353 Carondelet Street
Historic rehabilitation of a circa-1850 commercial building with iconic Mid-Century Modern slipcover and conversion of existing office spaces for modern banking operations.
Category
Commercial
Adaptive Reuse + Modernization
Interiors
Size 18,273 SF
Location New Orleans, LA
Year 2020
Designed for Fidelity Bank, 353 Carondelet is a circa-1850 four story brick masonry commercial building situated within a block long row of identical historic structures known as “Union Row.” In 1958, existing party walls were removed, and the iconic Mid Century Modern slipcover was installed on two facades. In 2014, the period of significance nomination was extended from 1956 to 1964, deeming 353 Carondelet’s 1958 renovation as contributing based on its current Modern exterior. The property’s modern façade acts as a point of interest on an otherwise uninterrupted block-face.
The slipcover consists of black porcelain enamel faced metal panels punctuated by vertical strips of aluminum windows and tan recessed spandrels panels. Renovating this cover included complete replacement of the deteriorated metal panels and vertical windows. New curtain walls were installed on the Carondelet façade to increase natural light. The new glazing, including frames, are dark to blend with the historic paneling.
The interior architecture was reimagined for modern banking and business operations, and the interior design serves as a representation of the bank's scalable design standards. The existing functionality of the bank and office space was maintained, but a new flow was required to meet contemporary working and banking needs.
Outcome
The design preserves and enhances the historic and architectural significance of 353 Carondelet, adding value by re-establishing it as a modern, functional workspace within New Orleans’ urban landscape. The carefully restored Mid-Century Modern façade not only respects the building’s heritage but serves as a striking visual anchor on Union Row, enhancing the historic fabric of the neighborhood. By addressing water damage and structural issues, the design ensures the building’s longevity, safeguarding it as a durable, revitalized asset for the community.
For Fidelity Bank, the reimagined interior spaces support modern banking needs with thoughtful functionality and adaptable design. By incorporating natural light and sound-absorbing materials, the layout fosters a comfortable, efficient environment for both clients and employees. The building now reflects the bank’s commitment to service and accessibility, with dedicated areas for retail banking, private offices, and shared workspaces that prioritize user experience.
This project elevates the architectural legacy of 353 Carondelet, positioning it as a model of adaptive reuse. By blending historical preservation with contemporary needs, it serves as both a valuable community landmark and a responsive, future-ready space for Fidelity Bank’s operations.
The project included a comprehensive exterior restoration and thoughtful reconfiguration of the interior spaces. Recognizing the challenges posed by water damage and deterioration, the panels were recreated in their entirety to both meet current code and honor the modern design. New curtain walls were installed on the Carondelet façade to increase natural light for Fidelity’s offices. The new glazing, including frames, is dark to blend with the historic paneling. The masonry wall on Perdido Street had an extreme variation in the horizontal and vertical plane. Metal furring strips were added along the entire façade with shims to create an even surface to attach the metal panels. Steel anchors hold the opening in the correct plane to maintain the historic relationship between the panel and framing. The addition of new windows and openings on the Carondelet Street side demonstrated a strategic approach to modernizing the building while respecting its historic context.
Natural light is introduced through light shelves created by holding walls off the ceiling, and filters through the space via glass. Acoustic materials were strategically incorporated to combat hard surface reflection. The first floor was designed for a retail banking environment, balancing transparency, accessibility, and privacy through wood slats and glass partitions. The second-floor houses executive management offices with custom finishes, conference rooms, flex workspace, and increased privacy. The reimagined interior serves as a capstone representation of the bank's scalable design standards. The preservation of Mid-Century Modern material, including the original marble-clad counter teller desk, wood slat office dividers, and terrazzo floors, played a crucial role in maintaining the historical essence of the space.
Awards
AIA New OrleansAward of Merit, 2022
Louisiana Landmarks SocietyExcellence in Historic Preservation, 2022