Downtown campus master space plan
PAYETTE is collaborating with Tulane on the Downtown Campus Master Space Plan, a series of planning studies which created a vision for the Downtown Campus by investigating issues pertaining to infrastructure, building portfolio and space, seeking to answer key strategic questions centered around short- and long-term research growth, the recruitment of top talent, identifying and leveraging existing building assets and improving the public realm to foster a clear campus and urban design strategy.
Tulane University
Downtown Campus Master Space Plan
District Framework Plan for Science & Engineering
Project Statistics
LOCATION
New Orleans, LA / United States
downtown campus
MASTER PLANS
Downtown Campus Master Space Plan:
2.4M SF. 2020
Master Space Plan Update: 3M SF. 2023
Master Space Plan Update 3: 3M SF. 2025
Research Space Audit for Uptown and Downtown Campuses: 3.3M SF. 2025
Tulane Hospital Master Plan: 597,000 GSF. 2024
PROGRAM
School of Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, School of Nursing, Innovation Institute, Animal Research, Simulation Suites, Dissection Lab, BME Lab, Patient Clinic Exam Suite, Wet and Dry Research Space
IMPLEMENTATION
Charity Hospital Renovation & Redevelopment: 530,000 GSF
Hutchinson Renovations to Levels 5 and 7: 53,000 NSF
Animal Research Feasibility Study for Hutchinson and JBJ.
Tulane Hospital, Nursing Program and SIM/SP Suites Phase 1 Renovation: 70,000 GSF
science & engineering district
MASTER PLAN
Science/Engineering District Framework Master Plan. 2019
IMPLEMENTATION
Paul Hall for Science and Engineering: 69,200 GSF
PROGRAM
Engineering, Math, Animal Facility, Coordinated Instrument Facility, Clean Room, Makerspace, Computer Science
TEAM
Sarah Lindenfeld, AIA, NOMA
Principal-in-Charge
Jeff DeGregorio, AIA, LEED AP
Design Principal
Robert Pasersky, AIA
Design Principal
Tom Simister, AIA, LEED AP
Lead Planner
Abigail Klima, AIA
Planner / Programmer



The outline of space needs was developed through a series of conversations with Tulane’s leadership, the offices of planning and facilities, and with input from leadership teams in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the School of Medicine as well as multiple focus groups including students, faculty and the Tulane registrar. The space needs were based on extensive user conversations and the utilization and needs analysis as well as conceptual plan “test fit” layouts.
historic charity hospital renovation
The first outcome of the master plan is the renovation of 530,000 SF within one of New Orleans’ most historic buildings: Charity Hospital, a 1938 National Historic Landmark. This Programming and Concept Design Study defines the building’s occupants, program and concept for the renovation of Tulane’s space. Historic elements of the building will be restored as part of its rejuvenation, and a National Park Service and State Historic Preservation Office (SPHO) review will be part of the design development and approvals process.
Charity will become the hub for Tulane’s Downtown Campus, acting as an interdisciplinary engine for the School of Medicine, the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and the Tulane University Innovation Institute. The renovation will provide gathering and study space for students and faculty, a coffee bar and café, as well as public event spaces and classrooms on the lower two floors. At upper levels, Charity will provide research space for the School of Medicine and for the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, with a blend of wet and dry labs as well as core facilities on multiple floors.
district framework plan for science & engineering
The School of Science and Engineering (SSE) at Tulane University is spread across 11 buildings on Tulane’s Uptown Campus. PAYETTE created a District Framework Plan to grow research and enhance its reputation with new high quality space for renovation and modernization of the School’s teaching and research activities. The new plan defines a vision for the SSE through new construction, renovation and reorganization of space across the district.
Phase I of the study focuses on an assessment of existing buildings and Phase II provides Tulane with implementation strategies.
Strategic Vision
Prior to defining a new building, the design team embarked on a 6-month Master Space Plan in collaboration with SSE stakeholders including the Dean, Department Chairs and both undergraduate and graduate students. The Plan evaluates space needs and constraints across all SSE buildings culminating in a strategic vision with three clear recommendations.
Phase I—The District Plan creates a framework for capital investment beginning in Phase I through careful assessment of buildings, space, departmental needs, governance and operations. Each aspect was analyzed and compared with benchmarks and best practices. Meetings with stakeholders clarified priorities and ensured alignment between recommendations and both short- and long-term needs.
Phase II—Phase II proposed two primary initiatives—the new Steven and Jann Paul Hall for Science and Engineering and a strategy for comprehensive renovations to Percival Stern Hall.