F. Edward Hebert Federal Building, New Orleans, LA

Location: 600 S Maestri St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The F. Edward Hebert Federal Building in New Orleans is significant because it is representative of the Modernistic style of architecture and is a symbol of the federal presence in New Orleans.

The limestone building exhibits rectilinear elements with little embellishment. Many commercial buildings of the 1930s were built in the sleek Modernistic style. The windows are slightly set-back (reminiscent of the Art Deco style) as is characteristic of this style.

The Hebert Building was constructed as a Federal Building and U.S. Post Office in 1939. The passage of the Public Buildings Act of 1926 precipitated a period of building construction that was unprecedented in the United States. The Public Buildings Act specified that the Office of the Supervising Architect of the Department of the Treasury would be responsible for the design and construction of all public buildings. The Hebert Building was constructed during this period. The Office of the Supervising Architect of the Department of the Treasury designed the Federal buildings of the 1930s and many of these buildings exhibit streamlined, almost austere, finishes and features. Howard Cheney is listed as “consulting architect.” It is likely that he designed the building under the auspices of the U.S. Treasury Department. When possible, the Treasury Department used local architects in an effort, during the Depression, to stimulate the local economy. The postal presence has been reduced and currently the building serves primarily as a federal building. The F. Edward Hebert Federal Building remains a symbol of the federal presence in New Orleans.

Building Facts

• Architect: Howard Lovewell Cheney
• Construction Dates: 1935-1939
• GSA Building Number: LA0034ZZ
• Landmark Status: Listed in the National Register of Historic Places