The Pythian Temple

The Pythian Temple has undergone many transformations since its original construction and holds a history of remarkable significance. S.W. Green, a prominent self-made millionaire and former slave, commissioned the building for the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization established by an act of Congress to unite the nation after the Civil War. Designed by Diboll, Owen, and Goldstein, the building was completed in 1909 as the first high-rise in New Orleans constructed by an African American.

The building was the central hub for African Americans and provided offices, meeting rooms, a theater, and a rooftop dance hall. Its notable history includes the founding place of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Zulu, performances by Louis Armstrong and Manuel Perez, an office for Homer Plessy, and Higgins Industries in the 1940s.

The pressed brick and decorative terra cotta ornament were significantly damaged in the 1950s when a modern 'slip cover' overcladding was installed. In 1961 a conjoining nine story building was constructed as an expansion to the original building for additional office space. The building remained occupied until Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The design team worked closely with the State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service to restore each façade to its individual period of significance. Masonry, ornamental terra cotta, and cast stone were meticulously restored and reconstructed on the original building. Designed to meet LEED Silver standards, the adaptive reuse includes 69 mixed income residential units, commercial office space, event venues, a food hall, and an occupiable roof deck.

Project Role: Project Architect for Schematic thru Construction Documents. Minor, Construction Administration for Residential Units, Full Construction Administration for Event Venues

Architect of Record: studioWTA

Project Type: Multi-Family, Hospitality, Business

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Client: Green Coast Enterprises, Crescent City Community Land Trust

Completed: 2017

Size: 120,000 sq. ft.

Cost: $22,250,000

Professional Photography: George Long

Awards: 2018 Louisiana Landmarks Society Excellence in Historic Preservation Award, 2018 AIA New Orleans Honor Award in Adaptive Reuse, 2017 AIA Louisiana Merit Award, 2017 Downtown Development District NOLA Award, 2017 Louisiana Landmarks Society Award in Commercial Restoration / Rehabilitation