Upper Pontabla Building
[Panel 1:]
[Logo of the Orleans Parrish Landmarks Commission]
Erected 1849-50
by Michela Almonester, Baroness Pontabla,
working first with James Gallier, architect
and then with Henry Howard, architect
Samuel Stewart, builder.
In 1724 this corner was the site of
an officers’ barracks which was
later used as a temporary church,
a warehouse, and ultimately as
the residence of M. De Loubois,
major of the town.
On the remainder of the block,
barracks buildings designed by I. F. Broutin
were begun in 1734, completed in 1738
and demolished in 1769.
The site was later acquired
by Don Andres Almonester y Roxas
whose widow erected an imposing mansion
on the Decatur Street corner in 1811.
This and other buildings on the site
were demolished to build the present structure.
The Baroness Pontabla,
with two of her sons,
resided here resided here in 1850-51,
and in 1851 Jenny Lind, famous singer,
lived here during her New Orleans visit.
Owned by the City of
New Orleans since 1930
and administered by the
Upper Pontabla Building Commission.
[Panel 2:]
Pontabla Buildings
has been designated a
National
Historic Landmark.
This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history
of the
United States of America.
1975
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior.
Marker is on St. Peter Street south of Chartres Street, on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
