Project description: Reconstruction of the historic Karnofsky Building, salvaging original bricks to rebuild three of four facades and faithfully restoring its architectural character. The project, completed in collaboration with Studio West Architects and GBX Group, honored the building’s cultural legacy while integrating modern construction standards.
Address: 427 S Rampart in New Orleans
Owner: GBX
Architect: StudioWest
Contractor: Mayer Building Company
Project Lead: Fred Goodrow
Square Footage: 4,200 square feet
Renovation cost: Undisclosed
Start date: June 2024
Completion date: May 2025
Mayer Building Company led the reconstruction of the historic Karnofsky Building, a culturally significant structure on South Rampart Street once tied to the early life of jazz icon Louis Armstrong.
“The original building, which housed the family who supported Armstrong as a young boy and helped him purchase his first instrument, stood as a quiet landmark in the story of American music,” said Ryan Mayer, owner of Mayer Building Co. “After it totally collapsed during Hurricane Ida, Mayer was honored to be selected to rebuild the structure and help preserve its legacy.”
The project was completed in partnership with Studio West Architects, under the ownership and stewardship of GBX Group, a national leader in historic preservation investment.
“At the heart of the reconstruction was Fred Goodrow, a key project leader at Mayer Building Company, who coordinated the complex sequence of structural work, historic material reuse, and architectural replication,” Mayer said.
Mayer’s team salvaged and reused bricks from the original building to reconstruct three of the four exterior facades. The front façade—too damaged to be saved—was rebuilt using new bricks carefully selected and laid to match the original rhythm and proportions. “Masonry work was performed with exceptional craftsmanship by Deleon & Sons, while the foundation and concrete scope was executed by Titans of Industry, whose precision enabled the structural reset necessary to anchor the rebuild,” Mayer said. “The reconstruction required not just technical skill, but reverence—for the story of the building, for the culture of New Orleans, and for the layers of history embedded in every salvaged brick.
Close coordination with preservation consultants and the City of New Orleans ensured the work met both regulatory requirements and the spirit of the original structure. Today, the Karnofsky Building stands once again—rebuilt with care, historical fidelity, and a deep commitment to the cultural fabric of the city. It is a testament to what is possible when legacy, craft, and collaboration come together.”
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