Located on a prominent corner lot in a Mid- City neighborhood that lost many residents after Hurricane Katrina, the former home of the Central Congregational United Church of Christ is the new home to NANO. But more importantly, it’s a new home for other small businesses, public amenities, and flood mitigation measures that will ensure the neighborhood weathers future storms and bounces back stronger than ever.
In our first project as developer and architect, NANO restored and reimagined the historic New Orleans church as a performance-based mixed-use complex designed to make a positive impact on the community. We developed 2401 Bienville –because we love and believe in this neighborhood. We designed the building with great care to be a cultural hub that makes our community more environmentally and economically resilient.
Project Team
- Terri Dreyer
- Ian Dreyer
- Samantha Johnson
- Sam LeBlanc
- Kelsey Chappuis
- Sarah Segar
- Evie Bentch
- Jeremy Baudy
- Hannah Hubbell
NANO’s rejuvenation of 2401 Bienville draws on our knowledge of local zoning policy, preservation guidelines, and city demographics to honor this rich history by preserving the adjoined buildings’ architectural character and continuing their tradition of community service.
Initially built in 1944, the church at 2401 Bienville Street was designed by Ferdinand Lucien Rousseve, the first black architect licensed in Louisiana. It played a significant role in the community, hosting prominent African American leaders such as Walter Young and Lester Blackwell Grange, and housing one of the country’s first African American childcare centers in the rear sanctuary building. NANO’s rejuvenation of 2401 Bienville draws on our knowledge of local zoning policy, preservation guidelines, and city demographics to honor this rich history by preserving the adjoined buildings’ architectural character and continuing their tradition of community service.
We made minimal changes to the church structure, restoring and reinforcing the original brick facade as needed, and inserting new double-glazed windows to improve energy efficiency and create a more attractive street presence. Inside, we restored the trusses in the main sanctuary, which provides a memorable space for a community-supporting anchor tenant, and slightly expanded the second-floor choir to be NANO’s new home. Celebrating both the past and the future, the new space better serves our growing staff and reflects who we are as a company.
NANO also updated the former Hume building with a new entry, new windows, and new storefront–all designed to complement the original architecture–and new plumbing to ensure the flexible spaces can host a diverse range of tenants. The central courtyard and parking area have been strengthened new stormwater management systems, including permeable pavers, large planters, and catch basins to make the neighborhood more resilient. And extensive new outdoor lighting throughout the complex will help make it safer. The updated building meets both WELL certification standards and the energy targets established by the AIA 2030 challenge.
