Two impactful partnerships between the Preservation Resource Center and the City of New Orleans have moved to fruition, and we are so excited for the historic neighborhoods and residents who will reap the benefits of this work.
After months of construction, and over a year of coordinating with the state and City of New Orleans, the PRC’s work restoring the 1820 landmark Perseverance Hall No. 4 in Tremé’s Armstrong Park is complete. The project marks a significant collaboration for PRC with the City, who owns that property and all the buildings in the park. On Dec. 18, 2024, we were honored to welcome dozens of Tremé residents, city and state officials, and preservation enthusiasts to the building to see the renovation, to be inspired by its revitalization, and share hopes for the rebirth of the other neglected historic buildings that sit languishing in the park.
The renovation was made possible by Louisiana Rep. Alonzo Knox, who advocated for state funds to benefit historic structures in his district. The building was renovated using solely state funding. Knox spoke at the Dec. 18 open house and thanked the members of the Save Our Soul coalition in attendance, and the other culture bearers present, for keeping the neighborhood’s history alive, and top of mind. PRC Board President Aulston Taylor also spoke, echoing thanks to the residents of Tremé for continuously fighting to improve their neighborhood, and thanking the team with Trine Construction for their excellent work renovating the structure. He also thanked the staff of the PRC for executing the project, and working every day to preserve the historic fabric of New Orleans. City of New Orleans Deputy CAO for Infrastructure Joe Threat also spoke and praised the restoration of such an important historic site, and pledged to find more funding to renovate the other buildings on site, including Perseverance Hall’s Kitchen Building, which once served as the headquarters for famed local radio station WWOZ. Save Our Soul Coalition President Jackie Harris closed out the remarks by praising the neighborhood’s residents for their fortitude, which resulted in a recent agreement with the City to work together to oversee the master planning process for all of Armstrong Park.
We are grateful to state leaders for approving the funding that made this possible, and for the City’s partnership, allowing us to renovate this important former Masonic Hall, which was built over 200 years ago by Free People of Color. Though the building is beautiful and ready for use, it is now up to the City of New Orleans to determine who its new tenant will be. We urge City officials to work swiftly so that the building doesn’t have time to begin to deteriorate again after this important renovation.
As we wrap up that important project, we are also thrilled to announce a new partnership with the City to launch the Historic Home Repair Grant Program to assist low-income to moderate-income homeowners with exterior repairs and critical maintenance to their houses. The program is open to homeowners who reside in Orleans Parish, meet certain income requirements, only own one property, and that property must be 50 years or older.
New Orleans City Council Member Lesli Harris conceived the Historic Home Repair Grant Program and championed $200,000 in funding for it from the City Council in an effort to make homeownership in Orleans Parish more affordable. The program is designed to preserve both affordable housing and the city’s historic architecture. The New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission will assist the PRC in the program’s execution.
“Since taking office, many constituents have contacted me about code enforcement proceedings and not having the necessary funds to get their properties up to code,” Harris said. “I was driven to solve this two-fold issue by creating a $200,000 pilot program that will assist homeowners with maintenance funds to clear them from outstanding violations and associated penalties owed to the City. Homeownership in New Orleans should be accessible and affordable. With this opportunity, our residents and their homes continue to make New Orleans thrive with a sense of cultural pride and identity.”
The Historic Home Repair Grant Program will provide up to $20,000 per property to make exterior repairs to qualified homes. Examples of eligible repairs include repairing or replacing roofs; repairing or replacing damaged siding or trim; repairing or replacing damaged doors, windows or shutters.
Because funding is limited, the Preservation Resource Center’s Technical Service Committee will prioritize projects on a first-come, first-served basis and using the project’s scope of work. More information, and the application, can be found by clicking here.
The beautifully renovated second floor of Perseverance Hall.
The fresh façade.
Louisiana Rep. Alonzo Knox, PRC Executive Director Danielle Del Sol, and PRC Board President Aulston Taylor.
People touring the renovated building at the Dec. 18, 2024 open house.
Save Our Soul coalition members in attendance at the open house.
Many of the people who made the renovation of Perseverance Hall possible, including City and state officials, PRC staff, Parks and Parkways staff, and others.
Rep. Alonzo Knox and City of New Orleans Deputy CAO for Infrastructure Joe Threat spoke at the Dec. 18, 2024 open house event.
The restored stairwell leading from the first floor to the second inside of Perseverance Hall. Photo by Liz Jurey.
People explore the building during the open house event.
Photos by Liz Jurey.
