Trying to put New Orleans architecture into words

In past blogs I've expressed my love for this city that I work in. This love stems from so many things this city has to offer, I don't really know where to begin. However, I was recently asked to write an article about the architecture of New Orleans from the aspect of my position, since we work everyday trying to preserve the beauty it brings. So I thought I'd share. I must admit, it was difficult trying to put so much history and ambiance into words.

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It’s impossible to explain to people what exactly made me fall in love with New Orleans. The city has a specific feel and unique culture that can’t be captured anywhere else. This culture is expressed through the music, the celebrations, the pride and acceptance of the citizens, and through the architecture. The architecture is something we strive to maintain in each of the homes we work on.

Each home has its own story, which starts to be revealed the moment we first pull up with our truck full of tools. Immediately, you can tell the style of the house. Many of the homes we work on are a shot-gun style home. This style is long and skinny and consists of around 5 rooms laid in single file, traditionally with no hallways. Its name stems from the idea that you can stand at the front door, shoot a gun, and have it exit through the back door with out hitting anything.

The exterior of the house takes on a personality of its own. Decorative brackets and trim paired with iron work add beautiful accents and will soon be painted brilliant colors that will rival the neighbor’s choice. A front porch is a must in this city and serves as thread work that keeps communities together. These elements are key pieces of New Orleans flair.

As we revive the houses, we do our best to reuse as much of the original materials as possible. We try and recover all the trim and molding, bead board (which is used for decorative walls), and mantel places. Each home tends to have at least one fireplace that can no longer be used, yet the detailed mantel is still standing strong to mark its place. Even the old wooden doors are saved, if possible, to be put back up in the house. Each is scraped of the old paint, with each layer revealing a glimpse into the families and storms it has seen and weathered before finally being covered with a fresh coat of paint.

The best thing about these homes is that many of the old details that are admired today were originally built that way to serve a purpose. The tall ceilings and large, strategically placed windows were built to improve ventilation and airflow in the humid climate of Louisiana. The lack of hallways was to reduce wasted space. And the cement foundations that raise the houses off the ground allow for the common flooding that occurs from living below sea level.

Each of the homes worked on by Rebuilding Together contains the architectural style that adds to the amazing character in which New Orleans is known. On top of getting home owners back into their houses, we have made it one of our top priorities to maintain the architecture that helps create the legacy of the city.