A home with a story to tell

The New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC) has begun its work to renovate this historic home in the city’s Central City neighborhood.

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It is an imposing figure that looms large over its corner at LaSalle and Second Street. Something about the two-story manse with the fading, weathered pink exterior at 2427 LaSalle Street lets you know there is a story there, one that needs to be preserved and shared. It is that history – and an eye for what the property could be – that led the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC), a non-profit community engagement and development organization in Central City, to purchase the rambling structure in desperate need of repair.

“This property is a testament to Central City’s rich history,” said Una Anderson, NONDC’s Executive Director. “It just made sense to return this piece of history to its former glory and turn it into a high-quality, affordable homeownership opportunity for the community.”

The home was originally owned by Ida Whitious Johnson, a license practical nurse and a longtime African-American homeowner in the area. A true entrepreneur and respected figure in the community, “Nurse Johnson” purchased a duplex and rental cottage at 2606-08 Louisiana Avenue near the historic Flint-Goodrich Hospital, providing a home and sustenance for her family.

The Johnson family was displaced twice by the federal government’s plans to bring public housing to New Orleans. In the 1939, the Louisiana Avenue residence was purchased for what Mrs. Johnson’s granddaughter, Idalorraine Jules Wilderson, refers to as “meager money” to make way for the first of the city’s housing projects. Mrs. Johnson used these funds to purchase a larger duplex on Magnolia Street. This home would play a prominent role in New Orleans history.

In the early 1950’s, plans were made to expand the Magnolia Housing Projects. Area neighbors and businesses initially organized to fight the expansion. Over time, dissent waned until Mrs. Johnson was the sole property owner to reject the government’s conservative $6,000 offer. Undeterred by the threat of suit, Mrs. Johnson fought against the federal government in court and was awarded nearly $25,000.  With the judgment, Mrs. Johnson purchased a large duplex with 16 rooms at 2427-2429 LaSalle Street.

Over the years, Mrs. Johnson descendants spread across the country in search of the economic opportunities that were scarce in pre-desegregated New Orleans. The house fell into disrepair. NONDC’s Anderson commented, “It took considerable time, effort and commitment to work with the Johnson family to complete the sale. Given the history, the family wanted to make sure they received a fair deal for the home. Also they wanted to make sure it would be preserved as much as possible.”

NONDC has plans to divide the home into two units, each with three master suites and a front balcony. While much of the home’s interior will need to be removed, its original floors and staircases will be restored. Additionally, the fireplaces will be restored and enclosed. The traditional New Orleans-style exterior will be maintain with repairs to its classic gingerbread trim, turned spindle columns, frieze, and lap siding. The home will also feature a vibrant Painted Lady exterior.