Project description: Baptist Community Ministries, one of the largest private foundations in Louisiana, has moved from the 29th floor of the 400 Poydras Tower to an 11,000-square-foot, two-story historic building at 1320 St. Charles Ave. BCM coordinated a $5 million renovation of the former Hancock Whitney Bank branch. The move leads to more visibility and easier access to its more than 250 community partners.

Address: 1320 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, 70130
Owner: Baptist Community Ministries
Architect: EskewDumezRipple
Contractor: Ryan Gootee General Contractors
Collaborators: EskewDumezRipple – Architect and Interior Design; Fox-Nesbit Engineering – Structural Engineer; Huseman & Associates – MEP Engineer; Ryan Gootee General Contractors – Contractor; Procella Design – Landscape Architect; Gilbert, Kelly & Couterie – Surveyor
Square Footage: 11,000 square feet
Start Date: January 2023
Completion Date: November 2023

A new headquarters on St. Charles Avenue is an early birthday present for Baptist Community Ministries, which turns 30 years old in 2025. BCM, previously located in the Poydras Tower on the 29th floor, has officially moved most of its office staff into 1320 St. Charles Ave.
The move to the two-story, historic building was preceded by a $5 million renovation led by EskewDumezRipple and Ryan Gootee General Contractors. The renovation included the preservation and restoration of mid-century architectural details, combined with a redesign and reimagining of the 11,000 square foot space that was formerly a Hancock Whitney Bank branch.

BCM is one of the largest private foundations in Louisiana and a philanthropic organization serving more than 250 community partners.
“At its core, BCM has always prioritized our fundamental value of full engagement with and connectivity to our community partners,” said Inman J. Houston, BCM President and CEO. “Our new community-focused space serves as a metaphorical and physical opportunity to connect closely with our community, be more visible, provide easier access to our partners, and be in the thick of our neighborhoods to convene, connect, and continue to make a difference.”

“Connection to community” and the fresh chapter of engagement and outreach are felt right away when visitors enter the first floor of BCM’s new home. The front windows and open lobby space provide views of St. Charles Ave., the Lower Garden District, and the streetcar line.
“All of our offices for employees are on the second floor. We prioritized the first floor as a warm and welcoming space for our visitors. We also have a well-intentioned open-floor plan and flexible space on the first floor for many applications, such as events, teaching areas, presentations, and meeting space with our partners,” said Houston.

The wall behind the reception desk is original to the building. The design maintains existing wood paneling and terrazzo floors, as a nod to the original character of the Hancock Whitney branch. The lobby required a light touch throughout, with some added millwork and remediation of the terrazzo floors and travertine columns from the 1950s. Lobby furnishings highlight mid-century modern elements and original details, while providing maximum functionality. There is a seating area by the reception desk and a high-top, table seating area to the other side of reception. Houston said “collaboration” is the theme of the second floor for BCM employees. The top story was transformed from many corporate offices to more open workspaces with modern finishes and efficiency. Office space was created by transforming the white box of the 1950s office era to a variety of semi-private workspace and meeting areas, and only a handful of offices. One interesting feature on the second floor was that EDR and RGGC reutilized the original bank safe deposit box vaults, turning them into conference spaces.

Private offices on the perimeter were closed with glazed storefront systems, allowing light from exterior windows to penetrate the communal workstation space. Lighting solutions were important in establishing a bright and uplifting office, said Houston.

“When our people come to work, I want them to be encouraged to collaborate, but also have choices up and down the floor to work in privacy and comfort when needed. Our workspace accomplishes that,” Houston said. “We have open workstations, private booths for lounging or eating, plenty of seating areas, some by the windows where you hear and see the streetcar, or you can take a break on the outdoor balcony that wraps around three sides of the building.”

The parking lot in the rear of the building received a revamp to comply with city storm water management regulations. The courtyard has been reimagined to serve as a gathering space. Impervious concrete was replaced with pervious pavers to manage stormwater runoff.

“I love the outdoor space and beautiful courtyard,” said Houston. “You get nice shade in the afternoon. It’s expansive and welcoming, and we are going to get a lot of use out of it when the weather gets cooler, and we can have social, interactive gatherings.”

The renovation construction began in January 2023 with RGGC concluding work around November 2023. BCM employees began working in the building in early 2024. Houston said he greatly appreciated the partnership on the project with EDR, RGGC, and all collaborators.

“From start to finish, we felt like partners with EDR and RGGC,” said Houston. “We are not only pleased with our amazing new space and the attention to detail of what we envisioned, but also pleased by the process. They valued the importance of what we wanted in our new home, and they delivered in a timely, professional manner.”