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Pontchartrain Motors Building, 2008
First floor service bay
Rooftop parking, ramp at far left |
Commercial Rehabilitation
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LOCATION |
New Orleans, Louisiana |
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DATE BUILT |
1954 |
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DEVELOPER |
701 Baronne LLC |
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COMPLETION DATE |
In Progress |
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TOTAL REHABILITATION COST |
To Be Determined |
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FEDERAL HISTORIC TAX CREDITS |
To Be Determined |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Although not always thought of as "historic," mid-century modern buildings are now reaching 50 years of age and many may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Post-war modern buildings pose unique challenges as well as opportunities for property owners. Their sleek, iconic designs stand the test of time but because many utilized uncommon materials and new construction methods, they can be challenging to rehabilitate in a way that meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. MacRostie Historic Advisors has advised owners on a number of projects involving the tax-advantaged rehabilitation of mid-century modern buildings.
We are serving as the historic tax credit consultant for 701 Baronne LLC in the rehabilitation of the Pontchartrain Motors Building, which was built to function as a modern showroom for the then seventeen-year-old Pontchartrain Motors Company. The showroom was designed according to principles laid out in General Motors' Planning Automobile Dealer Properties guide. The building is a contributing structure in the National Register-listed Upper Central Business District (amended and expanded in 2008) and is deemed significant for its Moderne architectural detailing as well as its role in the post-war commercial development of New Orleans' business district.
The project scope includes the rehabilitation and modernization of interior spaces to house retail/commercial units and parking facilities. The rehabilitation project is seeking LEED certification. MacRostie Historic Advisors worked closely with the project team and coordinated with the Louisiana state historic preservation agency and the National Park Service to create a scope of work that meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.