News Summary
The Louisiana Landmarks Society has released its 2025 ‘Nine Most Endangered’ list, highlighting key historic sites at risk in New Orleans. Key buildings, including the First African Baptist Church and Eagle Saloon, require urgent attention. The report emphasizes broader preservation challenges and the need for better governance and code enforcement to protect the city’s cultural heritage. Community involvement is encouraged to safeguard vulnerable structures as the city faces increasing threats from neglect and potential demolitions.
New Orleans – The Louisiana Landmarks Society announced its 2025 “Nine Most Endangered” list on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need to protect both historical properties and address citywide preservation concerns. The list spotlights key historic sites, including the First African Baptist Church and the Eagle Saloon, which are at risk and require immediate attention and funding for restoration.
In total, the list includes three buildings while focusing heavily on broader issues affecting the character and stability of New Orleans. The selections highlight community-wide preservation needs and stress the importance of effective Code Enforcement and adherence to the Rule of Law to ensure transparent and accountable governance.
The First African Baptist Church, located at 2216 Third St., is under threat and urgently needs funding for restoration projects. Meanwhile, the Eagle Saloon, positioned at 401 S. Rampart St., is recognized as a neglected historical jazz landmark, illustrating the increasing risk of losing essential parts of the city’s cultural heritage.
Additionally, the Dr. Alfred and Minnie King house at 2020 Farragut St. is facing demolition by neglect due to its deteriorated condition. The list further underscores concerns regarding modern structures that are being undervalued and threatened with possible demolition. These issues reflect the pressing need for a more effective city administration that can implement architectural regulations with consistency and transparency.
Criticism has recently emerged regarding the current administration’s failure to uphold transparency, leading to contentious public hearings and divisive political climates. The list also notes industrial infrastructure projects that threaten the recovery of the 9th Ward, particularly the proposed new grain terminal and plans to replace the Industrial Canal lock.
The St. Claude Avenue corridor has been added to the endangered list due to disinvestments, observable empty storefronts, and hazardous traffic conditions impacting the community. The organization aims to raise awareness about vulnerable structures in New Orleans, having been issuing these lists since 2005 to combat neglect and prevent future demolitions.
Community members and the public are encouraged to suggest potential properties for the endangered list, modeling this initiative after similar efforts by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Notably, of the three buildings included on the 2025 list, most entries pertain to overarching issues rather than specific structures, emphasizing the larger context of preservation challenges facing New Orleans.
The Louisiana Landmarks Society has a longstanding history, advocating for preservation efforts for over 75 years. Throughout its history, the organization has been instrumental in influencing the protection of various key structures within the city, underscoring its commitment to maintaining the rich cultural and historical fabric of New Orleans.
As New Orleans continues to evolve, raising awareness of these endangered sites and related issues is essential to preserving the unique identity and heritage that defines the city.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- NOLA
- Google Search: New Orleans historic landmarks
- WWL-TV
- Google Scholar: New Orleans landmark preservation
- Biz New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
- WGNO
- Google News: Louisiana landmarks society
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
