The U.S. Custom House in New Orleans is one of the oldest and most important federal buildings in the southern United States and one of the major works of architecture commissioned by the federal government in the nineteenth century. Construction of this monumental granite building began in 1848 and was built over a period of 33 years. The grand Marble Hall in the center of the building is one of the finest Greek Revival interiors in the United States.

 

PDG Architects was contracted to develop a program for the optimal placement of the various tenants after Hurricane Katrina. PDG established the spatial, adjacency, & support space needs, and opted to develop custom space plans for each space.

Phase I:

PDG provided GSA with Custom Management & Inspection services for work being completed under Phase I. Renovations included boiler replacement, new HVAC systems, electrical upgrades, and plumbing enhancements. Work in the tenant spaces included the removal of all interior finishes to expose the original plastered barrel-vaulted ceiling and plaster walls. Lead paint abatement was also required.

 

PDG’s role included overseeing construction activities, managing pay draws & change orders, assisting with the resolution of issues as they were uncovered, and ensuring compliance with project documentation and GSA standards.

Phase II:

PDG provided A/E design services for tenant build out and renovation of the US Custom House. Services included feasibility studies, structural studies, lighting studies, extensive historic preservation studies, and move coordination services. PDG’s tenant design work included the development of workstations, furniture plans and specifications, selection of interior finishes and relocation specifications. 

 

PDG’s design achieved LEED™ GOLD for Commercial Interiors Certification and received The Richard H. Driehaus National Historic Preservation Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation – 2012 and Engineering News Record (ENR) 2011 “Award of Merit – Renovation/Restoration”.

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