Noteworthy in Nola

CJ Peete’s about to come down, and so we went out to take some pics before it’s gone.

Overall, it’s a good thing. It’s been empty for years, and although the buildings still have a sort of unique charm and architecture, the crime rates there were notorious nationwide, and it consistantly ranked among the most dangerous public housing out there.

Originally called the Magnolia project, Cleveland Joseph Peete was the manager for many years, and genuinely cared for the residents and tried to make life better for them. Back then, staying in a city-owned apartment was considered a temporary thing, useful until you got back on your feet, and Mr. Peete worked tirelessly to help people do just that.

He retired in 1978, and things went steadily downhill.

It’s hard to imagine the scope of the place- it held over 1,400 units in tight radius. Over the years, people came to see these units as less of a stopover and started to see them as their actual homes- long term, guaranteed housing.

There continue to be protests about knocking them down even now. Here’s a link from indymedia about a protest at Peete by previous residents demanding that it be reopened.

Regardless of how you feel about the public housing aspect, they make an interesting and sad ruin- more pics in the Gallery, as per usual.

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