Creative Volunteerism Helps Rescue Historic Building

By Kate Bishop

For those of us who love historic buildings (isn't that everybody!), seeing one of our wonderful oldies but goodies neglected to the point of near-collapse fills us with despair and hopelessness about the future of the Quarter. So it's important to be reminded that action is a real antidote for helplessness and that we regular citizens can bring about positive change through creative volunteerism.

The February meeting of the Vieux Carré Commission presented us with just such a case when the architect representing the owners of 536-540 Chartres Street, known as the Gally House, told the Commission that he had been hired to take swift action to stabilize this long-neglected beauty. While the Commission had been citing the owners for ages in response to neighbor complaints, its lack of a strong enforcement mechanism means it must prod, cajole and scold owners into action.

But as they say in San Francisco (where I came from), "If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own." So last fall, Quarter residents Phil Lamancusa and Debbie Lindsey took on the task of researching the building's history in their spare time and making its sad story public. Their article detailing their work appeared in last October's "Where Y'at" newspaper. They informed readers that the Gally House, built by French architects Claude Gurlie and Joseph Guillot and rated of major historical and architectural significance, had languished for years before being purchased in the mid-90's by a corporation represented by a nationally famous local chef and his business partner.

As I've heard them say at VCC meetings, "Busted!" The many Quarter residents I talked to about the story expressed shock and amazement at this revelation. Some said they would boycott the chef's restaurants and products, call and complain or write letters to sponsors, inform other media outlets, anything to express their displeasure and add to a community kick in the pants to the owners who left this fabulous building to remain a major pigeon roost.

Photos shown at the VCC meeting reveal that much of the beautiful historic detailing of curving stairways, fireplace mantels and windows is still preserved in the main structure. The owners now plan to restore it as three townhouses. The slave quarters structure in the rear is in worse condition, but the Commission felt some of the details could be saved. It's gratifying to know that the owners are now pledged to being the solution rather than the problem for this historic building.