This story appeared in the April issue of PRC’s Preservation in Print magazine. Interested in getting more preservation stories like this delivered to your door nine times a year? Become a member of the PRC for a subscription!

 

Touro-Shakspeare Home

OWNER: City of New Orleans

ADDRESS: 2650 General Meyer Ave., Algiers

DEVELOPMENT: The City of New Orleans is seeking bids for the renovation and redevelopment of the historic Touro-Shakspeare Home in Algiers. The property, which has sat vacant and deteriorating since it was damaged in Hurricane Katrina, is “restricted in use and must remain as something that would qualify as a modern-day almshouse,” according to the city’s press release. The William R. Burk-designed building, which was dedicated in 1933, served as an almshouse and then senior care facility for more than 70 years. Touro-Shakspeare Home is part of the legacy of philanthropist Judah Touro, who left money for an “almshouse” in the city after his death. The first house was built in the 9th Ward. That building burned. The second almshouse was constructed Uptown between 1894 and 1895 on Danneel Street. The City of New Orleans began construction of the Algiers building in 1932 during Mayor Joseph Shakspeare’s administration. Designed in the neo-classical revival and Jacobethan revival style, it was built with wings for men and women, a non-denominational chapel, a boiler room and kitchen. Burk said his theory of construction called “for a building that is as beautiful and dignified as a private residence, but which also bears the stamp of being a municipal building.” In poor repair for years, the building was included on the Louisiana Landmarks Society’s 2015 New Orleans Nine list of the city’s most endangered spots. For information on the city’s “invitation to bid” proposal, visit tinyurl.com/2c8by7dd.

 

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