Mission description: Reconstruction of the historic Karnofsky Constructing, salvaging authentic bricks to rebuild three of 4 facades and faithfully restoring its architectural character. The mission, accomplished in collaboration with Studio West Architects and GBX Group, honored the constructing’s cultural legacy whereas integrating fashionable development requirements.

Tackle: 427 S Rampart in New Orleans

Proprietor: GBX

Architect: StudioWest

Contractor: Mayer Constructing Firm

Mission Lead: Fred Goodrow

Sq. Footage: 4,200 sq. ft

Renovation value: Undisclosed

Begin date: June 2024

Completion date: Might 2025

Mayer Constructing Firm led the reconstruction of the historic Karnofsky Constructing, a culturally vital construction on South Rampart Avenue as soon as tied to the early lifetime of jazz icon Louis Armstrong.

“The unique constructing, which housed the household who supported Armstrong as a younger boy and helped him buy his first instrument, stood as a quiet landmark within the story of American music,” stated Ryan Mayer, proprietor of Mayer Constructing Co. “After it completely collapsed throughout Hurricane Ida, Mayer was honored to be chosen to rebuild the construction and assist protect its legacy.”

The mission was accomplished in partnership with Studio West Architects, below the possession and stewardship of GBX Group, a nationwide chief in historic preservation funding.

“On the coronary heart of the reconstruction was Fred Goodrow, a key mission chief at Mayer Constructing Firm, who coordinated the advanced sequence of structural work, historic materials reuse, and architectural replication,” Mayer stated.

Mayer’s crew salvaged and reused bricks from the unique constructing to reconstruct three of the 4 exterior facades. The entrance façade—too broken to be saved—was rebuilt utilizing new bricks fastidiously chosen and laid to match the unique rhythm and proportions. “Masonry work was carried out with distinctive craftsmanship by Deleon & Sons, whereas the muse and concrete scope was executed by Titans of Trade, whose precision enabled the structural reset essential to anchor the rebuild,” Mayer stated. “The reconstruction required not simply technical talent, however reverence—for the story of the constructing, for the tradition of New Orleans, and for the layers of historical past embedded in each salvaged brick.

Shut coordination with preservation consultants and the Metropolis of New Orleans ensured the work met each regulatory necessities and the spirit of the unique construction. At the moment, the Karnofsky Constructing stands as soon as once more—rebuilt with care, historic constancy, and a deep dedication to the cultural material of the town. It’s a testomony to what’s attainable when legacy, craft, and collaboration come collectively.”