The Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans is likely the first African-American neighborhood in the country. Many believe jazz originated there. It is known to be one of the first racially integrated neighborhoods in the City. But despite its history, Tremé which is adjacent to the French Quarter, had become a blighted, crime-ridden neighborhood. In the 1990s, reclaiming the 170-year old plantation parcel (Tremé Villa Meilleur) became an important goal for the City of New Orleans. Applying its Impact Neighborhood Strategy (INS) to Tremé, the City has overseen redevelopment efforts in the area overall, and has focused the investment of both public and private funds in many key individual properties. Notwithstanding, Mayor Marc H. Morials’ active and aggressive leadership and personal involvement of overseeing these efforts have been critical to the success of this initiative.

Anchoring the renewal effort is the Tremé Villa Meilleur which today houses the New Orleans African-American Museum of Art, Culture and History and is a public venue for the visual and performing arts. Arguably the finest example of Creole Villa construction in New Orleans, this architectural jewel had been divided into apartments, and had fallen into disrepair. The City purchased it in September 1991 and, in partnership with HUD, combined $1.2 million of Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG) with resources from several local banks for renovation.

The rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing units is central to the City’s strategy for brining back this neighborhood. City officials help residents cut through red tape and find the help they need to purchase and renovate properties. Rehabilitation of well over half of the owner-occupied units in Tremé now has been completed; many have been purchased by the City and sold, mostly to first-time home buyers; and work continues on those remaining - with Tremé residents being given priority to acquire them.

The City also provided funds to a partner in the neighborhood which operates a tool library from which homeowners can borrow hand tools, provides a course in home repair for homeowner, and manages a community restaurant. The Tremé Corner Café, is run by young at-risk, high school dropouts who are provided training in running a business while working toward a GED. Students enrolled in this program are between the ages of 16-21 and are trained to become hosts, waiters and prep-cooks. This program includes GED preparation, restaurant training and job placement. The Tremé Corner Café is funded with CDBG and OPIC dollars. Most important, students must enroll in the GED program in order to participate in this program.