THREAT: Demolition by neglect

The Greater St. Stephens Baptist Church owns this late nineteenth century double shotgun cottage that was the family home of Charles “Buddy” Bolden, one of the founders of jazz. It was recently cited by the Historic District Landmarks Commission for demolition by neglect. New Orleans is dotted with landmarks that track jazz history. Especially now, many are threatened as the city pursues its demolition policy for blighted and vacant residences. The city should recognize their historic, cultural, and economic value as connectors to jazz history.

THREAT: Demolition by neglect

Making a rare second appearance on the list, this historic Carnegie library is still in jeopardy despite enormous community support for its reopening. The 104-year-old library mainly sustained roof damage during Hurricane Katrina, and although it reopened in October 2005, it has been closed since May 2008 after city inspectors deemed the roof in imminent danger of collapse. To date no new library has been built near Algiers. Instead of directing funds to building new “storefront” (glass and steel) style libraries, members of the community would prefer to see this library restored and updated.

THREAT: “Mothballing,” neglect, fire, demolition, citywide.

Facing shifting populations after Hurricane Katrina, the Orleans Parish School Board shuttered, or “mothballed,” schools instead of using FEMA repair money granted specifically for that school. Many have architectural importance, such as Phillis Wheatley School’s internationally recognized mid-twentieth century design. McDonogh #19 (pictured) was the first city school to integrate in 1960, a significant role during the Civil Rights Movement. The School Board should continue to auction these properties or consider creative adaptive reuse.

THREAT: Demolition by the City, citywide.

Beginning in the 1840’s, shotgun houses continue to be the vernacular residence of choice in New Orleans. Across the city, they reflect a textbook of architectural styles including Greek Revival, Eastlake Victorian, Bracketed Victorian, Italianate, Colonial Revival and Craftsman. In addition to aesthetics, shotguns are valued for their sustainable materials, their adaptability to renovation, and for their affordability for first-time homeowners. To make way for the LSU and VA hospital complex, shotguns are being demolished, decreasing their ubiquitous presence in the fabric of the city. Many are on the Mayor’s Blight Reduction List and slated for demolition.

THREAT: Demolition

The Lustron Corporation produced prefabricated homes to satisfy the post World War II housing demand. According to FEMA and the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office, this house’s original condition qualifies it for National Landmark status. It retains enameled steel exterior panels, built-in cabinets, and interior paneling. Only a handful of these remain in the city. The Louisiana Land Trust auctioned the house recently, but the new owner has applied for its demolition.

THREAT: Demolition by neglect

The Valence Cemetery was laid out in 1867 to serve the city of Jefferson, a suburb incorporated into New Orleans in 1870. Owned and operated by the city, the cemetery receives no maintenance. Tombs and copings are disintegrating from root damage and vegetation growth. Some of the vaults are open and empty, sending a disgraceful message to visitors. The city should take pride in its historic cemeteries by respecting their sanctity and making them a safe place for visitors.

THREAT: Demolition by neglect

This iron swing bridge was built in the 1880s to allow boats and barges to pass on Bayou St. John before it lost its status as a navigable waterway in 1936. At one point it carried a streetcar track, but now the pedestrian only bridge is a neighborhood gathering spot, a favored location for events, and used by bikers, joggers, dog walkers, Jazz Festers and Cabrini High students. Corrosion, deterioration from elemental exposure, and subsidence damage to the bulkheads and approach tarmacs threaten its existence. (www.rebridge.org)

THREAT: Demolition by neglect

The first American Baptist Church owns this nineteenth century wooden frame commercial/residential building. Once a bakery, it is one of the few of its kind that abuts the property line at the street. Its position at the entrance to the business corridor of Magazine Street highlights its blighted condition. Through the Coliseum Square Association, the surrounding neighborhood fought blight for forty years to become an evocative neighborhood with one of the few large working fountains in the city. The city has yet to act on the owner’s negligence.

THREAT: Demolition by neglect

St. Louis No. 2 was founded in 1823 to alleviate overcrowding in St. Louis No. 1. and is the largest of the early Creole cemeteries. It is the final resting place of many historically important New Orleans figures, including Claude Tremé, architect James Freret, and jazz musician Danny Barker. The cemetery flooded during Hurricane Katrina, and today, the Archdiocese’s negligence allows the cemetery to suffer from vandalism and decay. Steps should be taken for its stabilization and maintenance.