Desire Projects
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The Desire Projects, located in New Orleans' Upper 9th Ward, was one of the Housing Projects of New Orleans. Historically one of the city's most crime-ridden areas, mass demolition and other efforts drastically reduced the crime occurring in the neighborhood. It was located across Florida avenue from the Florida Projects. For its deplorable condition, it was known among locals, as "Dirty D."
The Desire, which once had over 262 buildings, was completely torn down by 2003. Two of the original buildings were preserved for historical purposes. The area was in the midst of re-development and new construction when Hurricane Katrina inundated the historically low lying area.
When it was built in 1949, several other buildings were cleared to make room, including the Hideaway Club, where Fats Domino played regular gigs.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary announced that by July 2007, 100 of the eventual 500 houses would be built, as part of a development dubbed the "New Desire" or "Abundance Square." [1]
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