Wednesday, January 25, 2012

DeBuys Commercial Buildings


This blog has mentioned New Orleans architect Rathbone De Buys (1874-1960) a number of times.  Two of his extant commercial buildings are currently undergoing changes:  one a paint job; the other a demolition.

Federico's Grocery, the Central City business of Mrs. Joseph Federico, was located at 1503 Dryades Street (now 1503 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard).  Over time, the structure lost its theatre-like signage and its contrastive color scheme.  Recently, the building was once again painted.

Nolde's Furniture Store, operated by August W. Nolde, was located at 215-217 North Rampart, directly behind Emile Weil's Saenger Theatre (1927).  The building has been cordoned off for some time, and today the demolition started.  The land is needed for the proposed expansion of the Saenger's stagehouse.

Images above, top to bottom:  Unidentified photographer.  Rathbone DeBuys, architect.  Federico Grocery, New Orleans, LA. undated.  Rathbone DeBuys Collection, Southeastern Architectural Archive, Special Collections Division, Tulane University Libraries.

Joseph Schnetzer, photographer.  Rathbone DeBuys, architect.  Dudley & Wikle, Contractors.  Nolde Furniture Company Addition, 215 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA. 1928.  Rathbone DeBuys Collection, Southeastern Architectural Archive, Special Collections Division, Tulane University Libraries.


1 comment:

lilsabelle said...

I am pretty sure that it is not for the expansion of the Saenger. The property is owned by Bill More, who also owns the NOAC.