Did you know that Gentilly Woods wasn’t always the residential haven it is today? This New Orleans neighborhood has a fascinating story. It’s a tale of wartime industry, post-war expansion, and a community shaped by its unique location.
Gentilly Woods is a subdistrict within the larger Gentilly area. Its borders are clearly defined. Dreux Avenue marks the north. The Industrial Canal forms the east. Gentilly Boulevard is the southern boundary. People’s Avenue completes the western edge.
Now, let’s jump back in time. During World War II, the land where Gentilly Woods now stands was largely occupied by the Higgins Shipyards. These shipyards were vital to the war effort. Employees even lived on-site in simple plywood homes called Higgins Huts.
Following the war, New Orleans experienced a significant population boom. The need for new housing was immense. W.H. Crawford and Associates stepped in. In 1951, they began developing Gentilly Woods. The plan was ambitious. They wanted to construct over 1400 homes to meet the growing demand.
The City of New Orleans played a crucial role in this development. Arrangements were made for public transportation. Contracts were signed for essential services. These included sewerage, drainage, and water mains. Developers also secured land along Gentilly Boulevard. This was for a shopping center to serve the new community. Space was set aside for schools and playgrounds as well. Saint Gabriel the Archangel and W.C.C. Claiborne grammar schools were built.
Gentilly Woods’ location is quite precise. Geographically, it sits at 30.01000°N latitude and 90.03806°W longitude. The elevation here is exactly zero feet above sea level. The neighborhood covers a total area of 0.72 square miles. Most of it is land. Only a small portion, 0.02 square miles, is water.
In 2000, the population was 4,387. By 2010, that number had shifted to 2,817 residents. Gentilly Woods is surrounded by other notable New Orleans neighborhoods. Pontchartrain Park lies to the north. Pines Village is to the east. Desire Area is to the south. Gentilly Terrace is found to the west.
Today, Gentilly Woods stands as a testament to New Orleans’ resilience and adaptability. It’s a vibrant community with a rich history, shaped by its industrial past and its response to the city’s ever-changing needs. It is a reminder that even the most unassuming places often hold remarkable stories. As you explore Gentilly Woods, remember its journey from wartime shipyards to a thriving residential neighborhood.