Historic Restorations

Preserving the Past: The Art of Historic Restoration in New Orleans

When it comes to honoring the architectural and cultural history of New Orleans, no job is more delicate—or more rewarding—than historic restoration. At Tuna Construction, we don’t just renovate—we preserve. Our team of skilled professionals has the experience, tools, and deep respect needed to take on some of the most iconic historic restoration projects in the New Orleans Metro Area.

Why Historic Restoration Matters

New Orleans is more than a city—it’s a living museum. Its buildings, with their wrought iron balconies, colorful shutters, and time-worn bricks, tell the story of generations. But time, weather, and natural disasters threaten that legacy. That’s where historic restoration comes in.

Unlike typical renovations, historic restoration requires a refined balance of traditional methods and modern technology. Each brick, plank, and molding must be handled with craftsmanship, care, and respect for the original design. That’s why property owners across the New Orleans Metro Area trust Tuna Construction to preserve their historic treasures.

Experience Matters in Restoration

With decades of combined experience, our team has completed countless restoration projects across Louisiana. We understand that every historic structure has a story—and our job is to preserve it with integrity. Whether it’s a French Quarter townhouse or a stately Garden District mansion, we approach each restoration with a deep appreciation for the building’s heritage and architectural significance.

We also know how to work within the unique constraints of historic properties. From sourcing matching bricks to handcrafting trim and crown moldings, we have the experience and resources to deliver flawless results.

Custom Millwork Fabrication: Precision with Purpose

One of the cornerstones of our historic restoration process is our Custom Millwork Fabrication service. When original components are too damaged to be saved, our team creates exact replicas with unmatched craftsmanship.

Our in-house Millwork experts are trained in traditional techniques that honor the building’s original style. We specialize in producing architectural moldings, decorative trim, shutters, and custom doors—perfectly aligned with historic specifications. Our clients don’t just get quality products—they receive a piece of the past, reborn with precision.

Architectural Details That Make the Difference

Attention to architectural detail sets Tuna Construction apart. Every cornice, baluster, and bracket we touch is carefully evaluated, repaired, or replicated with an eye for quality and craftsmanship. We recognize that even small restoration choices can have a large impact on preserving a building’s heritage.

From recreating ornate plasterwork to installing handcrafted mantels, our team ensures that your building doesn’t just look good—it feels authentic.

Traditional Techniques. Modern Reliability.

What makes historic restoration successful is knowing what to preserve and what to update. Tuna Construction applies traditional building methods while incorporating modern tools for accuracy and efficiency.

We retain original woodwork whenever possible, repoint mortar joints using lime-based mixtures, and avoid synthetic materials that would compromise historic integrity. This commitment to traditional methods is one reason we’re considered one of the most experienced historic restoration contractors in New Orleans.

Renovation vs. Restoration: Understanding the Difference

It’s important to distinguish between a renovation and a restoration. While renovation may update and modernize a space, restoration brings it back to its original condition. At Tuna Construction, we offer both services but take special pride in our historic restoration work. Our process is slower, more detailed, and requires a commitment to preserving heritage over convenience.

We work with preservation boards, architects, and property owners to ensure each historic element is properly researched and recreated where necessary. In some cases, our renovation expertise is used to upgrade behind-the-scenes elements like plumbing and electrical, while leaving historic aesthetics untouched.