The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), alongside parish officials, has officially unveiled a new business district in Old Jefferson. Positioned near the border between Jefferson and Orleans Parishes, the newly named Jefferson Parish Design District serves as the base for over a dozen design-focused enterprises. This newly recognized area celebrates a distinct, place-based economic development strategy that aims to stimulate continued growth through property tax incentives, expanded access to capital via JEDCO, and the encouragement of sustained investment by design businesses, large and small.
The area had already experienced a notable surge in organically driven growth within the design industry. Inspired by this trend, Karin Nelson, owner of Design Center New Orleans, proposed the idea to formally designate a 320-acre section of Old Jefferson as a design and creative hub after observing the influx of design firms relocating to the area. JEDCO championed the vision by incorporating it into the Jefferson EDGE 2025, the parish’s long-range economic development plan.
“The Design District initiative represents the truly collaborative nature of economic development,” JEDCO President and CEO said in a news release. “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. JEDCO identified a number of imaginative ways to not only develop the Design District, but also to provide additional support and incentives that make the area attractive to business owners and entrepreneurs. By investing in businesses like this, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more dynamic economy in Jefferson Parish.”
“Louisiana has a lengthy and rich design history and we are surrounded by a vibrant design community. 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,” said Karin Nelson, owner of Design Center New Orleans. “By expanding while keeping revenues local, our design district will also hopefully provide new and exciting opportunities and benefits to all of our residents and our community as a whole.”
In June, the Jefferson Parish Council gave its approval to officially establish the Design District, opening the door to multiple new initiatives aimed at supporting and growing design-related businesses in the area. Through its small business financing division, JEDCO launched a specialized loan fund targeting businesses and property owners looking to expand within the district. The Council is set to ratify the district’s designation as an Economic Development District, allowing property owners to benefit from property tax abatements through the state’s Restoration Tax Abatement (RTA) program.
“Creating spaces that foster innovation and creativity is essential to the future of Jefferson Parish,” Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said in a news release. “The Jefferson Parish Design District is a dynamic area that drives energy into the community, brings people together, and reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this region so unique. This impactful initiative demonstrates how intentional planning and support can turn organic momentum into lasting economic growth.”
Similar design districts thrive in cities across the country, including Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Las Vegas. These districts often revolve around a concentration of design businesses, with additional retail, dining, and entertainment venues helping to enhance community connection and engagement.
“This project is just the beginning of what this area can become,” District 2 Councilman Deano Bonano said in the news release. “With its strategic location and growing network of creative businesses, the Jefferson Parish Design District has the potential to evolve into a major regional destination for design and innovation.”
The district spans a portion of Jefferson Highway, stretching from River Road to Earhart Expressway, and is bordered by Monticello and Brooklyn Avenues. Its placement at the boundary between Jefferson and Orleans Parishes positions it ideally to draw in design professionals, regional visitors, and traffic from both parishes. Businesses already operating within the area include Acme Locks, Amann and Associates, Arroliga Custom Millwork, B&B Flooring Warehouse, Brown & Damare’ Inc, Budget Blinds of New Orleans, Design Center of New Orleans, DOP Antiques, Famiglio’s Ironworks, Haven Custom Furnishings, Jefferson Variety Store, Lowe’s Home Improvement, NOLA Rugs, Prestige Flooring, Shades of Light, Specialty Carpet Workroom, and the Salvation Army Thrift Store.
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