Working as the general contractor with Mathes Brierre Architects, Woodward conducted a renovation and expansion project while working around an operating facility busy with patients, residents and staff. The project involved many building types ranging from the 1860s through modern times, with many challenging surprises when the Woodward team opened up existing areas. The new addition and renovation was designed to blend in with the architecture of the existing facility, creating a campus of varied, yet unified, building types.

The new 3 story addition complements the original 1860s structure, providing 33 new assisted living apartments with activity space, a formal dining room, bistro dining, a new chapel and a therapy addition. A hair salon and spa also add to the amenities for residents. These new additions serve community functions.

Work also included refurbishment of existing corridors and 40 existing apartments, as well as new landscaping, a dementia garden and a covered motor court/drop-off area. Woodward also replaced the entire emergency power system for the Poydras Home campus, preparing the facility to house patients during major or minor outages, even due to hurricanes.

With so many aspects to the project, Woodward’s renovation and expansion at Poydras Home touched almost every area of the existing facility, better equipping the facility to provide care for its residents.