Tara Hernandez | Urban Development
President, JCH Development
Photo Tracie Morris Schaefer
Tara Hernandez is president of JCH Development, an urban real estate development company that converts underutilized real estate into “cool,” creative spaces. She has developed residential, multi-family, and commercial projects throughout Louisiana, and in Mississippi and Missouri, including Blue Plate Artist Lofts and Magnolia Marketplace Shopping Center, where her firm served as a co-developer.
In her role as president, Hernandez most recently assisted Liberty Bank & Trust as its owners representative, with the company’s newly opened branch and retail space on Gentilly Boulevard. She is a Louisiana real estate broker, a past trustee of the Urban Land Institute and past chair of ULI Louisiana.
How would you describe the status of urban development in New Orleans?
It has drastically changed post-Katrina. There have been numerous and various types of projects completed, currently under construction, as well as many in pre-development stages. These opportunities have been delivered by both local and out of state developers and definitely provided the city with new tax revenues, a diversity of services and products, as well as other benefits for residents. It has also assisted with the renewal and repopulation of several neighborhoods throughout the city.
How are the developments your company is doing impacting the urban marketplace?
Our firm has been instrumental in creating new housing and retail options previously not found in the city, in neighborhoods where redevelopment was instrumental in the revitalization of an area. We have also offered options to a diverse mix of residents and customers. I would like to think that we have positively impacted peoples’ lives and lifestyles in a meaningful manner.
What do you project for the future? Six to 12 months down the road? Is this a new peak or baseline?
Since our business involves lots of forward thinking and timing, the next six to 12 months will mostly bring to market projects currently under construction and those that have already received zoning approvals. Since several new projects underway involve larger, mixed-use developments, I think we will probably see a few more announcements for projects, but also some wait and see for absorption. I hope to see a balance of more affordable and workforce housing options — which are challenging due to the costs to develop projects these day— but also some additional retail options outside of Downtown. It will be interesting to see whether we continue to attract new residents to the city. I am hopeful for a bright future!
