History

Housed inside the historic Pythian Temple in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District, Laurenia is just footsteps away from the iconic French Quarter. Laurenia offers 3,500 square feet of indoor space featuring hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Duncan Plaza, and restored ironwork from the original building.

Laurenia is housed inside the Pythian Temple which has a history of remarkable local significance. Smith Wendell (S.W.) Green, then one of the most prominent African-American businessmen in New Orleans, commissioned the construction of the Pythian Temple in 1908. The Pythian immediately played an integral part in New Orleans early civil rights movement. It towered over the surrounding neighborhood and became a center of the African American community.

Since its inception, The Pythian Temple hosted popular performing groups and African-American carnival balls. The venue led to the formation of the Zulu Parading Club and even housed a popular rooftop bar known as “Piron’s Garden of Joy.” It is said that a young Louis Armstrong first played at The Pythian Temple.

Laurenia is named after Smith Wendell (S.W.) Green’s wife. She assisted him in running his business, was a member of the NAACP, and was active in the early struggle for civil rights.

After decades of being closed to the public, the building underwent extensive renovations that would allow the Pythian Temple to come back to life in the form of Laurenia, 2three4 and the vibrant Pythian Market.