This month marks three exciting events at the Preservation Resource Center. The first is the debut of PRC’s new book, Painting the Town: The Importance of Color in Historic New Orleans Architecture, edited by Susan Langenhennig and featuring articles by experts, color advice by Louis Aubert, and incredible photography by award-winning photojournalist Chris Granger.
The book is an explosion of joy, a celebration of the colorful past, present and future of our city’s architecture. Why has our architecture historically been so vibrantly tinted? Essays by local experts delve into the “why” and “how” of historic use of color on buildings throughout the city, and Granger’s photography masterfully shows how the dedication to everything bright and bold by this city’s populace endures today. We will discuss the book at signings and events around the region this fall, and we’d love to have you join us. And the book will make the perfect holiday gift, so please secure yours today on our website, PRCNO.org.
Use of color was also front of mind during another big event hosted by the PRC this month, the Design Luncheon featuring internationally renowned interior designer Alexa Hampton. Based
in New York City, Hampton is the head of Mark Hampton Interiors. She has designed interiors for prestigious clients around the world, including here in New Orleans. Her list of achievements is
extensive, including producing several furniture lines, authoring several books, and serving as the design consultant and a cast member for This Old House. PRC was proud to host her for a lecture
in New Orleans. The PRC Design Luncheon was held at the Audubon Tea Room on Oct. 9.
Finally, we are bursting with pride and excitement to welcome the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual PastForward conference to New Orleans on Oct. 28–30. Nearly 1,000 of the
nation’s top preservationists, architects, designers, developers, and community activists will be here to learn in the nation’s best living laboratory for preservation, examining issues that we live with
every day through the preservation lens, including climate change, tourism, economic development and community equity. The Trust is kicking off its 75th anniversary celebrations here in New Orleans, as the PRC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Louisiana Main Street program celebrates its 40th, and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, based in Natchitoches, celebrates its 30th. The Trust couldn’t have chosen a better state to spotlight than Louisiana, where we compete every year for the No. 1 spot in the nation for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit projects.
The Trust has made considerable investments in Louisiana for decades, and it’s a partnership for which we are immeasurably grateful. From its recovery work after Hurricane Katrina to funding
roof repairs for several Tremé residents after Hurricane Ida, the Trust has contributed financially to the health of New Orleans’ historic built environment in enduring ways. In recent years, the Trust has funded significant work at St. James AME Church, St. Augustine Church, the TEP Center, Antoine’s, Dookie Chase’s, and for residents of Tremé through PRC’s Revival Grant program, among other projects. We’re excited for conference attendees to understand the impact of the Trust’s work here and nationally and to show off New Orleans’ incredible historic assets.
Danielle Del Sol is the Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center.
