639 Desire Street Honored with AIA New Orleans Award of Merit for Historic Preservation and Restoration

Holly & Smith Architects is honored to announce that our restoration of 639 Desire Street has been recognized with a 2025 AIA New Orleans Award of Merit in Historic Preservation and Restoration.

Presented at the AIA New Orleans Design Awards Gala on July 17 at Generations Hall, this project thoughtfully restored the historic structure while adapting it for modern use—respecting its past while ensuring its future.

This recognition celebrates the firm’s thoughtful transformation of the historic property, showcasing a balanced approach to restoration, modernization, and architectural integrity. Once a neglected structure with non-contributing additions, the site was reimagined to respect its original character while creating livable, functional space for today.

The jury commended the “innovative transformation of the detached ‘dependency’ into a comfortable, compact apartment” and noted that removing non-contributing structures enhanced the spatial integrity of the site. Key restoration work included reconstructing the original front and back porches, both vital to the home’s historic character.

The design carefully preserved and exposed original materials—most notably, the old-growth cypress framing—while introducing modern elements like calibrated walls and strategic height limitations. The result is a refined balance between craftsmanship and contemporary living.

Once a neglected property, 639 Desire Street now stands as a vibrant example of historic preservation done with care, creativity, and deep respect for place.

Congratulations to our fantastic team and everyone who contributed to this project!