The Desire Florida Multi-Service Center was severely damaged and later demolished following Hurricane Katrina. This replacement building was designed to replace resources desperately needed in the Desire and Florida neighborhoods.

The design takes cues from local residential architecture. The building is based off a skewed double-shotgun style house with the two sides separated by an enclosed passthrough, similar to an elongated dogtrot style home. From the front porch you enter the enclosed “dogtrot” or “breezeway” that becomes the center’s main hall and hub of community activity. On either side of the main hall are bars of program and support spaces. One bar kicks out at an angle to create open views that lead out the back porch into the neighborhood. The offset roof line lets light into the central hall and symbolizes the folding in of both neighborhoods.

Operated by NORD, the Center offers many classes and amenities. Spaces include music and dance rooms, meeting rooms, and several multi-purpose spaces that can be used for computer training, classes, or other activities. The back porch is an area to gather or rest and the terraced backyard is prime for large gathering or fairs.