News Summary
In Houma, Louisiana, the South Central Planning and Development Commission is leading a $4.5 million project to construct durable steel-framed homes. The initiative aims to provide resilient housing across seven parishes, particularly for areas impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021. With the first house nearing completion, the program marks a significant shift in construction methods, promoting strong and reliable homes designed to withstand severe weather conditions.
Houma, Louisiana is at the forefront of innovation in residential construction as the South Central Planning and Development Commission spearheads a project to build durable steel-framed homes. With the construction of the first house now 70% complete, Jerome Banks is preparing to install the roof as of September 23. The initiative, which carries a price tag of $4.5 million, aims to provide resilient housing options across seven parishes, particularly in areas affected by the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida in 2021.
This new program marks a significant shift in construction methods, with only about 4,000 homes built from steel framing in the country compared to 94% of single-family homes that are “stick built.” Notably, most steel-framed homes have been constructed in the South, promoting tougher building codes to withstand extreme weather conditions.
At the helm of this initiative is Kevin Belanger, the CEO of the South Central Planning and Development Commission. The commission has adapted an industrial warehouse into a manufacturing facility in Jefferson Parish, equipped with a roll-forming machine capable of producing steel-framing components. This facility plays a crucial role as the program aims to populate vacant lots with strong and reliable homes.
RNGD, a general contracting firm, leverages its experience in commercial construction for over a century to introduce steel framing into the single-family home sector. The company’s specialized manufacturing facility is designed to create pre-loaded wall panels, complete with essential mechanical systems that simplify shipping and assembly. This innovative manufacturing process enables the construction team, comprising 16 trained designers, fabricators, and builders, to assemble homes efficiently.
The first house features three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, elevated on a 10-foot concrete foundation, exemplifying the durability and safety that the commission aims to provide through this program. The homes are intended to resist severe weather, pests, fires, and the humid climate characteristic of Louisiana.
Jamie Neville, a developer known for his previous work with steel framing during the Blueberry Hill project in New Orleans, has expressed plans to initiate phase two of that project next year. His experience indicates that while steel framing costs approximately 20% more than traditional wood, it offers reduced material waste and enhanced accuracy during construction.
In terms of operating costs, the benefits of steel framing could potentially lead to significant savings on homeowners’ insurance premiums. Estimates suggest that annual insurance costs for steel-framed homes could reach around $1,200 while typical homes may incur costs ranging from $8,500 to $10,000. This financial advantage may help to justify the initial investment into the steel materials.
Despite these benefits, Dan Mills from the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans argues that wood remains the most accessible building material. Nonetheless, the shift towards steel framing in Houma reflects a growing recognition of the need for durable housing solutions in regions vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
The goal of the South Central Planning and Development Commission is to construct over ten homes annually using this innovative technique, with the selling price for these new homes projected to be around $225,000. Profits generated from sales will be reinvested into the program, supporting the continued development of affordable and resilient housing options in the wake of increasing challenges posed by climate change.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Biz New Orleans: Houma Shop Television Repair in a Throwaway World
- Wikipedia: Houma, Louisiana
- New Orleans Business Journal: Hurricane Ida Aftermath
- Google Search: Steel Framing Construction
- NBC News: Hurricane Ida Rebuilding Efforts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steel
- NPR: Rebuilding Louisiana Homes After Hurricane Ida
- Google News: Climate Change Housing
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
