St. Elizabeth’s

1314 Napoleon Ave.

New Orleans, Louisiana

2006
Adaptive reuse of a nineteenth-century orphanage into condominiums, and the addition of five new-construction townhouses.
Elie Khoury, KFK Development, client
59,000 sf
Collaborators:

Wayne Troyer FAIA

Sarah Forrest

Tracie Ashe AIA

New Orleans Magazine:

“A Decade of Design”

 

The Times Picayune Money Section,

07 January, 2003

 

 

 

Project Type: Housing, Interiors

Built in the 1860s, three-story St. Elizabeth’s on Napoleon Avenue is a landmark building in the heart of Uptown New Orleans. An excellent example of Italianate Design, St. Elizabeth’s carefully preserves the historic character in its renovation into 28 individually-designed flats and townhouses. Unit design has taken advantage of high ceilings, rich wood floors, exposed brick walls, and ornate fireplace mantels. Oversized doors with transoms and multi-paned windows give added character to an already unique structure.

The imposing building was originally a boarding school and an orphanage, then a private residence and entertainment venue, St. Elizabeth’s occupies an entire city block. Pains were taken to keep the exterior true to its historical detail along its main Prytania, Napoleon, and Perrier St. façades. The fourth elevation, located at the rear of the property, consists of five new townhouses; these act as a shield to the complex’s parking and a modern face to the neighborhood.

The townhouses at the rear are an inspired modern interpretation of the historical structures that share the property. The restrained street face is contrasted by the bold court-side elevation featuring a rhythmic interpretation of the two-story porches of the historical building. The eave detail is a simplified adaptation of the orphanage’s more ornate detailing.