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Mapping NOLA's Best Historic Redevelopment Projects

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[UPDATE:] The map point for the former Pan-American building has been updated to reflect the correct building at 2400 Canal St. Major thanks to Eskew+Dumez+Ripple for reaching out.


The Louisiana Landmark Society has named 18 different sites as recipients of Excellence in Historic Preservation awards for 2015 — sites ranging from Curbed NOLA favorite Myrtle Banks Building to sole preservationists like Pat O'Brien (seriously, that's her name and she's doing wonderful things) who have been helping to restore entire neighborhoods. After the jump, we present the LLS' complete list, with photos as well as a bit of info about each space.


· Winners Announced for 2015 Louisiana Landmarks Society Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation [Louisiana Landmark Society]

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Tulane School of Social Work

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Tulane has had a hand in the former Elks Building for almost two decades, first leasing out 12,000 square feet to accommodate a day-care center. The building officially became Tulane's in 2013 and opened its doors to Social Work students during the fall semester of 2014.

518 Natchez

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518 Natchez took a whole lot of rehabilitation to get to where it is today. Studio WTA, which spearheaded the project, ended up having to replace an entire unit frame in this now mixed-use development that includes five apartments and office space on its ground level.

850 Tchoupitoulas

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Why not just make beautifully designed buildings when you can wholeheartedly live their ethos? That was architecture firm Trapolin Peer's award-winning thought when it moved offices to 850 Tchoupitoulas. Designed by James Dakin and built in 1846, the former Royal Broom factory has been completely redesigned to include ground level office space for rent and Trapolin Peer at the top two floors.

Former Pan-American Life Building

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[UPDATE:] Eskew+Dumez+Ripple has reached out with corrections for this entry. The Pan American office building on Poydras was not the recipient of a historic redevelopment award but rather, the former headquarters at 2400 Canal St.Built in the 1950s, this 90,000 square foot building was designed by SOM and highlights modernism at its core. Firm Eskew+Dumez+Ripple added eco-friendly touches while also staying true to that modernist style when brought in to redevelop this structure for the VA, who will be now using it as administrative offices.

Bienville Avenue Residences

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This GCE Green Development project was its first, restoring a total of four buildings to bring eleven apartments to the real estate market, all of which are now off the market thanks to their major success. In addition to being energy-efficient buildings, many historic markers have been saved and restored.

Carver Theater

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The Carver Theater's return to its former glory as well as its major upgrades are truly a sight to behold. This Treme theater was built in 1950 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places list for years. After screening its last films in 1980, it functioned as a community health clinic from 1984 until Hurricane Katrina. Damage from the storm put its future in peril, but owner Dr. Eugene Oppman undertook the difficult task of gutting and restoring the building with patience and care, netting it well-deserved recognition and a foothold in the live entertainment scene.

Faubourg Duchamp

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Local developer Pat O’Brien (again, real name) has spent decades helping to revitalize the small neighborhood located just past the interstate and bounded by Columbus, Roman, Derbigny, and Kerlerec St, the latter of which she purchased her first home in the area to restore in 1969. Her ongoing efforts merit recognition and acclaim for their attention to detail as well as sensitivity to neighborhood dynamics.

Il Mercato

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The former 931 Works Progress Administration building at 1911 Magazine Street is now one of the most exciting new venues in New Orleans. As its name suggests, Il Mercato was once a neighborhood market, designed by Sam Stone Jr all the way back in 1931. Its restoration as a venue has already netted it major acclaim as well as many, many weddings.

1241 Josephine St

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A circa 1880 Victorian with attached corner store, 1241 Josephine St may no longer have its commerce side actively running, but its restoration from MBWilliam Design has certainly breathed new life back into the four bedroom, five bath residence.

New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy

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NOMMA is a 71,000 square foot military charter school surrounded by youth, yet its classic details is what caught the attention of LLS. Opened in 1907, this Romanesque Revival space was used by the Navy until Hurricane Katrina. NOMMA's restoration of the space is yet another boon to the burgeoning Federal City area.

Myrtle Banks Building

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A Curbed NOLA favorite, the Myrtle Banks Building now includes an art space, co-working space, and the soon-to-open Jack & Jake's market as well as office space for KIPP. Built in 1902, the building was the former home of McDonough 38 but suffered fire damage and abandonment before being fully restored by Alembic Community Development, who are committed to honoring the space's neighborhood significance.

New Orleans Jazz Market

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Another Central City honoree, the New Orleans Jazz Market converts the former Dryades Market into a sweeping jazz venue that both honors the musical roots of the city but pays special note to the 166 year old building's historic significance.

PolyBar Project

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More Central City and OC Haley corridor love! The PolyBar Project restores and reimagines a former streetcar switching station, turning the expansive complex into an additional space for nearby Ashe Cultural Center as well as Tulane City Center.

Professor Longhair House

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Many years in the making, the sole home of Professor Longhair, Henry Byrd, has been revitalized, restored, and turned into a beautiful museum meant to honor the NOLA native musician, curated by his daughter.photo via WWNO

Roman-Bienville Homes

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Utilizing new construction and restoring original structures, Neville Development has crafted historic, elegant, and affordable housing in MidCity. The 31 units span 11 buildings, five of which were lovingly restored.

Southern Food & Beverage Museum

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An additional portion of the Dryades Market, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum occupies a 100+ year old building, restoring it to honor the unique cuisine and cocktails of the South while also recognizing the architectural importance of the space, original markers of which you can still see thanks to SOFAB's minimalist touch.

Marais Apartments

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Located in the former Texaco Building, the Marais Apartments are yet another HRI Properties development in the downtown area. This 17 story building spans 112 units catered to senior citizens that include residents from the former Iberville projects. Before HRI took over, the space had been vacant for nearly 15 years.

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center

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This circa 1870 Italianate structure was once two buildings. Even stranger, it was once the Tharp-Sontheimer-Laudumiey Funeral Home now merged into one to form the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. The front facade has stayed true to its roots, though the entire space has been majorly redeveloped to accommodate such a multi-faceted center.

Tulane School of Social Work

Tulane has had a hand in the former Elks Building for almost two decades, first leasing out 12,000 square feet to accommodate a day-care center. The building officially became Tulane's in 2013 and opened its doors to Social Work students during the fall semester of 2014.

518 Natchez

518 Natchez took a whole lot of rehabilitation to get to where it is today. Studio WTA, which spearheaded the project, ended up having to replace an entire unit frame in this now mixed-use development that includes five apartments and office space on its ground level.

850 Tchoupitoulas

Why not just make beautifully designed buildings when you can wholeheartedly live their ethos? That was architecture firm Trapolin Peer's award-winning thought when it moved offices to 850 Tchoupitoulas. Designed by James Dakin and built in 1846, the former Royal Broom factory has been completely redesigned to include ground level office space for rent and Trapolin Peer at the top two floors.

Former Pan-American Life Building

[UPDATE:] Eskew+Dumez+Ripple has reached out with corrections for this entry. The Pan American office building on Poydras was not the recipient of a historic redevelopment award but rather, the former headquarters at 2400 Canal St.Built in the 1950s, this 90,000 square foot building was designed by SOM and highlights modernism at its core. Firm Eskew+Dumez+Ripple added eco-friendly touches while also staying true to that modernist style when brought in to redevelop this structure for the VA, who will be now using it as administrative offices.

Bienville Avenue Residences

This GCE Green Development project was its first, restoring a total of four buildings to bring eleven apartments to the real estate market, all of which are now off the market thanks to their major success. In addition to being energy-efficient buildings, many historic markers have been saved and restored.

Carver Theater

The Carver Theater's return to its former glory as well as its major upgrades are truly a sight to behold. This Treme theater was built in 1950 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places list for years. After screening its last films in 1980, it functioned as a community health clinic from 1984 until Hurricane Katrina. Damage from the storm put its future in peril, but owner Dr. Eugene Oppman undertook the difficult task of gutting and restoring the building with patience and care, netting it well-deserved recognition and a foothold in the live entertainment scene.

Faubourg Duchamp

Local developer Pat O’Brien (again, real name) has spent decades helping to revitalize the small neighborhood located just past the interstate and bounded by Columbus, Roman, Derbigny, and Kerlerec St, the latter of which she purchased her first home in the area to restore in 1969. Her ongoing efforts merit recognition and acclaim for their attention to detail as well as sensitivity to neighborhood dynamics.

Il Mercato

The former 931 Works Progress Administration building at 1911 Magazine Street is now one of the most exciting new venues in New Orleans. As its name suggests, Il Mercato was once a neighborhood market, designed by Sam Stone Jr all the way back in 1931. Its restoration as a venue has already netted it major acclaim as well as many, many weddings.

1241 Josephine St

A circa 1880 Victorian with attached corner store, 1241 Josephine St may no longer have its commerce side actively running, but its restoration from MBWilliam Design has certainly breathed new life back into the four bedroom, five bath residence.

New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy

NOMMA is a 71,000 square foot military charter school surrounded by youth, yet its classic details is what caught the attention of LLS. Opened in 1907, this Romanesque Revival space was used by the Navy until Hurricane Katrina. NOMMA's restoration of the space is yet another boon to the burgeoning Federal City area.

Myrtle Banks Building

A Curbed NOLA favorite, the Myrtle Banks Building now includes an art space, co-working space, and the soon-to-open Jack & Jake's market as well as office space for KIPP. Built in 1902, the building was the former home of McDonough 38 but suffered fire damage and abandonment before being fully restored by Alembic Community Development, who are committed to honoring the space's neighborhood significance.

New Orleans Jazz Market

Another Central City honoree, the New Orleans Jazz Market converts the former Dryades Market into a sweeping jazz venue that both honors the musical roots of the city but pays special note to the 166 year old building's historic significance.

PolyBar Project

More Central City and OC Haley corridor love! The PolyBar Project restores and reimagines a former streetcar switching station, turning the expansive complex into an additional space for nearby Ashe Cultural Center as well as Tulane City Center.

Professor Longhair House

Many years in the making, the sole home of Professor Longhair, Henry Byrd, has been revitalized, restored, and turned into a beautiful museum meant to honor the NOLA native musician, curated by his daughter.photo via WWNO

Roman-Bienville Homes

Utilizing new construction and restoring original structures, Neville Development has crafted historic, elegant, and affordable housing in MidCity. The 31 units span 11 buildings, five of which were lovingly restored.

Southern Food & Beverage Museum

An additional portion of the Dryades Market, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum occupies a 100+ year old building, restoring it to honor the unique cuisine and cocktails of the South while also recognizing the architectural importance of the space, original markers of which you can still see thanks to SOFAB's minimalist touch.

Marais Apartments

Located in the former Texaco Building, the Marais Apartments are yet another HRI Properties development in the downtown area. This 17 story building spans 112 units catered to senior citizens that include residents from the former Iberville projects. Before HRI took over, the space had been vacant for nearly 15 years.

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center

This circa 1870 Italianate structure was once two buildings. Even stranger, it was once the Tharp-Sontheimer-Laudumiey Funeral Home now merged into one to form the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. The front facade has stayed true to its roots, though the entire space has been majorly redeveloped to accommodate such a multi-faceted center.