Changes are coming to Loyola University uptown.
On March 23, the New Orleans City Council signed off on the demolition of Mercy Hall to make way for a new dormitory at the corner of Freret and Calhoun streets. The building was constructed in 1960 as Mercy Academy, an upper school for girls associated with Holy Name of Jesus Parish. It’s most distinctive features are a zig-zag awning and decorative tile surrounding the chapel entry. The larger classroom portion has typically mid-century metal-framed windows.
The new 500-student dorm building will be significantly larger, and many neighbors support the addition of student housing on campus. The proliferation of off-campus student housing, known locally as “doubles to dorms,” has stoked the ire of Carrollton-area residents upset by the resulting loss of long-term housing.
Across St. Charles Ave., Loyola plans to keep but significantly alter another mid-century building, located at Broadway and Dominican Street. The existing metal framed windows and wall panels will be replaced with more energy efficient exterior wall cladding and windows. The New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission approved the necessary facade demolition at the recommendation of city staff on April 5.
Neither existing building was rated as a “contributing” structure within the Uptown National Register Historic District because they were less than 50 years old when it was created.
Photo 1: New Orleans City Council signed off on the demolition of Mercy Hall to make way for a new dormitory at the corner of Freret and Calhoun streets. Photo 2: Loyola plans to keep but significantly alter another mid-century building, located at Broadway and Dominican Street, replacing existing metal framed windows and wall panels with energy efficient exteior wall cladding and windows. Photos by Davis Allen.
