Historic Building Renovation Services

Mayer Building Company led the exterior restoration and waterproofing of Temple Sinai, one of New Orleans’ most architecturally and culturally significant religious institutions. Located at 6227 St. Charles Avenue, this historic synagogue serves as a centerpiece of the city’s spiritual and civic landscape. The scope of work included pressure washing the sanctuary, repointing select areas of masonry, applying a waterproof clear coat to the chapel, repainting window sills, and protecting the building’s irreplaceable stained-glass windows. All work was performed with care and precision in accordance with historic preservation guidelines. The nature of the work—conducted on an active religious campus founded in 1870 along one of the city’s most famous corridors—required detailed planning and vigilant safety protocols on the job site. Fall protection systems and controlled access lifts ensured safe working conditions for tradespeople as well as safe passage for congregants and pedestrians. The project’s success was rooted in trust, communication, and craftsmanship, resulting in a renewed exterior for one of New Orleans’ most cherished institutions, delivered with reverence for its legacy and care for the people it serves.

Mayer Building Company undertook the historic renovation of Holy Name of Jesus, a landmark church in New Orleans known for its rich history and architectural significance. This project required a careful balance between preserving the original craftsmanship and incorporating modern structural improvements to ensure longevity. Our team collaborated closely with Mathes Briere Architects, Holy Name, and our own tradesmen and craftsmen to add a bridal room, restrooms, a new entrance plaza, and an ADA ramp. With a focus on historical integrity and precision, we utilized time-honored techniques to maintain the authenticity of this sacred space. Through careful planning and execution, Mayer Building Company successfully improved Holy Name of Jesus while ensuring its continued role as a cornerstone of the community. This renovation reflects our dedication to preserving New Orleans’ architectural heritage while meeting the functional needs of today.

Mayer Building Company completed the reconstruction of the historic Karnofsky Building, a culturally significant structure on South Rampart Street that is tied to the early life of jazz icon Louis Armstrong. This project was carried out in partnership with Studio West Architects and under the ownership of GBX Group, a national leader in historic preservation investment. Mayer’s team salvaged and reused bricks from the original building to reconstruct three of the four exterior facades. The front façade, which was too damaged to be saved, was rebuilt using new bricks carefully selected and laid to match the original rhythm and proportions. Today, the Karnofsky Building stands once again—rebuilt with care, historical fidelity, and a deep commitment to the cultural fabric of the city. It serves as a testament to what is achievable when legacy, craft, and collaboration come together.

Mayer Building Company is proud to showcase the historic renovation of 227 N. Peters Street, a small but significant preservation project in the heart of New Orleans. This project involved the careful restoration of the building’s interior masonry, exterior cast-iron façade, and architectural woodwork, all executed in compliance with the Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) historic guidelines. As part of the restoration, the brickwork on the first floor was evaluated and repointed using a VCC-approved mortar mix. This ensured both structural integrity and historical accuracy. The project also included the removal and reinstallation of interior wooden trim on the exterior walls. The existing cast-iron façade underwent a detailed restoration process that involved sealing cracks and applying a historically accurate paint finish. This project underscores our commitment to preserving New Orleans’ historic architectural legacy, blending meticulous craftsmanship with modern techniques to protect and restore the city’s unique built environment.

In 2018, Mayer Building Company completed a full renovation and addition at 4905 Magazine Street, transforming a property once marked by a shadowy past into a refined and functional law office for Shlosman Law. The project required careful restoration of historic architectural details alongside a complete modernization of the structure. This included stabilizing foundations, rebuilding millwork, and seamlessly integrating new mechanical and electrical systems into the home’s 19th-century fabric. What had long been a quiet residential building with a notorious history—having once been a short-term residence of Lee Harvey Oswald—now stands as a symbol of reinvention and civic purpose. Today, the property reflects both the craftsmanship and care of its restoration and the forward-looking spirit of its new occupants. This full-circle renewal, carried out by Mayer Building Company, has breathed new life into one of Magazine Street’s most storied addresses.

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IIn 2023, MBC completed the renovation of St. Anna’s Dodwell House, a historic building from 1848 located on the Esplanade. The project encompassed 8,500 square feet of interior and exterior renovations, carried out in phases. Key elements included tax credits, SFM requirements, an assembly space, a commercial training kitchen, an efficiency apartment, and a large community center, along with site work, drainage, and landscaping. Dodwell House was recognized as a 2024 Louisiana Landmarks Society award winner, emerging as a symbol of the power of community initiatives. The restoration preserved the building's original charm while integrating modern amenities, including a commercial kitchen and updated systems. The project exemplified meticulous attention to detail, from restoring the red limewash on the exterior to replicating historic interior doors. Funding from state historic tax credits and HUD support played a crucial role in making the project financially viable. Furthermore, the collaboration between St. Anna and the project team’s commitment ensured the successful realization of the vision to create a modern community center that honors Tremé’s rich heritage.s 1848 building on Esplanade was completed in phases including tax credits, SFM requirements an assembly space, a commercial training kitchen, an efficiency apartment, a large community center and sitework drainage and landscaping. Dodwell House is a 2024 Louisiana Landmarks Society award winner. Further, Dodwell House has emerged as a symbol of the power of community initiatives. The restoration efforts preserved the building's original charm while integrating modern amenities, including a commercial kitchen and updated systems. The project exemplifies attention to detail, from the restoration of red limewash on the exterior to the replication of historic interior doors. Funding sources, including state historic tax credits and HUD funding, played a crucial role in making the project financially viable. Moreover, the collaboration between St. Anna and the team’s commitment ensured the successful realization of the vision to create a modern community center honoring Tremé’s rich heritage.

Mayer Building Company revitalized two historic buildings located at 3616 and 3624 Magazine Street in September 2019. The project involved a complete overhaul of both the interior and exterior of the residential spaces, as well as the surrounding areas. The team skillfully preserved the historic charm by salvaging and restoring elements such as cypress doors, antique floors, and balconies, while incorporating modern updates like new building systems and fire sprinklers to comply with current codes. This project ensures that these historic buildings will continue to grace Magazine Street for years to come.

In the summer of 2022, MBC completed a major renovation, addition, and restoration of 3646 Magazine Street for Atlas Psychiatry. The work included a full historic renovation of the interior, a camelback addition, a partial sprinkler system, and many bespoke fixtures and fittings. Best wishes to Dr. Pejic and the team at Atlas as they embark on this significant expansion and the opening of their new clinic!

In January 2021, Mayer Building Company completed a rear addition and general renovation for Cara Stone, a top-tier law firm located in the heart of the Magazine Street commercial corridor. The project included renovating the existing building with new HVAC systems, a new roof, solid wood floors, and updated finishes. We also expanded the building with a rear addition to accommodate the firm's growth, which involved new offices, a break room, bathrooms, and an executive suite. Rejecting the conventional, outdated decor typical of many law practices, the owners selected finishes that are inviting, comfortable, and bespoke. The balanced color palette, light oak flooring, and significant use of clear glass in doors and sidelights embody Cara Stone's mission statement: "Cara Stone is a gathering place of lawyers who support each other and provide comfort, support, and solid advice to our clients." We would like to thank the owners for their enthusiastic support throughout the project. Finish photos by Fred Goodrow, Sr.

In 2020, the owners of 510 Esplanade, repeat customers of Mayer Building Company, called us to collaborate with an insurance adjuster to mitigate damage caused by a leaking AC unit. The leak originated on the fourth floor and traveled down through the entire building to the first floor, affecting the elaborate finishes throughout. Working closely with the insurance team, the owners, and their design representative, Jennifer Kelly of DesignLab, we determined that the majority of the 1860s townhouse had to be overhauled. Our goal was to replicate the ornate and resplendent details that were dear to the owners. We rebuilt highly detailed tile assemblies and glassworks, refinished the antique pine floors and stair treads, and restored the unique Venetian plaster in the entryway. We even polished the brass railings for an extra touch.

During the summer of 2016, Mayer Building Company, LLC delivered two exceptional residential renovations featured in the “New Orleans Reno” series. The episodes aired in January. The work included a high-end renovation of half of a shotgun double in the Bywater area and an update of the kitchen, dining, and living room in an Uptown home near Tchoupitoulas. The construction work was fast-paced yet diligently executed by our staff, subcontractors, and vendors. The production team was a pleasure to collaborate with, and we hope to work on more projects with Holly Baker, RTR Media, and HGTV in the future.