The area has been more recently renamed Harmony Oaks as part of a complete HOPE VI redevelopment of the property.

During the Jim Crow laws era of racial segregation, the city's main medical care facility for African-Americans, Flint Goodridge Hospital, was on the southwest end of Freret Street on Louisiana Avenue.

[2] In 2001-02, demolition of portions of the projects began as part of a Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) revitalization plan.

On January 7, 2009, local, state, federal and HUD officials met to break ground on a new $183 million C.J.

The new Harmony Oaks, redeveloped on the old Magnolia Projects site, is located on some 41 acres southeast of the intersection of Claiborne and Louisiana Aves.

Other popular artists from the area include Soulja Slim, Mr. Marcelo, Magnolia Shorty, and Jay Electronica.

Under the old name of "Shakespere Park" (originally commemorating New Orleans mayor Joseph A. Shakspeare), it is mentioned in the lyrics of Professor Longhair and Papa Celestin.

The housing project was also mentioned in Playboi Carti's song, "Magnolia", released on his self-titled debut mixtape in 2017.