{
  "id": 3887700,
  "title": "Beloved New Orleans hospital, wracked by floods and grief in Hurricane Katrina, to get a makeover",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/beloved-new-orleans-hospital-wracked-by-floods-and-grief-in-hurricane",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T04:19:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/2026/08/27/beloved-new-orleans-hospital-wracked-by-floods-and-grief-in-hurricane-katrina-to-get-a-makeover"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Charity Hospital in New Orleans endured a harrowing ordeal, marked by both tragedy and acts of exceptional bravery. Doctors tirelessly worked to save patients in the absence of power and equipment, as floodwaters engulfed the facility, confining them to its darkened corridors for days. This poignant scene, one of heartbreak and heroism, unfolded during one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.\n\nCharity Hospital, a New Orleans landmark that had long served the city's most vulnerable residents, was permanently closed following the evacuation of the last patients and staff in 2005. Now, as Louisiana commemorates the storm's 21st anniversary, the once-damaged building stands poised for a transformative revival. Tulane University, the institution spearheading the $500 million project, announced this summer that it aims to convert the 1930s-era art deco structure into a cutting-edge medical research hub.\n\nConstruction is set to commence this fall, and the ambitious endeavor will breathe new life into the iconic landmark, which had languished vacant since Katrina. New Orleans officials have warmly welcomed the undertaking, recognizing the significance of the project in a city where numerous hospitals have become symbols of pain and resilience following the catastrophic event. Dozens of patients tragically lost their lives at Memorial Hospital, now known as Ochsner Baptist Medical Center, after being trapped during the floodwaters.\n\nTulane University President Michael Fitts emphasized the hospital's historical importance as a testament to New Orleans' commitment to healthcare. He expressed optimism about the hospital's revitalization, stating that it reaffirms the same dedication to the community. The unique challenges of reviving the damaged art deco building were acknowledged by LSU, which determined it too damaged to reopen, leading them to establish a new hospital instead.\n\nDr. Lee Hamm, dean of Tulane University School of Medicine, recounted his harrowing experience navigating through the submerged city to check on patients and healthcare staff. The redevelopment plans for the new medical research hub, slated for completion in 2029, envision providing space for medical and public health programs, accommodating hundreds of researchers, biomedical startups, and classrooms. Mayor Helena Moreno expressed enthusiasm for the transformation, declaring it a welcome step forward and an opportunity to repurpose the historic property for productive use.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Tulane University plans a $500 million makeover of the 1930s-era art deco structure.",
    "The revitalized hospital will open as a medical research hub in 2029."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The redevelopment of Charity Hospital into a medical research hub reaffirms New Orleans' commitment to healthcare, transforming a symbol of pain into a cutting-edge resource for the community.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Beloved New Orleans hospital, wracked by floods and grief in Hurricane Katrina, to get a makeover",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/beloved-new-orleans-hospital-wracked-by-floods-and-grief-in-hurricane-3887971",
        "published": "2026-08-28T04:23:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}