Description
A planned development to convert a monastery near Magazine Street into multifamily apartments.
Impact summary
The vacant monastery block gets new life as housing while the historic building is preserved and the courtyard opens to the public. Final approval rests with City Council.
Applicant
- Name
- Franciscan Poor Clares
- Address
- 720 Henry Clay Avenue
At a glance
- Hearings
- 3
- Public comments
- 0
- Total mentions
- 3
Last vote · Planning Commission
A recommendation, not a final decision. The council decides next.
Last discussed Jul 28, 2026.
Meeting timeline (3)
City Planning Commission - Jul 28, 2026
A planned development to turn the historic monastery campus into 24 apartments across three buildings, with a public courtyard, approved with height, parking, and loading exceptions.
City Planning Commission - Jul 14, 2026
The monastery-to-apartments planned development was deferred 8-0 for further work.
City Planning Commission - Jul 8, 2026
A planned development to convert a monastery near Magazine Street into multifamily apartments.
Related issues (4)
Commercial short-term rental approvals split
The commission split on short-term rentals: one denied in a mixed-use district on Toledano Street, another approved in the Marigny. STR policy keeps dividing the city between neighborhood-preservation and business concerns.
Live entertainment at recording studios
Nitetrippers, LLC asked the Commission to change the zoning text and then grant a permit allowing live entertainment with alcohol at a recording studio on Jackson Avenue. Neighbors would weigh noise and parking against support for music-industry venues.
Monastery adaptive reuse at 720 Henry Clay Avenue
The Franciscan Poor Clares proposed turning their monastery into multifamily apartments, guided by a planned development overlay. The case raises questions about density, historic character, and housing along Magazine Street.
Monastery conversion on Henry Clay Avenue
The planned conversion of the Poor Clares monastery into apartments was deferred so the applicants can come back with more information.
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