Historic New Orleans Collection - 533 Royal Street

The Historic New Orleans Collection’s 533 Royal Street campus is undergoing a transformative renovation. This project brings together five historic buildings and two courtyards, unifying them into a seamless, ADA-accessible museum space while preserving their unique architectural character. The renovation involves careful structural rehabilitation, new elevators in existing shafts, extensive masonry restoration, and a thorough reorganization of the space. Modern MEPS systems are being carefully designed to meet contemporary standards while protecting the integrity of the historic structures. For example, a specialized dry-piped sprinkler system is being installed to provide enhanced artifact protection, ensuring the safety of invaluable exhibits.

With buildings dating back to the 1830s, the project presents both challenges and unique opportunities. As walls and ceilings are carefully uncovered, layers of history emerge, offering a rare glimpse into early construction techniques from heavy timber framing to horsehair plaster. Site logistics in the heart of the French Quarter require meticulous coordination, with materials transported through narrow carriageways and lifted by crane over existing structures. With all historic buildings, we have unique opportunities to creatively collaborate with design team and AHJs to meet modern code requirements for MEPS systems in the tight and irregular spaces. Fitting a modern fire pump in a coat closet on the 3^rd floor of a 100year old building is not impossible, just challenging and unusual.

In collaboration with THNOC, elements of the construction process will become part of the museum experience, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at historic building methods. Select portions of walls will remain exposed to showcase traditional masonry techniques, and time-lapse documentation of the renovation will serve as an educational exhibit. Other spaces will remain “frozen in time” such as the Tennessee Williams residence which features the space as the Williams family left it – kitchen appliances and all! This project is more than a renovation—it’s a contribution to the preservation and storytelling of New Orleans’ architectural heritage, and we are honored to be a part of it.