Area less than one acre NRHP Reference # 83004387 Opened 1820 | Built 1820 Designated NHL May 4, 1983 Added to NRHP 4 May 1983 | |
 | ||
Part of Vieux Carre Historic District (#66000377) Similar French Quarter, Bank of Louisiana, Gallier House, Madame John's Legacy, Hermann‑Grima House | ||
Louisiana State Bank Building is a historic commercial building at Royal and Conti Streets in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Built in 1820, it was the last structure designed by nationally prominent architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who died from yellow fever in New Orleans before its construction. It has also been known as the Manheim Galleries building, from a long-time tenant. More recently, it has housed "Latrobe's", an event venue. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1983.
Description and history
The Louisiana State Bank Building is located west of Jackson Square, at the northern corner of Royal and Conti Streets. It is a two-story building, with stuccoed brick walls rising to a parapet that surrounds a low-pitch hipped roof. The first floor, higher than the second, has rounded blinds above the openings that house the windows and doors. The main entrance is recessed, and there are wrought iron balconies on both street-facing facades.
The Louisiana State Bank was founded in 1818, and was the first bank established in the new state of Louisiana following its admission to the Union. A competition was held for the design of its first building, whose results are not known. The commission was eventually awarded by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, then already a successful architect with documented portfolio of bank buildings. Latrobe died in New Orleans in 1820. The building was completed in 1822 at a cost of $55,000. It has served a variety of commercial purposes over the years, including as the Manheim Gallery for much of the 20th century. As of 2014, a wedding and events business called Latrobe's on Royal is operating in the building.