The Meraux Family Foundation commissioned Rozas Ward Architects to build a new operations center located on the Docville Farm site in St. Bernard Parish, La. This four-story, 20,000-square-foot building provides much needed office and meeting spaces. The facility will also be a place for the community to enjoy the land the Foundation helps to preserve. The building is named after Ms. Arlene Meraux, in honor of her tremendous contributions to the parish. The design of the Observation Center is influenced from the surrounding agricultural context on Docville Farm including the local barn buildings located along the Mississippi River. Being only one hundred feet from the river, the building was oriented with one long, largely-glazed main façades towards it in order to maximize views of the Mississippi. The opposite façade captures views of the expansive and beautiful Docville Farm. The design of the interior is an open plan concept and reveals the structure of the building. Expansive glass walls at every floor preserve this openness and make the views of the river and the farm accessible. Capturing these views was a primary goal of the design. To that end, there are also large exterior observation decks at each level to showcase panoramic views of the area.

Architect: Rozas Ward Architects

Contractor: Palmisano

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