New Orleans is a city known for its vibrant history, soulful jazz, spicy cuisine, and architecture that tells a story. But among the charming shotgun houses and grand Creole cottages, there is one structure that stands out for all the wrong reasons. We are talking about the infamous Ray Nagin house, often sarcastically referred to by locals as the “Ashtray House.”
This isn’t just a story about bricks, mortar, and a very shiny roof. It is a saga of political rise and fall, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and a corruption scandal that shook the Big Easy to its core. When you look at the Ray Nagin house, you aren’t just seeing a piece of luxury real estate; you are looking at a physical symbol of excess and alleged graft.
The Origins of the Ray Nagin House: From Dream Home to “Ashtray House”
Every house has a beginning, but the origin story of Ray Nagin’s house is particularly interesting. This wasn’t just a purchase; it was a statement.
The Location: Park Island
Nagin chose to build his dream home in Park Island, a posh, gated enclave within the historic Pontchartrain Park neighbourhood. This area is significant. Pontchartrain Park was one of the first suburban-style subdivisions developed for African Americans in the South during the segregation era. By building here, Nagin was planting his flag in a historically significant, affluent Black community.
The Design: Why “The Ashtray”?
Construction began in 2004, just a year before the storm. From the moment the roof went up, the neighbours started talking. The architecture is decidedly modern—some might say aggressively modern.
The most striking feature is the roof. It is a metallic, silver, curved structure that flares upward at the edges. To the architect, it might have looked like a contemporary masterpiece meant to reflect the harsh Louisiana sun. But to the locals in New Orleans, who are known for their sharp wit, it looked exactly like one thing: a giant, overturned silver ashtray.
The nickname stuck instantly. It wasn’t meant to be a compliment. It became a way for locals to mock the grandeur and the ego that the house represented.
The Cost of Luxury
The build was estimated to cost heavily into the hundreds of thousands, eventually pushing the property value near the million-dollar mark—a massive sum for that specific neighbourhood at the time.
As the structure rose, rumours swirled. How was a mayor on a public salary affording top-tier granite, custom designs, and high-end fixtures? As it turned out, the “Ashtray House” was being fed by the very corruption Nagin had promised to fight.
Inside Ray Nagin’s House: A Room-by-Room Tour of Luxury and Excess
Since we can’t physically walk you through the front door today, let’s use our imagination and the details released during the trial to take a virtual tour of the Ray Nagin house. Picture the sheer level of detail that went into this place—much of it allegedly paid for by city contractors.
Exterior and Curb Appeal
When you pull up to the property, the first thing you notice is that roof. It gleams in the sun. The house sits on a large, manicured lot, significantly bigger than the standard plots in the area.
- The Architecture: The design is a mix of contemporary angles and that signature curved roofline. It is meant to be flood-resistant, sitting slightly elevated—a feature that proved vital later on.
- The Grounds: The entry is gated, offering the privacy you would expect for a high-profile figure. The landscaping is lush, filled with tropical plants that thrive in the humid New Orleans climate.
Ground Floor Highlights
Stepping inside, you are greeted by an open-concept design that screams “entertaining space.”
- The Kitchen: This was a focal point of the corruption trial. The kitchen features massive slabs of high-end granite. During the trial, it was revealed that a granite supplier provided materials and installation for the Ray Nagin house at a steep discount (or for free) in exchange for city support on other projects. The countertops are thick, luxurious, and polished to a mirror shine.
- The Living Area: High ceilings and expansive windows let in natural light, making the space feel airy. The floors are polished stone or high-grade hardwood, designed to impress guests and political allies alike.
- The Home Office: This room is perhaps the most ominous. This is where Nagin likely took calls, held private meetings, and managed the city’s recovery—all while arguably orchestrating the deals that would land him in prison.
Upper Levels and Private Spaces
Moving upstairs, the house transitions from public entertaining to private luxury.
- The Main Suite: The main bedroom is a retreat. Think spa-like bathrooms with a soaking tub, a walk-in shower with multiple heads, and more of that controversial granite. It likely features a private balcony with views of the neighbourhood.
- Guest Rooms: The house has ample space for visitors. There is also a media room, a standard feature in mansions of this calibre, perfect for watching the Saints games or, perhaps, the evening news coverage of the mayor’s administration.
Outdoor Amenities
New Orleans is hot, so outdoor living is essential.
- The Pool: In the backyard, you will find a stunning infinity-style pool. It’s the perfect place to cool off during a sweltering July afternoon.
- Outdoor Kitchen: Alongside the pool is an outdoor grilling station. This area was built for parties—the kind of political fundraisers and social gatherings that keep a mayor in power.
The Ray Nagin House Controversy: Corruption Scandal Ties
You cannot talk about the Ray Nagin house without talking about the crime. The house wasn’t just where he slept; it was evidence.
The “Granite” Connection
One of the most damning pieces of evidence against Nagin involved the very stones under his feet. A local businessman owned a countertop company. The Feds alleged that this businessman provided free granite and installation for the Nagin kitchen.
In return, the businessman’s company allegedly received favourable treatment for city contracts. It was a classic “scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” arrangement. But in this case, the back-scratching resulted in a luxury kitchen for the mayor and jail time for the participants.
The Home Depot Check
Another bizarre detail from the trial involved a check from a city contractor. Evidence showed that money funnelled from contractors was used to pay credit card bills, including charges for supplies used to build the Ray Nagin house. Essentially, the taxpayers and the integrity of the city were mortgaged to buy fixtures, lumber, and appliances for the mayor’s personal palace.
Media Frenzy
When the FBI raided the city and the subpoenas started flying, local newspapers like The Times-Picayune began digging into the house. The nickname “Ashtray House” went from a neighbourhood joke to a symbol of graft.
Every time the news showed a picture of Ray Nagin’s house, it reinforced the narrative: The city was struggling to rebuild schools and roads, but the mayor was living in a custom-built, granite-filled fortress.
Key Takeaway: The house was the physical manifestation of the prosecution’s case. It proved that Nagin was personally benefiting from his public office.
Hurricane Katrina’s Impact on Ray Nagin’s House
On 29 August 2005, everything changed for New Orleans. But how did the Ray Nagin house fare?
A Tale of Two Cities
While 80% of New Orleans was underwater, the Ray Nagin house sat in a unique position. Pontchartrain Park flooded badly. The water levels in the neighbourhood were devastating, destroying the history and wealth of many long-time residents.
However, Nagin’s home had been built recently and was constructed with modern elevation standards in mind. While it didn’t escape completely unscathed, it fared significantly better than the older, lower-lying homes surrounding it.
The Optics of Survival
After the storm, as residents were prohibited from returning to their homes and many were living in FEMA trailers, Nagin was able to repair his home relatively quickly.
This created a massive divide. Residents looked at the Ray Nagin house, gleaming with its silver roof, and saw a leader who was insulated from the worst of their suffering. It fueled the anger during town hall meetings. When Nagin spoke about rebuilding, people wondered if he was fighting for their homes as hard as he had fought for his own.
Resilience or Privilege?
To some, the house was a symbol of resilience—a sign that Pontchartrain Park could come back. But to most critics, it was a symbol of privilege. The resources used to fix up the Ray Nagin house so quickly were beyond the reach of regular citizens.
Current Status of the Ray Nagin House: What’s It Worth Today?
Ray Nagin went to prison, but the house remained. So, what is happening with the property now?
Changing Hands
After his conviction and the financial ruin that followed, holding onto the Ray Nagin house became difficult. The property was eventually sold. It has changed hands since the Nagin family occupied it, moving into the private market.
The new owners (whose identities usually remain private for obvious reasons) likely bought the home for its unique architecture and location, perhaps trying to distance the property from its scandalous past.
Market Value
Real estate in New Orleans has boomed in recent years. Today, a home of that size (approx. 5,000+ square feet) in a gated area like Park Island is a valuable asset.
- Estimated Value: Based on comparable sales in the area and the sheer size of the lot, the home is estimated to be worth upwards of $800,000 to nearly $1 million.
- The “Nagin” Discount/Premium: It’s hard to say whether the history hurts or helps the value. Some buyers might be turned off by the “Ashtray” nickname and the bad juju it brings. Others might love the idea of owning a piece of infamous local history.
Renovation and redemption
Reports suggest that subsequent owners have made changes to the property. While the iconic roof shape is hard to alter without a total rebuild, landscaping and interior changes can help “exorcise” the ghosts of the corruption scandal. The goal for any new owner is to turn it from Ray Nagin’s house back into just a “beautiful home.”
The Legacy of Ray Nagin’s Ashtray House in New Orleans Culture
Buildings hold memories. The Ray Nagin house is now part of New Orleans’ folklore.
A Stop on the “Scandal Tour”
New Orleans has plenty of tours: Ghost tours, vampire tours, and garden tours. Informal “political scandal” tours often point out the Ashtray House. It sits there as a warning to future politicians: You can build a palace, but you might end up in a cell.
Architectural Notoriety
Love it or hate it, the house is architecturally significant. It represents a specific moment in early 2000s design where “standing out” was more important than “blending in.” In a city famous for French and Spanish colonial styles, the Ray Nagin house is a metallic disruption.
Lessons Learned
The house’s legacy is ultimately a lesson in transparency. It reminds voters to look closely at their leaders. When a public servant suddenly finds their lifestyle doesn’t match their paycheck, questions need to be asked.
The house also serves as a reminder of the post-Katrina “Wild West” environment, where money was flowing, and oversight was sometimes lacking.
Why the Ray Nagin House Still Captivates Us
We are fascinated by the rise and fall of powerful people. The Ray Nagin house is the perfect stage setting for a Shakespearean tragedy. It has everything:
- Ambition: The unique design.
- Greed: The corruption used to build it.
- Hubris: The belief that he would never get caught.
It is a physical anchor to a story that defined a decade of life in New Orleans.
Comparison: Nagin House vs Typical NOLA Mansion
To give you a better idea of just how unique this property is, let’s look at a quick comparison:
Feature: Ray Nagin House (The Ashtray), Typical New Orleans Mansion (Uptown/Garden District)
Roof Style Curved, Metallic, “Ashtray” shape Slate, Gabled, Traditional
Primary Material: Stucco, Glass, Metal, Wood clapboard, Brick
Vibe Modern, Flashy, Controversial, Historic, Southern Charm, Timeless
Origin of Wealth Corporate/Political (Controversial) Old Money or Industry
Tourist Appeal Scandal/Curiosity History/Architecture
Resilience Modern elevation (High) Varies (often relies on historic raising)
FAQs About the Ray Nagin House
We know you still have a few burning questions. Here are the answers to the most common things people ask about the Ray Nagin house.
1. Where is Ray Nagin’s house located? The house is located on Park Island Drive in the Pontchartrain Park neighbourhood of New Orleans. It is a gated section of the community that offers seclusion from the surrounding streets.
2. Why is it called the Ashtray House? It earned this nickname for its distinctive roofline. The roof is silver and metallic, curving upward at the edges and resembling a large, overturned ashtray.
3. Did Ray Nagin lose the house due to his conviction? The government sought forfeiture of assets related to his crimes. While the legal specifics of asset forfeiture are complex, the Nagin family eventually sold the home. Ray Nagin no longer owns it.
4. Can you visit the Ray Nagin house? No, you cannot go inside. It is a private residence owned by private citizens. However, because it is in a residential neighbourhood, many people drive by to see the unique architecture from the street (though the gated nature of Park Island can make close-up viewing difficult).
5. What happened to the house during Hurricane Katrina? The house survived relatively well compared to the rest of the neighbourhood. Because it was new construction and built on an elevated foundation, it avoided the catastrophic flooding that destroyed many older homes in Pontchartrain Park.
6. Who owns the Ray Nagin house now? The current owners are private individuals who purchased the home after the Nagin scandal. Their names are a matter of public record but are generally kept out of the spotlight to respect their privacy.
The story of the Ray Nagin house is a chapter in New Orleans history that is written in granite and steel. It stands as a monument to a complicated man and a chaotic time. While the city moves forward, the “Ashtray House” remains—a silver shimmer in the distance, reminding us of the storm, the scandal, and the secrets that walls can hold.
Enjoyed this deep dive into New Orleans history? If you love exploring the hidden stories behind celebrity homes and infamous landmarks, stay tuned for our next feature!
Where Does Ray Nagin Currently Live?
Ray Nagin, the former New Orleans mayor, completed his federal supervised release on March 16, 2024, and was last reported living in Frisco, Texas, during his house arrest and probation periods.
Ray Nagin House photo
