Tulane’s Downtown Vision focuses on fostering prosperity through discovery and economic diversification. We believe that by combining research, innovation, and the cultivation of new businesses, we can create resilient economies that benefit everyone. Our goal is to transform major cities like New Orleans through strategic investment, particularly in innovation districts. At Tulane University, we are committed to leveraging our resources to create a more diverse, resilient economy that delivers opportunities for all. 

Our vision is to establish a vibrant Innovation District in downtown New Orleans, serving as a bridge between the French Quarter, Central Business District, and BioDistrict. Through strategic investments in research and infrastructure, we aim to create a clean, safe, and welcoming campus that fosters collaboration and drives economic growth. By connecting scientific discovery with real-world applications, we seek to improve lives locally and globally, tackling critical challenges such as cancer, infectious diseases, coastal issues, obesity, and violence. 

1. Create New Businesses: We aim to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering the creation of new businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation. 
2. Attract Investment: By showcasing the potential of our research and innovation initiatives, we seek to attract investment from both public and private sources, fueling further development and expansion. 
3. Generate New Jobs Across Education Levels: Through our initiatives, we strive to create a diverse range of employment opportunities, spanning from entry-level positions to high-skilled roles, thereby promoting economic inclusivity.
4. Improve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We are committed to building a more equitable and inclusive economy, ensuring that our initiatives benefit all members of the community, regardless of background or circumstance. 
5. Generate Tax Revenues: By stimulating economic activity and growth, we aim to generate tax revenues that can be reinvested into vital public services and infrastructure projects, benefiting the entire community. 
6. Turn CBDs into “Work, Live, Play” Districts: Our vision extends beyond traditional business districts, aiming to create vibrant and dynamic urban environments where people can live, work, and play seamlessly. 
7. Foster Collaboration: Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, and we seek to foster partnerships between academia, industry, government, and the community to drive collective progress and innovation. 

By working towards these goals, we believe that Tulane’s Downtown Vision will not only transform the landscape of New Orleans but also serve as a model for inclusive, sustainable economic development in cities worldwide. 

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. This initiative not only strengthens the resilience of New Orleans' economy but also addresses racial equity issues, lifting communities out of poverty and onto the path to generational wealth. Through our commitment to revitalizing historic landmarks like Charity Hospital, we honor the city's heritage while driving progress for future generations. 

Tulane is dedicated to becoming a preeminent research institution, leveraging our unparalleled assets and capabilities to drive unprecedented growth. 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. 

2018 - Downtown police station opens 

2016 - ByWater Institute opens 

2021 Lease of Charity Hospital announced 

2022 Tulane and LCMC Partnership announced 

2022 Former Warwick Hotel becomes Thirteen15 apartments 

2022 Tulane Innovation Institute dedicated 

2022 Tulane Fitness Center opened, 12,000 sq. ft. in Deming Pavilion 

2022 Two parking lots acquired to be developed 

2022 – 20223 Wayfinding, signage, streetscape enhancements 

2022 – 2023 Begin updates to JBJ & Liberty Way 

2024 LCMC transition completed 

2024 Begin renovations Hutchinson 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Buildings: With an expansion to 21 buildings in the downtown district, including Tulane-owned, influenced, or acquisitions-in-progress, we are building a vibrant campus environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and community engagement in the heart of New Orleans. 

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. 

LCMC: 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. 

LSU Health: Collaboration with LSU Health strengthens Tulane's capacity to address complex health challenges through interdisciplinary research, education, and clinical care, fostering a robust healthcare ecosystem that serves the needs of residents in New Orleans and beyond. 

Downtown Development District: 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. 

BioDistrict New Orleans: Partnership 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. 

New Orleans BioInnovation Center: Collaboration 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.