In order to fulfill our mission, NODF purchased a building in 2001, located at 4370 Louisa Drive. This allowed the organization to provide services in a permanent location. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina damaged the structure. In 2013, the New Orleans Redevelop Authority purchased the damaged property from NODF. The sale of the former building and the annual commitment made by the New Orleans Alumnae chapter for maintenance and insurance allowed NODF to purchase the Delta Complex in September 2015 from the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Corpus Christi-Epiphany Church parish. NODF purchased a city block of New Orleans on which three buildings were still standing after Hurricane Katrina. The properties sit on several acres in the famous Historic Seventh Ward in New Orleans. Included in the acquisition are twenty large stained glass windows in the former church. The stained glass windows in the former church depict the Old and New Testaments; making the former Epiphany Church one of only five Catholic churches in the United States having that distinction.

 

It is the intent of NODF to have the former church designated an Historic Site by the Department of Interior and local and state preservation agencies. NODF is currently redeveloping the former rectory as we complete our overall Master Plan for the site. NODF was able to acquire the property to begin the planning and redevelopment without government or private financial assistance at this point. Thus far, all equity investment has been made by NODF.