Tulane Downtown

Tulane’s Downtown Vision focuses on fostering prosperity through discovery and economic diversification. We believe that by combining research, innovation, and the creation of new businesses, we can create resilient economies that benefit everyone. Our goal is to transform New Orleans and the region through strategic investment. At Tulane University, we are committed to leveraging our resources to create a more diverse, resilient economy that delivers opportunities for all. We will achieve these goals through collaborative community partnerships that enhance our impact and ensure broad-based benefits.

A rendering of the future.

Why it matters

The success of Tulane’s Downtown Vision is crucial for both the local community and the wider world. By commercializing innovations and building businesses around research, we aim to keep economic impacts local and create high-wage jobs.

$600 million

invested in downtown New Orleans

1.6 million

sq. ft of multi-purpose space

$1 billion

impact on the region

Charity

Tulane University is leading a historic expansion in downtown New Orleans, centered around revitalizing the iconic Charity Hospital, undeveloped for the last 20 years, to transform the area into a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. The redevelopment will create over 1,200 new jobs with diverse educational requirements and anchor the burgeoning BioDistrict, attracting global industry partners and venture capital. Charity Hospital is chosen for its potential to catalyze transformative growth and economic diversification, with plans to include affordable housing, restaurants, retail, dining, co-working spaces, educational programs like College Track and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a new nursing school, medical clinics, and a second downtown Tulane police substation.

A rendering of what Charity will look like after completion.

Projects

Tulane Innovation Institute

The Tulane Innovation Institute serves as a catalyst for economic growth by commercializing research innovations and nurturing local businesses, contributing to a diverse and resilient economy in New Orleans and beyond.

Scenes from the grand opening of the temporary location of the Innovation Institute on the ground floor of Thirteen15.

Tulane Medical Center

Through redevelopment efforts, the Tulane Medical Center will transform into a cutting-edge hub for research, innovation, education, and clinical care, driving progress in healthcare and economic development for the region.

A digital rendering of the future motor court at Tulane Med Center.

Expansion in Biomedical and Academic Research

Tulane's significant expansion in biomedical and academic research, exceeding $250 million annually, underscores its commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing global challenges such as cancer, infectious diseases, and coastal issues.

Graduate student Elizabeth Cummins uses an acoustic tweezing device in Professor Damir Khismatullin’s lab as part of a grant to develop technology for the assessment of severe cases of infectious diseases.

TUPD Downtown

The presence of Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) in downtown New Orleans ensures the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, fostering a conducive environment for learning, research, and community engagement.

Tulane Chief of Police Kirk Bouyelas, left, talks with Dr. William Lunn, CEO and Jana Stonestreet, chief nursing officer with the Tulane Health System.

LCMC Partnership

Partnering with LCMC Health strengthens Tulane's capacity to drive innovation and excellence in healthcare, leveraging resources and expertise to improve patient outcomes and advance medical research in the region.

A graphic with the LCMC Health and Tulane University logos and a text underneath that reads "Extraordinary together."

Tulane Fitness Center

The redevelopment of the Deming Pavilion into a new Tulane Fitness Center reflects our commitment to promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles among students, faculty, and the broader community, enhancing overall quality of life.

Students work out on treadmills and stair machines in the Reily Center.

Thirteen15

Thirteen15, a modern apartment building, offers housing options for students, scholars, doctors, and researchers, facilitating a vibrant and inclusive community within the downtown area while enhancing the overall attractiveness of the district.

Scenes from the grand opening of the temporary location of the Innovation Institute on the ground floor of Thirteen15.

Charity

Tulane University is leading a historic expansion in downtown New Orleans, centered around revitalizing the iconic Charity Hospital, undeveloped for the last 20 years, to transform the area into a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. The redevelopment will create over 1,200 new jobs with diverse educational requirements and anchor the burgeoning BioDistrict, attracting global industry partners and venture capital. Charity Hospital is chosen for its potential to catalyze transformative growth and economic diversification, with plans to include affordable housing, restaurants, retail, dining, co-working spaces, educational programs like College Track and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a new nursing school, medical clinics, and a second downtown Tulane police substation.

A rendering of what Charity will look like after completion.

NASA Lifelines Mural

A new mural, “Rings of Ecology: Louisiana Explored,” now adorns Tulane’s downtown campus at Canal and S. Liberty Street. Created by local artists in collaboration with NASA Lifelines and the Downtown Development District, the mural highlights the role of NASA satellites in monitoring Louisiana's coastal ecosystems. This vibrant piece symbolizes Tulane's commitment to integrating art and science in the heart of New Orleans.

NASA Mural Downtown

 

 

Hutchinson Renovation

We are expanding our downtown campus with a $35 million renovation of the Hutchinson Memorial Building. This project will transform the seventh floor into cutting-edge research labs, supporting 20 new research teams. This expansion underscores our commitment to advancing biomedical research and driving innovation in New Orleans, aligning with our vision of being a key player in the city’s revitalization.

The front entrance of the Hutchinson building.

Community and Campus Connections

Lighting up Downtown

Chapter IV

Partnerships

Partnering with LCMC Health, a leading healthcare provider with over 12,000 employees and six hospitals, allows Tulane University to leverage resources and expertise in driving healthcare innovation, improving patient care, and advancing medical research for the benefit of the New Orleans community.

Working with the Downtown Development District aligns Tulane's initiatives with broader urban development goals, contributing to the revitalization of downtown New Orleans and creating a vibrant, inclusive environment that attracts talent, investment, and economic growth.

Partnering with BioDistrict New Orleans enhances Tulane's position at the forefront of biomedical research and innovation, fostering collaboration with industry, academia, and government to drive advancements in healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences, ultimately improving health outcomes and economic opportunities for the region.

Collaborating with the New Orleans BioInnovation Center provides Tulane researchers and entrepreneurs with access to state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and mentorship, accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into commercial products and startups that address critical health and environmental challenges, thereby stimulating economic development and job creation in the local biotech sector.

Partnering with NOLABA (New Orleans Business Alliance) supports Tulane University’s efforts in driving economic development and business growth in New Orleans. Leveraging NOLABA’s resources and expertise, Tulane enhances its impact on local entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation, contributing to a thriving local economy.

Collaborating with the New Orleans Chamber connects Tulane University with a network of local small businesses and professionals, fostering relationships that strengthen community ties and economic opportunities.

Partnering with GNO, Inc. (Greater New Orleans, Inc.) aligns Tulane University’s strategic initiatives with regional economic development goals. This collaboration drives innovation and investment, promotes workforce development, and strengthens the economic competitiveness of the Greater New Orleans area, benefiting both the university and the community.

How we'll make it happen

Our Innovation Institute serves as a hub of entrepreneurial expertise, connecting high-potential innovations with funding, expertise, and investors. By fostering collaboration with local partners and investing in infrastructure, such as the Downtown Campus, we aim to create a vibrant hub that attracts top talent and generates lasting economic impact for New Orleans and the region. Through our commitment to revitalizing historic landmarks like Charity Hospital, we honor the city’s heritage while driving progress for future generations.

Aerial rendering of the future of Tulane Downtown.