NEW ORLEANS, La. (Feb. 6, 2026)— A newly renovated group home on the Magnolia Community Services (MCS) campus is helping more adults with developmental disabilities live with comfort, dignity, and independence. The Magnolia Henican Group Home, one of 20 group homes, is a design-build renovation by Perrier Esquerré Contractors (PEC). This house reopened this fall after a four-month transformation that modernized nearly 4,300 square feet of living space and increased capacity from eight to ten residents.
“Our clients thrive when they live in a safe, accessible, and nurturing environment,” said Jennifer Conrad, Executive Director of Magnolia Community Services. “The Henican Group Home renovation gives them that and more. We’re deeply grateful to Perrier Esquerré Contractors for their craftsmanship and compassion in helping us continue our mission of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities.”
Magnolia Community Services, a nonprofit that has supported individuals with developmental disabilities for more than 90 years, enlisted PEC to lead the interior renovation. The scope included new private bedrooms, a fully renovated kitchen and dining area, upgraded laundry facilities, and improved accessibility features throughout.
“Magnolia’s mission is to help people with disabilities live full, meaningful lives,” said Brett Perrier, Owner at PEC. “Being part of that legacy through this renovation is deeply rewarding for our team and resonates personally for me because my aunt has resided there for most of her adult life.”
Designed with both durability and warmth in mind, the refreshed space features shiplap wall protection to accommodate wheelchair use, new HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, and a light, beach-inspired palette enlightening the atmosphere. A creative value-engineering solution helped keep the project within budget while preserving the open, community-oriented layout.
The project reached substantial completion on schedule and within budget. Magnolia has since engaged PEC to carry out additional campus improvements, underscoring a continued partnership built on trust and shared values.
“Having the opportunity to give residents a greater sense of pride, belonging, and independence was inspiring to our team,” added Erin Bordelon, Project Manager at PEC. “We took something dated and dark and gave it warmth and light. Now, it’s functional, beautiful, and feels like home.”
About Magnolia Community Services – Founded in 1935, Magnolia Community Services provides residential, vocational, recreational, medical, and behavioral programs that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives. The Henican Home is named after one of the founders, C. Ellis Henican, perpetuating his legacy and vision for the care of people with developmental disabilities. Learn more at mcs-nola.org
About Perrier Esquerré Contractors (PEC) – Perrier Esquerré Contractors is a Louisiana-based general contractor specializing in design-build renovations and ground-up construction spanning healthcare, education, nonprofit, and commercial sectors. pecgc.com