Historic New Orleans Building Gets New Life as Coworking
The century-old property stood almost fully vacant for half its life.
As part of a private-public partnership, Formwork Development and Jefferson Facilities Inc. have opened Primary Workspace, a 13,000-square-foot coworking space in an historic schoolhouse. The building is in Gretna, La., across the Mississippi from New Orleans. The 1911-built property stood vacant for more than 50 years.
Primary Workspace opened after extensive renovations, with a $3.5 million price tag. The City of Gretna contributed $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, while the remaining $800,000 came from Louisiana State Historic Tax Credits.
Schoolhouse-turned-coworking
The 20,000-square-foot property is at 519 Huey P Long Ave., comprising office space, as well as 2,800 square feet of for-lease retail space. The available space stands alongside a German Cultural Museum, the only tenant that has remained operational while the rest of the property was vacant. Primary Workspace’s amenities include a restored two-story auditorium, a boardroom and for-rent event space.
Formwork Development led the project from the private sector side. Jefferson Facilities Inc., acting on behalf of Jefferson Parish and the city, was the public-sector partner. Studio BKA worked as architect and interior designer, alongside general contractor Perrier Esquerré Contractors.
The coworking industry has began adapting to a growing trend towards smaller, community-focused environments, reflecting the modern worker’s preference for adaptable and team-oriented spaces. In a recent 2025 outlook, coworking space providers opened up about the essential role of flexible offices in the modern work culture, as well as what the sector needs to remain resilient.
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