This Old House Season 29 Episode 19 New Orleans Project 03

In "New Orleans Project 03," the 19th episode of the 29th season of This Old House, the crew continues their work on a historic 1892 double shotgun in the historic neighborhood of Algiers Point in New Orleans. The project is a collaboration with the non-profit organization Make It Right, founded by actor Brad Pitt, which seeks to rebuild sustainable homes in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The team focuses on the exterior of the house, which has not been painted in nearly a decade and is in serious need of attention. Host Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Tom Silva discuss the pros and cons of different types of paint for the home's historic clapboard siding. They ultimately decide on a classic white with black trim, which will add to the house's historic charm.

Meanwhile, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a new tankless water heater, which will provide hot water on-demand and be more energy-efficient than the old, outdated system. He also replaces the home's old galvanized pipes with new copper pipes, which will improve water pressure and reduce the risk of leaks.

Carpenter Nathan Gilbert installs new custom-built shutters for the windows, inspired by the house's original shutters, which were removed at some point in the past. The new shutters are made from cypress, a durable and rot-resistant wood commonly used in the region.

Landscaper Jenn Nawada meets with the homeowners, who express their desire for a low-maintenance yet attractive garden in their small backyard. Jenn recommends a mix of native plants and succulents, which are drought-tolerant and require little upkeep. She also installs a raised garden bed, which will allow the homeowners to grow herbs and vegetables.

Finally, the crew attends a crawfish boil with locals from the neighborhood, a quintessential New Orleans experience. They discuss the history and culture of the area, as well as the ongoing efforts to rebuild and revitalize after Hurricane Katrina.

Overall, "New Orleans Project 03" showcases the ongoing efforts of This Old House and Make It Right to restore historic homes and rebuild sustainable communities in New Orleans. The team's attention to detail and commitment to preserving the character of the house while making modern updates demonstrates the importance of preserving the city's unique architectural heritage.