Hammond Mayor Recognizes Jeffrey Smith for His Contributions to Downtown Revitalization

HAMMOND, La. — Hammond Mayor Pete Panepinto recently recognized Jeffrey Smith, co-founder of Holly & Smith Architects, in recognition of his decades of service to the City of Hammond and his role in revitalizing its downtown.

The mayor recalled that when he moved to Hammond 44 years ago, downtown was dilapidated, with bricks falling from buildings into the streets. Today it has earned national recognition Great American Main Street Award, and Panepinto credits people like Jeffrey for the transformation.

“Because of people like Jeffrey Smith and Holly & Smith, and their endeavors in architecture and design, the passion that they have has really brought downtown Hammond to what it is today,” Panepinto said.

Since co-founding Holly & Smith Architects with Michael Holly in downtown Hammond, Jeffrey has played an active role in shaping both the built environment and the community. His commitment to downtown revitalization extends well beyond the firm’s architectural work. The firm has grown into one of Louisiana’s most respected architecture practices, with work extending to New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Jeffrey’s civic involvement runs deep. As president of the Central Business District Association, he helped establish the Hammond Downtown Development District. He has since served as chairman of the Hammond Historic District Commission, on the boards of the DDD and the Chamber of Commerce, as chair of the steering committee for the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan, and on the Planning & Zoning Commission. He currently serves on the DDD Design Committee.

Within the profession, Jeffrey is a past president of both AIA New Orleans and AIA Louisiana and is serving as chairman of the State of Louisiana Fire Protection Board of Review.

Panepinto, who works alongside Jeffrey, praised Jeffrey’s collaborative approach and attention to detail. He said Jeffrey’s continued involvement gives him confidence in the city’s future beyond his own time as mayor.

“Because of people like Jeffrey keeping an eye on it, it doesn’t matter who comes in next,” Panepinto said. “That keeps me hopeful that this city will continue to grow responsibly.”