THREATENED BY THE WRECKING BALL
READ ABOUT IT IN NOLA.COM
An ornate example of New Orleans' early 20th century architectural history could go under a jackhammer if its current owners get their way.
The dilapidated building, its
cracked facade thick with ferns and vines, has moldered near the corner of St.
Peter and North Rocheblave streets for decades. Its steel insides have long
been deteriorating.
But terra cotta florets above
the second story windows still grasp a bit of their viridescent sheen.
Fluted yellow columns bracketing the two main doors appear plumb. And blue
san-serif font announcing "General Laundry Cleaners & Dyers"
retains its authoritativeness.
It is a work of Art Deco flourish rarely paralleled in the
American South. But it is also taking space away from a functioning business
that could use that extra square footage to improve or expand
operations. In short, the General Laundry Building exemplifies the
recurring confluence of preservation and economic development in an old city on
the rise.
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