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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Landmarks

Hibernia Bank Building

A 23-story Renaissance style landmark completed in 1921, once the tallest building in Louisiana, featuring a former navigational beacon for Mississippi River ships.

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Hibernia Bank Building
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What is the Hibernia Bank Building known for?

Completed in 1921, this 23-story landmark was once the tallest building in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. It is well-known for its Renaissance style architecture and for having served as a navigational beacon for ships on the Mississippi River.

What are the architectural features of the building?

The building is sheathed in Indiana limestone and features a U-shaped plan with 14-story wings. Its exterior is enriched with Corinthian pilasters, and the main entrance is marked by four engaged Corinthian columns.

Does the building still have a navigational light?

While the building featured a lantern at its summit with a focal plane height of 349 feet, this navigational light is no longer operational.

What is the building used for now?

The building was renovated in 2013 to be used for offices and apartments.

Where is it located?

The building is located at 812 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70112.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Hibernia Bank Building is a towering Renaissance style landmark located at 812 Gravier Street. Completed in 1921, this 23-story structure was once the tallest building in the state of Louisiana and remained the tallest in New Orleans for many years until the 1960s. The exterior is sheathed in Indiana limestone, featuring Corinthian pilasters and four engaged Corinthian columns at the main entrance. Designed by architects Charles A. Favrot and Louis A. Livaudais, with assistance from New York City's Alfred C. Bossom, the building's U-shaped plan includes 14-story wings facing Union and Gravier streets. To support the massive weight of the steel-framed tower, engineers sunk 3,153 wooden piles 52 feet deep to reach a stable layer of prehistoric oyster shells. One of the most distinctive features is the white tower atop the building, which served as a navigational beacon for ships on the Mississippi River. The lantern at the summit, which had a focal plane height of 349 feet, is no longer operational but the tower remains a familiar part of the skyline and is lit for special occasions. In 2013, the building was renovated for use as offices and apartments, transitioning from its original purpose as a high-rise bank. It remains one of the most handsome buildings in the Central Business District, standing diagonally opposite its predecessor, a 12-story building designed by Daniel H. Burnham.

Visitor tips

  • Look up to see the white tower at the summit, which is lit for special occasions.
  • Compare the building's design to its predecessor, the 12-story Daniel H. Burnham building diagonally opposite.
  • Visit during the day to appreciate the detailed Corinthian columns and Indiana limestone exterior.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Central Business District, the Hibernia Bank Building stands as a prominent landmark at the corner of Carondelet Street and Union Street, contributing to the architectural diversity of the city's financial center.

Sources

Evidence and links