CRC Restores Historic Funeral Home Post-Hurricane

In August 2021, Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana, becoming one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States. This devastating Category 4 hurricane made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana, causing catastrophic damage across the region. The hurricane brought with it sustained winds of 150 mph, torrential rainfall, tornadoes, and life-threatening storm surges, crippling both Mississippi’s and Louisiana’s power grids. The aftermath of the storm left more than a million customers, including all of New Orleans, without electricity during
the sweltering heat of late summer.

Our client, a prominent provider of professional funeral and cemetery services, faced significant damage to one of its historic properties during the hurricane. Dating back to 1874, this renowned funeral business is a cherished part of the community’s legacy. The hurricane’s onslaught resulted in roof damage as flying debris shattered numerous terra cotta clay tiles, enabling water to seep into all levels of the 20,000 sq ft building. This, in turn, triggered substantial mold growth, requiring mitigation measures before CRC could begin restoration and reconstruction processes.

Challenges and objectives

The challenges facing the restoration team were formidable. This building was not just any building; it was a historic landmark with irreplaceable items and unique architectural features. The objectives were clear: salvage everything possible, match the original materials, and restore the building to its former glory. 

One of the significant challenges was scheduling. Our client was an operational funeral home, and the restoration work had to be meticulously coordinated around funeral services. Additionally, due to the building’s height and the specific type of roofing material, scheduling was further complicated. Clay tile roofs are notoriously challenging to match, and every detail had to align with the historic significance of the building.

how crc responded

CRC was brought in to handle the restoration of our client’s property after Hurricane Ida. The team faced the enormous task of preserving history while providing essential repairs. Here’s how we accomplished this:

1. Preservation of History: CRC understood the significance of our client’s property in the community and took every measure to salvage and protect the building’s historical artifacts and unique architectural elements.
2. Custom Solutions: Recognizing the difficulty of matching the clay tiles, CRC went above and beyond by sending a blueprint to the tile manufacturer to ensure an exact color match. This dedication to detail was instrumental in preserving the building’s authenticity.
3. Scheduling Expertise: The CRC team worked closely with the client’s schedule, ensuring that restoration activities did not disrupt its operations. They coordinated their efforts to accommodate funeral services, demonstrating flexibility and empathy during a challenging time.

The response to CRC’s work was overwhelmingly positive. Our client praised us as the best contractor they had ever worked with. CRC’s commitment to preserving history, attention to detail, and ability to work seamlessly around funeral schedules were highly appreciated. Our client remained open throughout the restoration process, a testament to CRC’s dedication and expertise.

In the end, CRC’s restoration efforts not only restored our client’s property to its original historical grandeur, but also ensured that this architectural gem would continue to serve the New Orleans community for generations to come.

Facing property damage after a hurricane? Contact CRC today to start your journey to recovery.