The Josephine Event Center
The Josephine Event Center
The former Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a Catholic landmark built in 1925, has been converted into The Josephine Event Center. This is a significant historic structure in New Orleans, representing Spanish Mission Revival architecture. After suffering extensive damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the church was deconsecrated and left vacant. Over time, neglect led to structural issues, including a failing foundation, roof leaks, and broken windows.
This project involved restoring and repurposing the church into a modern, multi-use event space. The goal was to preserve the building’s historic features while updating it with essential infrastructure to support a variety of community events such as weddings, concerts, Mardi Gras balls, and public gatherings.
The scope included rebuilding the foundation, replacing the roof, repairing walls and windows, and restoring key architectural elements such as the twin towers, vaulted ceilings, terrazzo flooring, and decorative altarpieces. The interior was carefully restored to highlight its original character, with modern upgrades including new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, sound systems, and accessibility features like an elevator and public restrooms.
This renovation successfully maintained the historical integrity of the church while transforming it into a functional, accessible community venue that now serves as a vibrant hub for cultural and social events.