Pieces of America's, NOLA's history A decorative piece of cornice work from a historic New Orleans property is indicative of pieces of Americana that need to be preserved, even in demolition. LA-RFO Photo by George Marcec. Back to Features

Saving the historic features of the Crescent City
By Tom Clarkson, public affairs specialist, Louisiana Recovery Field Office  9/6/07

NEW ORLEANS, LA …  We all know what they are – those intricately crafted, wooden crocheted-looking, cobwebbed detailed appearing things, hang-perched on house fronts at the upper juncture of porch ceiling and portico pole.

Structural bric-a-brac, fascia knick-knacks, housing gingerbread, work-and-turn lathing, architectural frou-frou.   

But really, just what does one call all of those ornate, carved, lathed or molded housing construction objects d’art?   History.

While numerous individuals were queried – even those whose homes were so adorned – none seemed to know what one called those housing ornaments.  Nor, in fact, did anyone seem aware of the overall term for the array of wooden, glass, iron and plaster works which often give older homes their individual character and personality. 

Whatever the terms may be, they are of significant historical consequence. 

Scrolled brackets, door crowns, ridge tiles, gable windows, transoms, side lights, carved ceiling/wall moulding, windows, and French doors are some of decorative items presently being eyed, evaluated, collected and stored by a small cadre of caring professionals. 

This preservation effort is being conducted through the efforts of several federal, state and local organizations.  Collected by members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Louisiana Recovery Field Office, the project is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Selective Recoupment of Architectural Elements Program in concert with the New Orleans’ Historic District Landmarks Commission and State Historical Preservation Office.    

Information describing the program says it is “being carried out as a pre-demolition treatment measure to partially mitigate the adverse effect of the demolition of  . . .historic buildings.” 

Of late, it has taken on a greater sense of urgency. 

With the on-going demolitions of thousands of storm-damaged homes throughout Orleans and Jefferson Parish in Louisiana – the result of Hurricane Katrina and the ensuing flooding – communities and neighborhoods are sensitive to the inadvertent loss of these structural accoutrements of consequence. 

Established in the year of our country’s bi-centennial, the Historical District Landmarks Commission office is not far from the business center heart of New Orleans.  Actually, it is comprised of two entities with a common purpose – one for New Orleans and the other the Central Business area.  

Their stated purpose is to “safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving and regulating historic landmarks and districts which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural history.”    

These are organizations with whom twenty-five-year Corps veteran Mary Young regularly communicates. 

Presently working on her fourth Corps hurricane recovery deployment, the focused, soft-spoken lady is from the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center.  There she serves as a cost engineer, preparing proposals, requests for proposals and independent government estimates for contractor work. 

In New Orleans, she works as the team lead for the demolitions group.  Among her daily challenges is the review of FEMA building assessments to ensure that “New Orleans architectural elements can be recouped.” 

In a brief and simplified explanation of her labors she says, “We strive to preserve character defining architectural artifacts.”  

Indeed, the diverse array of New Orleans homes is rich with “architectural artifacts.”  The city is a virtual cornucopia of housing styles ranging from Creole Cottages and Shotgun Houses to Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne Victorian mansions, many of which sport all manner of structural trimmings and trappings. 

Wilbur Walker, one of primary forces behind the voluntary, not-for-profit “Rebuilding Together” program is at the “business” end of the effort.  As the one who initially set up the process and devised the inventory and security systems, he accepts the items collected by the Corps demolition contractors for re-use. 

Still setting up storage racks and sweating heavily in the hot, August Louisiana sun, he ceases his labors briefly, explaining, “It’s our objective to see these items meaningfully re-used within our community.  Our organization’s name really says it all!”     

Phoenixesque, meaningful bits and pieces of old homes are being reborn through renovation and re-use.  Rebuilding together indeed.