NEW ORLEANS, LA – August 27, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, at Gallier Hall, located at 545 St. Charles Avenue, a small piece of the stone cornice fell from the building’s front façade and damaged the granite steps below. The City has secured the area in front of the building with barricades and is assessing the condition of the building. No one was injured and no construction was underway before or during this incident. Gallier Hall will remain open and assessable through the side door on Lafayette Street.
“Historic Gallier Hall has stood as a symbol of our great city for over 160 years,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “But today, this grand hall began to show her age. The City is assessing the status of the building and will perform the necessary repairs to Gallier Hall’s façade as soon as possible. As we approach our city’s 300th birthday, we are committed to preserving our historic buildings.”
Gallier Hall was erected between 1845 and 1853. It is an example of Greek Revival architecture and constructed of Tuckahoe marble. It was designed and named after architect James Gallier, Sr. It was dedicated on May 10, 1853 and served as City Hall until 1957. Today, Gallier Hall serves as a civic hall for the City of New Orleans.