The airport terminal building has seen decades of interior renovations which destroyed much of its character. Most recently, it suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Katrina, reports The Advocate. Led by Richard C. Lambert Consultants, the $18 million, two-year-long renovation is aimed at restoring the building’s original grandeur.
Years of renovations have changed the character of the building. The interior’s original appearance had dimmed over the years due to sunlight and cigarette smoke. Using the original blueprints and forensic work, the architectural team was able to restore the building to its original floor plan.
The entire building has been restored brick-by-brick. As reported in The Advocate, a notable element is the opening of the two-storey lobby with its colourful painted ceiling, which was closed in the earlier decades when a false floor was installed to create office space. The ceiling space features bright orange, pink and blue hues. The concrete tomb that hid the original facade and its 150 windows has been removed.
Murals by artist Xavier Gonzalez that depict the story of flight were not harmed during the restoration work. The bland concrete panels installed in the earlier renovation were added-on in a manner to minimise damage to the exterior of the building. Few sections of the building remained untouched.
Plaster motifs throughout the building have been restored, while art deco wall sconces are hung, in an effort to restore the public spaces to their original appearances. The work also included adding a wooden phone booth in a corner of the lobby, completing the ancient, rustic feel.
The building was designed by the architectural firm of Weiss, Dreyfouth and Sierth, and cost $3 million. It features space for commercial airlines, post office, medical exam rooms, a surgical suite and sleeping quarters. It also features the two-storey restaurant called Walnut Room, in reference to the walnut wood used on its walls.
BelouMagner Construction is serving as the contractor of the project. It is expected to be finished in late July or early August 2013.
