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Historic New Orleans Building Gets New Life as Coworking

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The century-old property stood almost fully vacant for half its life. The post Historic New Orleans Building Gets New Life as Coworking appeared first on Commercial Property Executive.

Exterior shot of the 20,000-square-foot schoolhouse in Gretna, La., recently repurposed into a coworking space. — The 20,000-square-foot historic schoolhouse offers both office and retail space. *Image courtesy of Formwork Development*

As part of a private-public partnership, Formwork Development and Jefferson Facilities Inc. have opened Primary Workspace, a 13,000-square-foot coworking space in an historic schoolhouse. The building is in Gretna, La., across the Mississippi from New Orleans. The 1911-built property stood vacant for more than 50 years.

Primary Workspace opened after extensive renovations, with a $3.5 million price tag. The City of Gretna contributed $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, while the remaining $800,000 came from Louisiana State Historic Tax Credits.

Schoolhouse-turned-coworking

The 20,000-square-foot property is at 519 Huey P Long Ave., comprising office space, as well as 2,800 square feet of for-lease retail space. The available space stands alongside a German Cultural Museum, the only tenant that has remained operational while the rest of the property was vacant. Primary Workspace’s amenities include a restored two-story auditorium, a boardroom and for-rent event space.

Formwork Development led the project from the private sector side. Jefferson Facilities Inc., acting on behalf of Jefferson Parish and the city, was the public-sector partner. Studio BKA worked as architect and interior designer, alongside general contractor Perrier Esquerré Contractors.

The coworking industry has began adapting to a growing trend towards smaller, community-focused environments, reflecting the modern worker’s preference for adaptable and team-oriented spaces. In a recent 2025 outlook, coworking space providers opened up about the essential role of flexible offices in the modern work culture, as well as what the sector needs to remain resilient.

The post Historic New Orleans Building Gets New Life as Coworking appeared first on Commercial Property Executive.