Photo courtesy of Satterfield & Pontikes Construction

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, New Orleans, performed $7.3 million of renovations to upgrade five of the two-story structures at the garrison, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

As a result of a levee breach, Hurricane Katrina damaged every building on the historic Jackson Barracks in New Orleans. Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, New Orleans, performed $7.3 million of renovations to upgrade five of the two-story structures at the garrison, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The design was by Yeates & Yeates Architects.

Built in 1835, the garrison represents the largest collection of antebellum structures anywhere in the country. The wood-frame and masonry buildings house Louisiana National Guard families.

Meeting historical-renovation guidelines and federal- and state-preservation reviews, S&P restored a total 17,785 sq ft, replicating as much as possible the original construction techniques and reusing and restoring original materials and details such as flooring, bricks, joists, beams, windows, columns, doors and millwork. As the structures were not square, installing components was very difficult.

Flooring, beams and other wood components were constructed of antique heart pine. As all wood had to be the same, joists were stripped, sanded, prepared and reinstalled. The 8- by 12-in. structural beams weigh hundreds of pounds; those requiring replacement proved a continuing challenge. And some roof areas have slotted components, unlike contemporary construction; these had to be meticulously, painstakingly reinstalled.

Restoring the detailed millwork and plaster also tested the S&P team.

"The original plan was to replace plaster that covered brick walls; however, doing so ran the risk of damaging the brick," explains John Marshall, the company's vice president. "So some of the plaster was left intact, the top was delaminated and a light base coat and top coat of plaster were applied. This process was very time- and labor-intensive and required great skill.

"Restoring this storied garrison with such a rich history so that it could continue to be a viable, functional part of the community and military operations was a great achievement," Marshall says.

Key Players

Owner: State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, Facility Planning and Control, Baton Rouge, La.

General Contractor: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Kenner, La.

Lead Design: Yeates & Yeates Architects, New Orleans

Civil: Avegno, Bailey & Associates, New Orleans

Structural: Avegno, Bailey & Associates, New Orleans

MEP: M-K Engineering, Metairie, La.

Submitted by:

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction