Revitalizing St. Roch: Lowe’s and Rebuilding Together Revitalize Historic Neighborhood

Located just northeast of the French Quarter in New Orleans, neighbors in the historic community of St. Roch received much-needed renovations to their homes, courtesy of Rebuilding Together and Lowe's during the 30th annual Kickoff to Rebuild event. The goal is to allow these community members, some of whom have been in the neighborhood for over 50 years, to age in place among the comforts of their past, friends and community.  

The annual event kicks off Super Bowl weekend each year and spotlights the host city’s rich cultural heritage and the important role community revitalization and critical home repair play in helping neighborhoods thrive.  

Mark and Euritici, who have lived in the St. Roch neighborhood for 50 years, sat down with their neighbor Philip, who has lived in the neighborhood for 33 years, to chat about their connection to the community and their hopes for the future of their block.

More than one hundred Lowe’s volunteers flooded the streets of the St. Roch neighborhood on the day of the Kickoff to Rebuild event to get to work revitalizing homes and community spaces, including a community garden, park and fieldhouse. It was a celebratory atmosphere, fitting New Orleans as a second line led volunteers to their project sites, kicking off the morning with joy and revelry.   

Volunteers spent the day painting, landscaping and helping to make critical repairs like building a safer deck space and addressing flood damage. Through the initiative, several homeowners received new fortified roofs, helping to address damage from Hurricane Ida which made landfall more than three years ago.  

The neighborhood and neighbors in St. Roch mean a lot to the Lowe’s team as the Lowe’s store is located just a few short blocks from the project site.  

“Hearing stories about the neighborhood from Mark, Euritici, Philip and Joyce, and how much it means to them to be able to stay in this neighborhood is truly inspiring,” said Josh Mortensen, Lowe’s district manager. “Our homes and neighborhoods serve as the foundation of our lives and I’m very proud of our team rolling up their sleeves to help our neighbors enjoy the beauty of this neighborhood for many years to come.”