by Mary-Devon Dupuy

Next week, residents of the St. Roch community will see some of the first physical evidence of the long-awaited revival of a neighborhood icon. Monday, July 23, marks the groundbreaking of the St. Roch Project’s restoration of the historic St. Roch Market. A project slated to last nine months is in motion to return the 19th century building, which has been vacant since Katrina, to its position as a market providing produce and seafood, and neighborhood center.

The market was built in 1875, and its last major renovation occurred in 1937 as a part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) efforts to refurbish historic sites. In 1945, the Lamas family turned the building into a fish market and po-boy restaurant, known especially for their oyster po-boys. The Lamas family sold their business in 1990, and the new owners expanded the menu to include Chinese food.

Executive Director of the Faubourg St. Roch Project Mandy Pumilia said that the project began shortly after Katrina.

“There was definitely damage to the building. Residents have had input throughout the market’s design process,” Pumilia said.

The market functioned for decades as a staple in the community’s economy, and the director said the St. Roch community is engaged in the project and excited about the market’s reintroduction into their neighborhood.

“We conducted a survey throughout the neighborhood to get input from the community on what they would like to see happen with the market. The overwhelming response was that they wanted to see seafood, produce, and they want a small restaurant in the back, as well,” Pumilia said.

Monday marks the beginning the nine-month countdown to completion. Pumilia isaid the Lathan Company will be handling construction. The company specializes in historic restoration and is known for their work on many local projects, including the Cabildo and the Pontalba Apartments.   

A team of students from Cornell University’s Historic Preservation and Planning created  preliminary design plans for the revamped space. Additions will create a welcoming façade without degrading the building’s historical significance. The restaurant in the back will feature outdoor seating, and of course, they’ll bring the oyster po-boys back to the menu.

Pumilia said that the market is just one of many endeavors geared towards the development of the St. Roch area.

“This has been a long time coming, and it’s a sign of what the St. Roch Project is embarking on to do for the community,” Pumilia said.

While movie location scouts and other outsiders might find a certain charm in the apocalyptic, graffiti-covered aesthetic, residents are fed up with the decay. The St. Roch Project just gained Community Housing Development Organization status, and Pumilia said that she plans to effect major change for residents who are surrounded by dilapidated properties.

“We can eliminate the tremendous blight in the neighborhood,” Pumilia said. The St. Roch Project has also taken on the task of beautifying the neutral ground.

Pumilia credited Councilmember Gisleson Palmer for her work with the neighborhood.

“She’s really been advocating for St. Roch in a big way, and we’re so very thankful to her for that," Pumilia said. The Market is one of 100 recovery-oriented projects Mayor Mitch wants to finish during his current term.

The groundbreaking is set for Monday at 2:15 p.m.