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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / History

Leeds Iron Foundry

A stunning Gothic Revival masterpiece of cast iron, this 1850s warehouse once served as the storage hub for one of the South's largest industrial foundries.

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Leeds Iron Foundry
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What is the Leeds Iron Foundry known for?

Established in 1825, it was one of the earliest American makers of steam engines and woodworking machinery and was described as the second-largest such factory in the South before the Civil War.

What happened to the original foundry building?

The Leeds-Davis Building is the sole surviving remnant of the original foundry complex. Built in 1852 or 1853 to store cast-iron products, it was renovated in 2000 to serve as the headquarters for the nonprofit Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans.

What are the architectural features of the building?

Designed by the firm Gallier, Turpin & Co., the building is a Gothic Revival structure featuring an extraordinary cast-iron facade that includes the lintels, window frames, and columns.

Where is it located?

The building is located at 923 Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans.

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 Leeds-Davis Building is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture, distinguished by an extraordinary cast-iron facade that includes columns, window frames, and lintels. Designed by the architectural firm Gallier, Turpin & Co., the structure was erected between 1852 and 1853 to serve as storage for the Leeds Iron Foundry's cast-iron products. Today, it stands as the sole surviving remnant of a foundry complex that once occupied an entire city block. Established in 1825, the Leeds Iron Foundry was a titan of early American industry, specializing in woodworking machinery, steam engines, and boilers for sugar processing. At its peak, the foundry was described as the second-largest such factory in the South, employing between 200 and 400 workers. By 1874, the business maintained a workforce of 250 people, continuing its role as a critical industrial hub in New Orleans. As the Civil War approached, the foundry's focus shifted. By 1861, the facility transitioned from iron founding to the manufacture of war materials, including the production of Saunders rifled cannons and other guns. This transition highlights the facility's pivotal role in the city's wartime industrial capacity. In 2000, the 20,000-square-foot building was renovated into the headquarters for the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. This adaptive reuse project emphasized energy efficiency, transforming a former industrial warehouse into a center for historic preservation. The building now serves as a testament to the city's industrial heritage and the artistry of cast iron.

Visitor tips

  • Look closely at the cast-iron lintels and window frames to appreciate the Gothic Revival detailing.
  • Visit the Preservation Resource Center inside to learn more about New Orleans' historic preservation efforts.
  • Allow a few minutes to walk around the block to visualize the scale of the original foundry complex.

Nearby context

Located at 923 Tchoupitoulas Street, the Leeds-Davis Building is a key anchor of the Warehouse District, reflecting the transition from the riverfront's industrial past to its modern role as a center for arts and preservation.

Sources

Evidence and links