The Louisiana Landmark Society will present preservation awards for fifteen projects that were completed in 2022 in New Orleans. The ceremony will take place May 24th at the Marigny Opera House that will be receiving its own award. The awards are from projects that are located all around Orleans Parish in Uptown, the Central Business District, Algiers and New Orleans East.
“The award-winning projects have never been more diverse, representing the very best in historic preservation. Our city’s unique architectural landscape is a valuable, economic asset. These projects invest in our city making it richer in so many ways,” says Rene Fransen, president of the Louisiana Landmark Society.
Among the projects there will be a special award given to the historic masonry restorations done by Theodore Pierre and his students. They restored the tombs at Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery on Washington Ave. Students were able to use their skills of masonry, plastering, stone cutting and ironwork.
Other projects that will be awarded include:
Maison du KREWE at 619 Royal Street will be given an award. The home was built in 1795 for Zachary Taylor. The building is special because it is one of the most famous Creole buildings in the French Quarter. The project consisted of renovations that used both historical details and modern updates.
A Greek Revival townhouse at 937 Dumaine Street that was built in 1837. The project consisted of renovation of the stairs and balconies, doors and decorative hardware and installing pavers in the courtyard.
A 1910 Edwardian-style building at 2340 Dauphine Street. This building was originally the R.V. DeGruy Pharmacy and was found deteriorated before it was revitalized. The project was funded by federal and state tax incentive programs.
Martin Behrman Elementary, now known as Rose Mary Loving School, is located at 715 Opelousas Avenue and was built in 1937. The team restored the bell tower, terra cotta halls and the auditorium.
An Art-Deco-inspired auditorium located at 3820 St. Claude Avenue known as Frederick J Douglass School Auditorium. This building was closed down after Katrina and is now back to life with its original features shining. These include the ceiling, balcony and stage which is now accessible and air conditioned.
The HighRise NOLA Apartments at 632 Chef Menteur Highway which was originally a hotel. The apartment complex is eight stories and is known for its graffiti art. The apartments now serve as affordable housing and middle class housing.
The Ironworks located at 315 Girod Street is now a warehouse that was built as a storehouse in 1850. It is an example of Greek Revival style that was also a factory in the early 1900’s. The building has been renovated into a fifteen unit apartment building that also holds a hotel license and has a coffee house on the ground floor.
Formerly Lafayette School which is now Leah L. Chase School is located at 2727 Carrollton Avenue. The project included 33 classrooms, activity rooms, library, kitchen and cafeteria which was modernized. The project also included masonry repair and weatherproofing.
Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans which was also known as the Priestly School is located at 1601 Leonidas Street. The old school building and gymnasium was renovated and an additional 8,700 square feet was added.
As mentioned earlier, Marigny Opera House located at 725 St. Ferdinand Street was formerly Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The building was built in 1853 and renovations included repairs to the stucco masonry shell, installation of a standing seam metal roof, installation of photovoltaic array, restoration of the bell tower and cupola roof and restoration of the stained glass windows.
There are several others including the Eleanor McMain Secondary School Auditorium located at 5712 Claiborne Avenue, Bivian Lee Jr. Center at Son of a Saint located at 2803 St. Phillip Street,Thirty60 Lots at 3060 Dauphine Street, The Old School Apartments at 2515 Robertson Street and Orleans Parish School Facilities Master Plan. Tickets to the event can be purchased online at louisianalandmarks.org for $75.
