The property at the corner of Burgundy and Lamanche Streets in the Lower Ninth Ward, Holy Cross Historic District consists of three lots and includes the old Lapeze's Hardware Store building and residence constructed in 1909, at the street corner.

The property was acquired in July 2005 by Healing Healthcare to establish an Integrated Health Center on the site by its Founder, Dr Gabou Ndapich Mendy. Due to Hurricane Katrina, August 2005, the idea was deferred. Tekrema Center, led by its Founder and Artistic Director Greer Mendy, started operating a Community Cultural Center at the property in 2007.

Tekrema Center for Art and Culture was founded in 2000 as a non-profit community arts organization focused on New Orleans, Louisiana and African Diasporic creative traditions. Tekrema Center is an artist-driven organization, where professional artists are integral in programming and service to the community.

Tekrema Center undertook post Hurricane Katrina efforts to repair the building, upgrade the interior to accommodate programs and administration, including new bathrooms and interior finishes; also remodeling to serve the needs of the proposed cafe and expanded programs. Tekrema planned to develop the building and site over time to accommodate gallery and retail space, a cafe, classrooms, dance studios, administrative offices outdoor performance space, food production and gardens. Tekrema Center eventually moved its programming to newly opened Sanchez Center in 2017.

Aja Yard is the culmination of the idyllic vision for Healing Healthcare, the programming legacy of Tekrema Center and the aspirant transplantation of Sebastian Preece in his Prospect One architectural installation “Galvez quarry 5415, transplant levels 5640 Burgundy” to give rise to a new space renovated, which includes the history of the neighborhood through the transplantation of parts destined to disappear. Also maintaining the historical integrity of the old Lapeze's Hardware Store building and residence,

Aja Yard is anchored in New Orleans and The South; infused with Caribbean vibes and Latin America sassy, and bolstered African ancestral memories - “Africana”. Aja Yard : Multipurpose Destination Center