University of Arkansas
School of Architecture

Boston Architectural College
School of Landscape Architecture

Design Corps

Georgia Institute of Technology
College of Architecture

University of Kansas
School of Architecture and Urban Design

University of Kentucky
School of Architecture

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department of Urban Studies and Planning

University of Minnesota
School of Architecture

University of Montana
Environmental Studies Program

Project Locus

University of Southern
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School of Policy, Planning, and Development

University of Texas at Arlington
School of Architecture

University of Texas at Austin
School of Architecture

Tulane University
School of Architecture

Washington University
College of Architecture and Urban Planning

Wentworth Institute of
Technology
Department of Architecture

 

Resurrecting the House of Dance and Feathers
1317 Tupelo Street, Lower Ninth Ward
School: Project Locus and Kansas State University Architecture Students
Community Partner: Ronald Lewis

In cooperation with Mr. Lewis, Project Locus and Kansas State Architecture students designed and constructed an enclosed, 500 sq. ft. space for the House of Dance and Feathers. This small-scale neighborhood museum is a repository of cultural artifacts, focusing on Mardi Gras Indians, history of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, and the Lower Ninth Ward community, for educational purposes. Within the structure, there are spaces for display, gathering, and working. In addition, the students redesigned and rehabilitated the Lewis Residence. The House of Dance and Feathers and Lewis Residence were completed on August 15, 2006.

Site/Context                                        
The Lower Ninth-Ward is a residential area with local businesses on St. Claude and Claiborne Avenues. This neighborhood was destroyed by floodwaters following Hurricane Katrina and has seen very little recovery over the past year. On Tupelo Street, the return of the Lewis Family and constant activity during construction encouraged many neighbors to return and begin working on their homes.

Services Provided                            
The project encompassed interior/architectural design, rehabilitation, and new construction. The rehabilitation of the Lewis Residence and the construction of the House of Dance and Feathers occurred simultaneously.

Timeline                                               
In March 2006, Kansas State Architecture Students traveled to New Orleans to begin demolition, clearing, and site analysis. The students took part in a design charrette with Mr. Lewis to document his needs for the museum and residence. The design was completed remotely in Kansas over the Spring 2006 semester. Construction began on May 22nd and was completed on August 15, 2006.

Funding and Support                        
The construction of the new House of Dance and Feathers was funded by: $50,000 grant from the Charles Engelhart Foundation and a $5000.00 grant from the Barry Downing Foundation (Wichita, Kansas). In-kind Material donations were given by several local businesses in New Orleans including Flavor Paper, Sherwin-Williams, the Green Project and United Tile, as well as Lucite International. FEMA recovery money funded the rehabilitation of the Lewis Residence. Donations from numerous material suppliers supplemented the budget. The preparation for and construction of the museum space was supported by:  the Tulane City Center (logistics and consultation), CITYbuild Consortium of Schools (logistics, consultation, grant writing), Common Ground (bioremediation for Lewis Residence), and the University of Montana School of Environmental Policy (fundraising, demolition, construction of solar powered shop for use on-site).

Contact
Prof. Patrick Rhodes rhodes8mph@msn.com