June 2007, New Orleans, LA — This month The Historic New Orleans Collection revives the 19th-century feel of the French Quarter as it opens a new building with old charm on Conti Street. The structure, which is the first new construction completed in the French Quarter since Katrina, will serve as an addition to the Williams Research Center.

New Orleans architect Davis Jahncke based his design for the rosy-hued stucco façade of 535–37 Conti Street on the architectural renderings of a hotel that stood on the exact lot in the 1850s.

“I am not aware of another French Quarter building that so closely replicates an early structure in the same manner,” he said.

Using an 1853 Notarial Archives drawing of the original structure as his reference, Jahncke emulated not only the architectural features but also mid-19th-century building techniques, such as hand-hammered hardware and a false carriageway and chimneys. The result is a remarkably accurate interpretation that demonstrates The Collection’s commitment to architectural preservation.

“Our benefactors, Kemper and Leila Williams, were part of the revitalization of the French Quarter in the mid-20th century,” said Priscilla Lawrence, executive director. “As the stewards of their legacy, we saw this facility as a tangible opportunity to preserve the architectural heritage of the city. Post-Katrina, this decision has proven especially significant.”

Patrons will enter the new structure through the Williams Research Center at 410 Chartres Street. Inside, the facility offers additional exhibition and programming space as well as three stories of archival storage tailored to The Collection’s rare and ever-expanding holdings.

The multi-purpose room on the first floor will host programs and exhibitions—the first being Vaudechamp in New Orleans: A French Portraitist and His Contemporaries opening June 19. The specialized storage systems include movable shelving and painting racks, humidity and temperature controls, a fire-suppressant system, and a natural-gas generator to assist in maintaining a protective environment.

Completed in just two years, the facility also serves to increase the economic vitality of the French Quarter.

“With the construction of the new archival facility at 535–37 Conti Street, The Historic New Orleans Collection has undertaken a major role in the rehabilitation of the entire 500 block of Conti,” said Lary P. Hesdorffer, director of the Vieux Carré Commission. “The design recreates the imagery of the long-absent Conti Verandah Hotel, severely damaged by fire in the 1880s and later demolished. Hopefully, this welcome addition to the street scene will inspire other property owners to begin restoration projects on their own buildings, resulting with lower Conti being added to the list of enviable residential addresses in the Vieux Carré.”

The facility is part of the Williams Research Center, which is open Tuesday–Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An evening reception will be held Wednesday, June 27, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and guests will have a one-time opportunity to tour the vaults. The exhibition Vaudechamp in New Orleans: A French Portraitist and His Contemporaries will also be on display.

Editor’s Notes:
• Tours of the new facility are available to members of the media. Call Teresa Devlin at (504) 598-7170 or e-mail teresad@hnoc.org to schedule an appointment.
• Prior to constructing the addition, The Historic New Orleans Collection commissioned an archaeological excavation of the property at 535–37 Conti Street in the winter/spring of 2005. Read about the groundbreaking discoveries made in the dig.
• Digital images of the façade, the building plan, and the exhibition of Jean-Joseph Vaudechamp portraits are available upon request. Call Teresa Devlin at (504) 598-7170 or e-mail teresad@hnoc.org.

Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. For more information about The Historic New Orleans Collection, please visit www.hnoc.org or call (504) 523-4662.

The Historic New Orleans Collection – Preserving our Past for a Brighter Future.

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Contact:
Mary Mees, The Historic New Orleans Collection
(504) 598-7138 / marym@hnoc.org

Linzy Cotaya, Keating Magee
(504) 299-7151 / lcotaya@keatingmagee.com