Spend The Night in One of the Oldest Parts of Louisiana History
One of the most storied buildings in Louisiana is set for a modern makeover, promising visitors an unparalleled experience rooted deep in the state’s history.
Located in the heart of the historic town of Washington, LA – the third oldest European settlement in the state – this iconic building, once the bustling Klaus general store, is getting a second lease on life.
“You can see that we’re actually restoring this building, which was erected just after the Civil War by Jewish merchants from Prussia,” explained Stephen Ortego, Principal Architect at SO Studio, in a recent Instagram video. These entrepreneurs not only set up a general store on the ground floor but also made it their family residence, living just above their thriving business. The store remained a local landmark even as Max Klaus, who later married the founder's daughter, took the reins, maintaining its legacy until the late 1960s.
Ortego shed light on the careful and respectful approach being taken with this project, stating, “This is a historic preservation project, and we are meticulously adhering to the guidelines from the national park service to ensure that we are using the best practices for historic preservation.” However, he clarified, “It’s not a complete restoration, because we’re not returning it to its pre-electricity and pre-plumbing days, but we are making sure it’s as close to its original charm, with a touch of modernity.”
The ambitious project will transform the old general store and residence into a boutique hotel, boasting nine exquisite rooms. Guests will soon have the unique opportunity to stay in one of Louisiana's most historic places, making their visit a literal walk through history.
An excited post from @SOStudioArch on Instagram reads: “Introducing one of our newest projects in the historic town of Washington, LA. This project promises to transform the original general store and residence into a boutique hotel with 9 beautifully designed rooms. Guests will be enveloped in history while indulging in modern luxury. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks.”
This rehabilitation project symbolizes a gorgeous blend of history with contemporary comfort, making it an exciting destination for history buffs and travelers alike.