New Orleans Lakefront Airport
Shushan Terminal – New Orleans, LA
History – The Shushan Airport Terminal opened on New Orleans’ north shore Lakefront Airport in 1934. The Weiss, Dreyfus, & Seiferth designed building featured the art deco style of the early 20th century. Prominent features of the building’s exterior are the carved and cast stone decorative elements which depict historical images of man’s quest for flight. This celebration of the dawn of commercial aviation is one of the most prominent displays of the artwork famed New Orleans artist, Enrique Alferez. In the name of “modernization” the beautiful art deco finish and carved features were badly damaged by a renovation in 1964. The extensive damage to the building’s historical exterior was covered by a “modern” white stucco finish.
​Lathan's Contributions:
Following Hurricane Katrina, The Lathan Company has restored the beautiful art deco finishes, decorative stonework and castings to their original beauty. The architectural landmark has required all of the skills of expert masons and artists to carefully repair, restore and patch the damage while retaining as much as 90% of the exterior finishes.