ACE MENTOR PROGRAM STUDENTS REPURPOSE A HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS BUILDING

Trainee-led project guided by professionals in 

Architecture Construction and Engineering 

(April 14, 2025) – New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) engineering trainees participating in the ACE Mentor Program have worked the entire school year to redesign and repurpose the historic General Laundry Cleaners and Dyers building in the Treme-Lafitte neighborhood. In addition to repurposing the old laundry, the trainees designed new housing at the rear of the historic structure with views of Lafitte Greenway. All of the trainees’ work has been in collaboration with architecture, construction, and engineering (ACE) professionals who volunteer their time in the ACE Mentor Program of New Orleans. 

One of those professionals is Max Murret, Project Manager at RNGD, a New Orleans general contracting company. “This year marks a milestone for the ACE Mentorship Program at the New Orleans Career Center—our largest group of students yet. Over the past four years I’ve been involved, it’s been incredible to watch the program thrive and evolve,” said Murret. “Each week, our students bring curiosity and creativity into the classroom, and they’re guided by top-tier mentors from some of the most respected firms and companies in New Orleans. This direct connection to industry professionals gives them a unique, hands-on perspective on real-world careers in ACE fields.”

The General Laundry Cleaners and Dyers building, built in 1930, is considered one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the city. The building's stucco facade includes terracotta depictions of lush tropical vegetation and brightly colored, eye-catching tiles. The building which has sat dormant and neglected for many years, is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The NOCC trainees will present the end result of their project at the ACE graduation ceremony and banquet on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on the campus of UNO. 

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