The Preservation Resource Center is continuing efforts to reconstruct historic Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church of Eternal Life (formerly known as the Perseverance Benevolent Society Hall) in the 7th Ward and restore Perseverance Hall No. 4 located in Louis Armstrong Park.
After receiving multiple responses to PRC’s request for proposals for architectural services for the reconstruction of Holy Aid and Comfort Church, a committee from the PRC Board of Directors selected Albert Architecture to complete the required construction documents. Once the drawings are finalized, a second request for proposals seeking a general contractor will be sent out. Contractors interested in submitting a proposal should contact PRC Director of Conservation and Education Michelle Shoriak at mshoriak@prcno.org.
Reconstruction of historic Holy Aid and Comfort Church, a site of importance in Jazz history, is possible due to a generous grant from the Preserving Black Churches program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as an appropriation from the Louisiana Legislature, and the church’s own fundraising efforts.
The PRC also is making progress on the restoration of Perseverance Hall No. 4 located in Louis Armstrong Park. The PRC’s request for proposals seeking a general contractor received multiple submissions. The scope of work includes drywall demolition, tuckpointing, plaster, and restoration of existing materials including windows and shutters. PRC’s committee of experts planned to interview selected contractors before choosing the winning bid. The project will utilize funding from the Louisiana legislature.
The PRC will not occupy any of these buildings or dictate their future uses, but we will bring much-needed repairs to ensure vibrant futures for these historic structure
Michelle Shoriak is PRC’s Director of Conservation & Education
