Historic Renovation in New Orleans
A City Full Of History
When you walk down the streets of New Orleans, you can feel the weight of history. Every iron balcony, every worn brick wall, every creaky wooden porch has a story. But living in or owning one of these historic homes or buildings also comes with a big responsibility — keeping its soul alive.
Why Historic Restoration Matters in New Orleans
In Louisiana, storms and hurricanes aren’t rare — they’re part of life. Historic buildings are often built from old cypress wood, plaster, and brick. They need extra care to stay strong. A good historic renovation in New Orleans isn’t just about making a house pretty again. It’s about protecting its structure and history while making it safe and comfortable to live or work in.
Neighborhoods like French Quarter, Bywater, Uptown New Orleans, and Garden District, New Orleans are full of old homes and commercial buildings that need this kind of attention. People want to keep the original woodwork, the tall ceilings, the old shutters — but they also want modern plumbing, strong roofs, and safe electrical systems.
Historic renovation makes both possible.
Historical Restoration
Historical restoration is where everything begins. This service focuses on bringing a building back to the way it was when it was first built, using materials and techniques that respect its original design.
One local business owner shared how their Creole cottage in the French Quarter had water damage after years of summer rains. Instead of replacing everything with modern materials, they chose to restore the structure carefully. The team replaced rotten wood with salvaged cypress, repaired the old plaster, and kept the original window frames. Today, the building looks like it did in the 1800s — but now it’s weather-tight and safe.
Franklin Design uses time-tested building methods and pays attention to every detail, from the curve of a door frame to the color of the paint. When done right, a restoration doesn’t erase history — it strengthens it.
Interior Renovations
Inside these old buildings, things can get tricky. You might have walls that aren’t straight, uneven floors, or outdated plumbing and wiring. Interior renovations make old homes livable without stripping away what makes them special.
I once heard about a couple in Uptown who found beautiful heart-pine floors hiding under linoleum from the 1960s. Instead of covering them again, they refinished every plank, repaired the trim, and updated the kitchen while keeping its vintage look.
Franklin Design handles these kinds of updates carefully. That includes refinishing or repairing original floors, restoring plaster walls and ceiling details, reworking room layouts to fit modern life, and upgrading utilities like electrical and plumbing in a way that doesn’t ruin the historic structure
This balance of old and new helps these buildings stay functional for decades to come.
Residential Restoration
Every house has its quirks, especially the old ones scattered across New Orleans neighborhoods. Residential restoration focuses on keeping those quirks — but making sure the home is safe, solid, and beautiful.
For example, one homeowner in Bywater shared how their shotgun house had drafty windows and a roof that groaned with every storm. Instead of replacing everything with modern designs, they restored the windows with new seals and weatherproofing. The roof was repaired to match the original style.
It’s the kind of work that keeps the home’s character intact while protecting it from Louisiana’s harsh weather.
Commercial Restoration
Historic buildings in New Orleans aren’t just homes — they’re also part of New Orleans’ small business heartbeat. Commercial restoration is about bringing those structures back to life while meeting building codes and business needs.
I remember a shop owner in the Warehouse District who ran a small café out of a 100-year-old brick building. When the walls began to crack, they feared they’d have to move. But instead, a restoration team reinforced the structure from the inside, repaired the façade, and preserved the arched windows that gave the place its charm.
Franklin Design helps businesses keep their locations authentic without sacrificing safety or efficiency. That means fixing masonry, sealing exteriors, and making sure the building can handle daily business traffic.
Storm Protection and Preservation
Historic buildings are tough, but they need protection from Louisiana weather. Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories of families boarding up their homes before a hurricane hits. One woman in Mid-City told me her house built in the 1920s survived storms better than newer houses on the block — because it had been restored with strong materials and storm-rated shutters.
Franklin Design includes weather-resistant upgrades in its renovation plans. That might mean reinforcing the foundation, sealing cracks, installing storm shutters, or improving drainage. Protecting history also means protecting people who live or work inside.
Neighborhoods We Often Work In
Historic renovation in New Orleans touches almost every corner of the city. Some of the most common areas include:
-
French Quarter — for fine detailing and strict historic guidelines
-
Bywater & Marigny — shotgun houses and colorful cottages
-
Uptown & Garden District — larger historic homes with ornate woodwork
-
Mid-City — older homes with unique architectural blends
Each neighborhood has its own rhythm and personality. Franklin Design respects those differences in every project.
Working With Franklin Design
Restoring a historic property can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with permits, special materials, or storm damage. But the best projects are built on trust and conversation. Homeowners and business owners tell their stories, and Franklin Design listens. Together, they bring the building back to life.
The team focuses on craftsmanship, clear communication, and a love for the history of New Orleans. Whether it’s a small shotgun home or a grand commercial space, every project gets the same care.
What People Say about us
What's new in the industry
Popular Historic Window Styles in New Orleans Homes
In New Orleans, historic homes are celebrated for their character, charm, and cultural value. Among the most defining features of these homes are their windows. More than just functional openings for light and air, they reflect the craftsmanship, architecture, and traditions of the city’s past. At Franklin Construction & Design,
How to Protect Historic Windows During Hurricane Season
In New Orleans, the arrival of hurricane season is always a reminder of how vulnerable our homes can be to high winds, flying debris, and heavy rainfall. For owners of historic homes, this risk is even more significant. Original wooden windows not only hold architectural value but are also key
Preparing Your Historic Home for Fall with Window Upgrades
As summer fades and the cooler months approach, New Orleans homeowners begin preparing their houses for the seasonal shift. For those living in historic homes, fall is an ideal time to address window upgrades that balance preservation with performance. Old wooden windows often hold immense architectural and cultural value, but
Choosing the Right Windows for Historic Homes in New Orleans
When restoring a historic home in New Orleans—whether it’s a graceful Creole cottage, a classic shotgun double, or a stately Victorian—your windows do more than let in light and air. They define the character, authenticity, and architectural soul of the residence. At Franklin Construction & Design, we understand that selecting
Top Mistakes Homeowners Make When Renovating a Historic Property
Renovating a historic home can be one of the most rewarding projects for a homeowner. These properties hold unique charm, architectural details, and a story that modern builds often can’t match. However, restoring them requires a careful balance of preservation and modernization. Without the right approach, costly mistakes can damage
Historic vs. Just Old: How to Tell if Your Home Is Worth Restoring
When you live in a city as rich in history as New Orleans, it’s not uncommon to find yourself in a home that’s been standing for decades—or even centuries. But not every old home is historic, and understanding the difference can save you time, money, and heartache. Determining whether your