New Orleans, LA

DESCRIPTION: The Fleming Hall building was rehabilitated and restored for military ceremonies and meetings. Careful construction techniques and practices were used to maintain the original context and vernacular of the building. The restoration of the plaster finishes; plaster medallions and existing walls, consisted of minimum three-quarter inch cement plaster repair where needed with wood or metal laths as needed. Restoration of existing woodwork; all trim and wood columns, consisted of a soda wash and a three-coat system consisting of primer and two finish coats for all painted wood or a two-coat stain system.

Our team was successful in balancing the two main goals of this project—maintaining the historic character of the building while improving the building’s functional options by modernizing the interior spaces in order to accommodate present technology and meet building code requirements. The exterior masonry work included cleaning, waterproofing and refinishing where applicable. A new AT/FP Anti-Terrorist Force Protection windows and door assemblies were provided. Warrior Hall and second floor conference room was restored. Minor structural repairs of the exterior masonry due to differential settlement and previous improper repair or damage was also addressed. The building received revised floor plans to accommodate new classrooms and office layouts along with a warming kitchen and beverage services areas to support Warrior Hall and second floor meeting room. A new slate shingle roof system using salvaged clay ridge tiles from the original Fleming Hall roof was provided and designed with the intent to match the adjacent roof of other building within area “A” of the Jackson Barracks Facility.

OWNER: State of Louisiana National Guard

ARCHITECT: Mathes-Brierre Architects

CONTRACT AMOUNT: $5.7 million

AWARDED: South Central Construction Magazine Louisiana’s Best of 2010 Best in Category Restoration/Renovation

American Builders & Contractors, Inc. 2010 Excellence in Construction Award