Greater New Orleans Foundation Center for Philanthropy

Built on New Orleans’ iconic Tivoli (Lee) Circle where St. Charles Ave intersects with Howard Ave, Andrew Higgins Dr. & Carondelet St., this new $16 million 22,000 sq. ft. three story building houses the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s corporate headquarters. The foundation administers over 800 charitable funds established by individuals, families, corporations and national foundations for philanthropy. Moses Engineers provided all mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) and fire protection design services.

Sustainable design

Moses Engineers designed the headquarter’s building with a mixture of offices and open floor plans that invite public engagement and collaboration.  It features green infrastructure including rain gardens, underground cistern for irrigation and LED lighting throughout. 

Featured MEP engineering design:

• LED lights are connected via a digital multi-zone daylight dimming controller with a central emergency lighting inverter for emergency illumination.
• The HVAC system uses a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system coupled with a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS), maximizing interior comfort. 
• An energy recovery VRF system was provided increasing energy efficiencies by transferring heat through the refrigeration system. Using efficient fans and variable speed compressors, this system achieves significant energy savings while providing quiet office operations.
• A Dedicated Outside Air System provides fresh, dehumidified and tempered air to all zones. The DOAS system employs modulating hot gas reheat for year round humidity control and uses an Enthalpy Wheel for energy recovery of the exhaust air system as well as utilizing Variable Frequency Drives on both the supply and exhaust fans for increased energy efficiencies.

This project is an American Institute of Architects Louisiana Merit Award recipient.