hours are as follows:
Monday, Wed, Friday 11-4
Saturday 10-1
Tours include explanations of all the green materials and systems included in the home, such as reclaimed wood floors, Energy Star appliances, green roof, solar power, geo-thermal, and more. Global Green anticipates the visitor’s center will educate thousands of visitors, residents, developers and elected officials on ways to create greener, more affordable homes.
Come by during Visitor Center hours and receive your informational tour.
-- Mike Lopez, New Orleans Program Associate
Domino installs interior design for the first home
April 17, 2008: The installation and the photo shoot went very well. We were able to scour some used stores to find some local antiques and repurposed furniture. We were able to place a local artists sculpture for a photo, Rashida's ( from down the street) and all of Zack Smiths artwork.A local woman-Leticia- made the curtains and dust skirts ( over night!) And we fell in love with her.
Thanks to Domino we were able to fill the house with antiques, mattresses etc at the last minute... I owe them a big thanks for coming through when the donated items did not arrive. We hope everyone is as happy as we were with the final result. We received a big applaud from some of the neighbors that popped their heads in.
PHOTO GALLERY
-- Ruthie Sommers, Interior Designer
Solar Installation on Holy Cross Project Employs Locals
April 12, 2008: This month Global Green installed solar panels on the the first Holy Cross Site home, in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. This installation marked a new milestone for the project, which is set to achieve LEED Platinum certification under the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.
Global Green partnered with solar installers Meridian Energy Systems and green advocacy group Louisiana Clean Tech Network to seek out and hire residents of the Holy Cross neighborhood to assist in installation. Allan Jones, owner of Gal Can Electric was chosen to take part in this installation. The hope is that this will be the beginning of a larger solar training initiative for residents of New Orleans, in preparation for many solar projects projected to take place this year.
-- Mike Lopez, New Orleans Program Associate
Charles Allen Speaks
Nov. 28, 2007: The Holy Cross Project symbolizes renewal and rebirth of the Holy Cross/Lower 9th ward community. Given the fact that this community housing/multi-use project is very modern and state of the art in its appearance and technological design/features, it sends a strong message to the world that the people of this community have fully embraced sustainable redevelopment and wish to serve as a model community in this regard. We in this community wish to no longer be seen as being relegated to substandard conditions for living and working in this community. We want nothing but the best. And, we wish to proclaim commitment to helping preserve the global environment.
-- Charles Allen, President of the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association
Holy Cross Project Update
Oct. 16,2007: The Holy Cross project is a true touchstone of hope for a better future for New Orleans and this country. Having lived in New Orleans for most of my life, I fiercely love this city and its singular magic, and carry the pain of knowing that so many people and pieces of this incredible tapestry are now lost forever. From this brutal tragedy, though, a renewed city is slowly beginning to unfold, nurtured by its citizens, its government, and, now, its buildings. The Holy Cross Project is a visionary example of dreams made reality, of the collective passion and dedication of many talented people to provide something that people can see and touch and learn from and aspire to make a part of their lives. The people of New Orleans need this to help illuminate their struggle to save their home. But the peoples of the world need it just as much, to show that, from the ashes of tragedy can grow the seeds of a sustainable future for our planet.
-- Beth Galante, New Orleans Director