Brad Pitt's New Orleans Project Gets Mixed Reviews

By PopEater Staff Posted Nov 29th 2009 09:00AM

Brad Pitt has made quite an impact on the city of New Orleans since he started building new homes for those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. While the homes are first class, there are mixed reviews about his work and what is being done to help the city.

In an interview with the NY TImes, James Dart, a Manhattan-based architect who was born and raised in New Orleans, described the houses as "alien, sometimes even insulting," adding, "the biggest problem is that they are not grounded in the history of New Orleans architecture."

But Dart still expressed admiration for Pitt. "He deserves a great deal of credit," adding that Pitt had "done more for New Orleans" than any government agency.

In 2007, frustrated by the slow pace of rebuilding in the Lower Ninth, Pitt set up a foundation called Make It Right. According to the NY Times, the foundation then "commissioned 13 architecture firms to design affordable, green houses. The organization plans to build 150 homes, all for returning Lower Ninth residents. So far, just 15 of them are occupied."

The main route into the Lower Ninth is where the "Brad Pitt Houses" are located. They are sprawling, angular buildings in bold hues not usually seen outside a gelateria and are now becoming New Orleans's newest tourist attraction.

In more interviews done by the NY Times, Jennifer Pearl, a broker who has several houses for sale in the Lower Ninth, has a practical view. "Brad has the very best intentions," she said. "However, had he come here with houses that looked like what had been here before, he probably could have had four times, five times as many houses up by now."

Another issue with the houses is their elevation: to protect them from future floods, they have been built on stilts that turn their front porches into catwalks. The goal of porches is to create a sense of community, and that's hard to do when neighbors and passersby are literally overshadowed.

"It's like New York -- you know, the skyscrapers," said Ms. LeBlanc, who lives in a single-story house next to one of the much larger Make It Right creations. "And there are going to be more," she added.

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Biker Brad

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM ***NO CANADA RIGHTS*** Brad Pitt hides his face behind a long beard, hat, and sunglasses upon arriving to Nice airport. NON-EXCLUSIVE November 19, 2009 Job: 62802EW Paris, France www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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Brad Pitt Snapshots

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 28: Deverille Dupar (L) and Deecarla Rogers play in front of a new home constructed by the Make it Right foundation in the Lower Ninth Ward November 28, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prospective homeowners must have lived in the Lower Ninth Ward when Hurricane Katrina hit to qualify. Brad Pitt�s foundation plans to construct 150 green, storm-resistant, affordable homes in the neighborhood. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Deecarla Rogers;Deverille Dupar

Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 28: New homeowner Robert Green (R) looks on with graddaughters Shaniya Thomas (L), Shamiya Thomas (2nd L), and Mama Selah outside Green's home constructed by the Make it Right foundation in the Lower Ninth Ward November 28, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prospective homeowners must have lived in the Lower Ninth Ward when Hurricane Katrina hit. Brad Pitt�s foundation plans to construct 150 green, storm-resistant homes in the neighborhood. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mama Selah;Shamiya Thomas;Shaniya Thomas;Robert Green

Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 28: Prospective homeowners and others tour homes constructed by the Make it Right foundation in the Lower Ninth Ward November 28, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prospective homeowners must have lived in the Lower Ninth Ward when Hurricane Katrina hit to qualify. Brad Pitt�s foundation plans to construct 150 green, storm-resistant, affordable homes in the neighborhood. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 28: Project coordinator Cesar Rodriguez (C) leads prospective homeowners and others on a tour of homes constructed by the Make it Right foundation in the Lower Ninth Ward November 28, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prospective homeowners must have lived in the Lower Ninth Ward when Hurricane Katrina hit to qualify. Brad Pitt�s foundation plans to construct 150 green, storm-resistant, affordable homes in the neighborhood. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cesar Rodriguez

Getty Images

Following police alert during the week end Brad Pitt upgraded his security system at the entrance of his property in Los Feliz, California. Police rushed to his mansion during the week end but left a few minutes later Nov 24, 2009 X17online.com EXCLUSIVE

KMM_Ice-MBF/X17online.com

Tags: brad pitt, BradPitt

Comments

(64)

Sunday 29 November

By Lexi

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Even though this architect was raised in New Orleans, he obviously isn't in tune with the Crescent City anymore. As a citizen of New Orleans, and one living in the 9th Ward at that, I can say that we love those houses and see that they provide opportunities to people that would not otherwise be able to own a home. Brad Pitt is helping to beautify this city that has unfortunately gone through a lot in the past few years.

By Barbara

You are right, Brad Pitt is a New Orleans treasure.

By Aaron

This architect instead of shooting off his mouth should donate some of his time and money or inkind donations to help out in place of trash talking to those that help from their hearts.

By FRANCISCO

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

The Bush administration didn't do a dang thing for the people, even called them refugees!

By john

It's funny, no other part of the country cries for a handout after a tragedy.

By David

Its hard to feel sorry for 300 pound refugees ... I thought the US NAVY did an excellent job of saving thousands of lives

By the mayor

exactly what have you,yourself done for new orleans?

By lvizbded

The black democratic mayor hiding in Houston,refused help from the studid democratic governor,who refused federal aid fearing a loss of power base . Screwing citizens supplies sat unused in a minor league ball park in NO suburbs. God bless Brad,Bush and the Saints.

Monday 30 November

By momo

Brad went and did something art is in the eye of the beholder.Why is this country full of people that want to put another person down. Than you Brad

By walkingman50

Vote down Vote up Report this

What did mayor "Choclate Shake" do with those 1,100 flooded school buses ?? Just like any other big city dimocrat mayor he didn't do a damn thing but wait for the federal welfare state to bail his sorry ass out !

go brad

By kathe

if you aren't playing a part in the solution
why judge, criticize someone who is

By jlallyn

Aaron you are so right. It seems to me that the only review Pitt should get is an A++ for all that he has done and screw the critics - they are - forget "in my opinion" but actual FACT just plain jackasses.

By Jody

I thought the same while I read the simple article. A simple thank you to Brad would suffice.
I think it's generous of Brad!

By mel

You are right. Brad is doing something good. tell this guy to shut up or do better!!!!

By dona

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Let the ocean have its land back. Putting a levie to keep it out is stupid and cost lots of money.

By Rick

The addition to such artistic houses in the tradition of well known architects as Franklin Lloyd Wright will only enhance the face of the area which is being discussed. Mixed with "Green" technological advances, these houses are of the future while representing the past for which we all know and should embrace.
Bravo Brad.....Bravo.

By August

I know of no FLW homes in New Orleans.

By Judy

Well being that I am from N.O. those people bad mouthing Pitt should put their own money where their mouths are or STFU. It of takes a lot nerve to sit there and bad mouth someone who has tried to help and I can bet they never raised one cent to help anyone. I so hear the green eyed monster talking from them lol