NEW ORLEANS — Established in 1950, the Louisiana Landmarks Society's mission of preservation advocacy continues in 2023 with its annual "New Orleans' Nine Most Endangered" list of historic properties.
The organization first led the charge toward preserving Gallier Hall 73 years ago and defeated the proposed Riverfront Expressway a decade later in 1960. The LLS also helped restore the Pitot House (c. 1799) to its Creole West Indies colonial charm along Bayou St. John.
This year's "N9" consists of the following properties most at-risk:
Madame John's Legacy
632 Dumaine Street
Dating back to 1788 (or earlier), Madame John's is one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter. It even survived the Fire of 1794. But now, according to the LLS, Madame John's faces a new threat with the Vieux Carre Commission no longer possessing input over state-owned buildings – "inappropriate design change."
Louis Armstrong Park
701 North Rampart Street
Home to Congo Square, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, and other historically and culturally significant buildings and sites, the 32-acre park is in danger of suffering from "insensitive development" with even the city of New Orleans toying with the idea of moving City Hall to the location.
Interstate Trust & Bank Co. Building
644 Bouny Street
Once a significant building along the Algiers Point commercial corridor, the long-vacant bank is facing "demolition by neglect" due to a host of problems now plaguing the architecturally significant structure, including water intrusion, wood rot, rodent and termite infestation, and more.
Garden of the Americas
Basin Street Neutral Ground
Developed in 1957, the garden hosts several monuments honoring New Orleans' economic and cultural ties to South America. Now the site is endangered by the city's Regional Transit Authority for a new transit corridor bus terminal along the neutral ground from Canal to St. Louis Street.
Adolph Mazureau House
1016 St. Louis Street
Like the Interstate Trust & Bank Co. building in Algiers Point, this Federal-style townhouse constructed in 1831 is also threatened by demolition by neglect. According to the LLS, this landmark has been allowed to deteriorate despite frequent citations from the VCC.
City Hall
1300 Perdido Street
Despite the building's architectural and cultural significance as the prominent hub of New Orleans leadership and infrastructure, the LLS says recent administrations have shown little interest in preserving the building while exploring controversial relocation options at Louis Armstrong Park. Plus, the location of City Hall is considered prime real estate along Poydras Street and Loyola Avenue.
Mid-Century Modern
2650 Canal Street
Built in 1966, this Mid-Century Modern commercial building is missing marble elements along its façade and its perimeter wall is shrouded in graffiti. Once a prominent building in Mid-City, this landmark now "blights" the corner of Canal and North Broad streets.
Residential Housing & Historic Districts
Citywide
The LLS rounds out the last two spots of the "N9" with concerns over the availability of residential housing all across the city, as well as the uncertain preservation of historic districts.
The Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) and VCC serve as a steward toward the preservation, protection, and regulation of the city's historical districts.
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