restoring the first church on the westbank of new orleans

Constructed in 1926, St. Joseph Church is among Jefferson Parish’s finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Elaborately scalloped doorways, multiple scroll volutes, Persian columns, statues in niches, composite columns with decorated shafts, undulating architraves, and decoratively sculpted oeil-de-boeuf motifs are only some of the highlights of this incredible structure. Since construction, the exterior of the church has not been altered, with only minor embellishments on the interior, such as decorative hand-carved friezes depicting the Stations of the Cross.

The additional auditorium and cafeteria are contemporary of the church building and incorporate a more simple design. However, the building has been an integral part of the St. Joseph's community and used by Gretna residents, most notably for the St. Joseph's alter and other community gatherings.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is eligible for HTCs, because it is located in a cultural district. It is also individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This $1.2 million project with QREs at over $1.1 million included extensive restoration work:

1. Complete removal of the 1980s elastomeric coating, exposing the Portland cement-based dashed stucco

2. Repair of the terracotta and cast stone embellishments at facade and bell tower

3. Removal of failing paint at all doors and windows

4. Recoating all surface with a SOIS-approved breathable coating

5. Replacement of termite damaged floors and structural members in the auditorium

6. Weatherproofing all windows at the auditorium