Make It Right Foundation

Make It Right Foundation. It was a non-profit organization established in 2007 by actor Brad Pitt in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. The foundation's mission was to build sustainable, affordable, and storm-resistant homes for displaced residents, employing innovative architectural designs and green building technologies. It aimed to serve as a model for post-disaster recovery and environmentally conscious urban development, though its journey was marked by significant achievements and profound challenges.

History and founding

The foundation was launched by Brad Pitt in 2007, two years after Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent failure of the levee system in New Orleans catastrophically flooded the city. Pitt, who had a home in the French Quarter, was deeply affected by the slow pace of recovery, particularly in the heavily damaged Lower Ninth Ward. He partnered with the internationally renowned architecture firm Graft and sought designs from prominent architects like Frank Gehry, Shigeru Ban, and Morphosis. The project was initially supported by major corporate sponsors including Bank of America and was launched with a high-profile media event at the Clinton Global Initiative. The goal was to construct 150 homes, blending cutting-edge sustainable design with community-focused planning to help former residents return.

Projects and initiatives

The primary project was the construction of a new neighborhood in the Lower Ninth Ward, featuring single-family homes built with an emphasis on LEED Platinum certification, solar power, and energy-efficient systems. Architects such as David Adjaye, Bing Thom, and Trahan Architects contributed unique designs intended to be both aesthetically modern and highly functional in a flood-prone environment. The foundation also engaged in smaller initiatives, including community gardens and job training programs related to green construction. Beyond New Orleans, the organization explored replicating its model, undertaking a project to build homes for veterans in Fort Peck, Montana, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Controversies and criticism

The foundation faced intense criticism over construction defects and the durability of its innovative homes. Residents reported widespread problems including structural rot, mold, faulty plumbing, electrical issues, and poor ventilation, with some conditions becoming severe within a few years. Critics, including local architects and housing advocates, argued that the experimental designs were ill-suited for the humid Gulf Coast climate and that the use of untreated lumber and other materials led to premature decay. The project was also scrutinized for its high per-unit cost and for potentially prioritizing architectural statement over practical, resilient housing, leading to lawsuits and a loss of trust within the community it aimed to serve.

Financial and legal issues

Financially, the foundation struggled with cost overruns and fundraising challenges after the initial wave of support. It became embroiled in multiple lawsuits, most notably a 2018 class-action lawsuit filed by homeowners alleging construction defects. The litigation named the foundation, Brad Pitt, and executive director Tom Darden as defendants. A separate lawsuit was filed by the City of New Orleans for failing to properly maintain several vacant lots. These legal battles, coupled with mounting repair costs and dwindling resources, led to the foundation's effective dissolution, with its operations ceasing and its remaining assets transferred to a local trust to address outstanding homeowner claims.

Impact and legacy

The legacy of the foundation is complex and dual-natured. It succeeded in bringing international attention and architectural innovation to post-Hurricane Katrina recovery, proving that sustainable, high-design housing could be built in an underserved area. It helped over 100 families return to the Lower Ninth Ward. However, its ultimate impact is heavily tempered by the construction failures and the subsequent legal and financial collapse. The project stands as a cautionary tale in philanthropic and architectural circles about the critical importance of maintenance, material suitability, and long-term community engagement in disaster recovery efforts, influencing discussions within organizations like the American Institute of Architects and FEMA.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Louisiana Category:Housing organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2007