The new district offers tax incentives, loans, and strategic support to make Old Jefferson a regional destination for design and innovation.
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and parish leaders announced the creation of the Jefferson Parish Design District on Tuesday, marking a major step to attract and grow design-related businesses in Old Jefferson.
The newly designated district, located near the Orleans-Jefferson Parish line, includes more than a dozen design businesses and spans roughly 320 acres. Officials say the district will provide property tax incentives, access to capital, and encourage long-term investment from businesses of all sizes.
“The Design District initiative represents the truly collaborative nature of economic development,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “This idea was born out of discussions with a local business owner, who saw the potential to shape her neighborhood into a destination for creativity and commerce.”
That business owner, Karin Nelson of Design Center New Orleans, approached JEDCO after seeing an organic cluster of design businesses move into the area. JEDCO added the idea to Jefferson EDGE 2025, the parish’s long-term economic development plan.
“Louisiana has a lengthy and rich design history and we are surrounded by a vibrant design community,” Nelson said. “With the designation of this design district, the goal is for Old Jefferson to become a design destination, attracting new businesses of all kinds to support and help our talented designers grow their companies.”
The Jefferson Parish Council approved the district’s formation in June and will soon ratify it as an Economic Development District, giving property owners access to tax abatements through the state’s Restoration Tax Abatement program. JEDCO has also launched a dedicated loan fund to help businesses expand within the district.
Design districts in other cities like Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta have mixed design businesses with retail, restaurants, and entertainment to create vibrant neighborhoods. In Old Jefferson, the district includes businesses such as Design Center of New Orleans, NOLA Rugs, Prestige Flooring, Budget Blinds of New Orleans, and Haven Custom Furnishings.
The district is centered around Jefferson Highway, extending from River Road to Earhart Expressway between Monticello and Brooklyn Avenues.
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