The Falstaff Brewery in New Orleans closed down back in the 70's. Those of you who do not live down here, the brewery is this hugh, red brick building near the Parish Prison. It is falling apart and a danger to walk through. The building is gutted of all material of value and has been the home of hundreds of pigeons and assorted rodents. Oddly enough, this place has been used often for movie sets. I got into the building during one of these movies.
The place is covered in a layer of broken glass, pigeon droppings, and dirt. I had to watch each step, use a flashlight in some area, and stay on the lookout for falling plaster. I loved every minute of it! I would not suggest for one to trying going in there without a guide. Very dangerous place.
Brian F I used to live in front of Falstaff when I was growing up. I remember watching the people go to work each day. I remember playing football on what we call the green and the security guard chasing us off. We would hide in the bushes until he made his rounds then come out and continue playing then hide again when he returned. The people who worked there was wonderful..
Lauren L
28-Jan-2013 22:03
My grandfather, Golden LaRose, retired from Falstaff Brewery. Growing up my mom and grandmother told many stories about the brewery. My grandmother still has lots of memorabilia from the brewery. Although it closed when I was only 2 years old, I still smile when I see the sign as it reminds me of my grandfather.
Guest
09-Dec-2012 21:03
Brought back a lot of memories. My dad, Stanley Wucher, worked there for 42 years. I still remember when the letters for the weather sign passed by our house on railroad flatcars. I also remember seeing some of the kettles before they were installed. It was always a treat to go up to the patio and look out over New Orleans.
Guest
10-Sep-2012 04:52
Areme, i knew your father well, and when i think of him not getting his pension after all those years, it disgusts me. Was it like the Ponzee scheme or what?
Areme Kreppein Marks
17-Jun-2012 19:32
I cannot help but think of my father today on Father's Day. Herbert Charles Kreppein worked for Falstaff in N.O. for 20+ years. It still makes me sad to think that he paid into a retirement plan during his employment and never collected a penny of his funds. What a terrible situation...he is missed. Happy Father's Day Daddy...
Areme
Guest
17-Jun-2012 19:27
It's Father's Day and I cannot help but think today of my wonderful father Herbert Charles Kreppein who worked for Falstaff for 20+ year. It was sad how these many loyal employees worked for the brewery and paid into a retirement plan but were cheated out of their funds and never collected a dime of the retirement they paid in to the company in good faith. I loved my father and miss him so much. He taught me the lesson of hard work...he served in WWII and I am very proud of him! Happy Father's Day Daddy. Areme Kreppein Marks.
Guest
25-Feb-2011 22:45
areme i remember the brewery and a lot more, the pictures are beautiful, but it is a shame that i have to watch bob breck instead of the ball to know the weather, plus the sandman next door cant put me to sleep anymore. ckavmet@gmail,com
Guest
25-Feb-2011 22:45
areme i remember the brewery and a lot more, the pictures are beautiful, but it is a shame that i have to watch bob breck instead of the ball to know the weather, plus the sandman next door cant put me to sleep anymore. ckavmet@gmail,com
Areme Kreppein Marks
22-Sep-2009 23:31
My father Herbert Kreppein aka "Spider" worked in the bottle shop for many many years. (20+)..he loved the place...I wish he were alive to see your amazing photos. I also wish he could be here today to see the apartment conversion that has taken place in the building. What a transformation!
Guest
01-Dec-2008 01:52
Lots of memories there, we grew up in NO, well remember the place, and the ball atop the sign that did change color depending upon the weather.
Jennifer
06-Jan-2008 20:07
Your pictures are really special. As a former Louisianan now living in North Carolina, I was really pleased when we hired our cabinet guys from Louisiana to build cabinets for our kitchen remodel. They were able to get some cypress beams from the ceiling of the Falstaff brewery and turn them into the best reminder of home that we could hope for.
Tom Landry
13-Oct-2007 06:58
My dad, Cecil Landry, worked in the New Orleans brewery for many years. These great photos brought tears to my eyes.
Le Ray
03-Oct-2007 16:46
These are some great photos! I love the one where the king is toasting the Dixie Brewery. My Father-In-Law told me that the ball at the top of the tower used to change colors when the weather changed. I pass by this brewery from time to time and I always wonder what will become of it. Anyway, thanks for sharing the photos!
K. Gray
29-Jan-2007 05:06
One more thing.. Here is an article about the deal.
urbanconservancy.org/news/roundup/archive/503
Add the usual www. in fromt.
K. Gray
29-Jan-2007 05:01
Great photos. You have a very good eye for lighting and arch. photography. The renovation project is still going on. Our company has been approached to restore the antique sign.
Dieter
19-Dec-2006 20:51
Why is there filming of the building demolition? Is there a documentary being filmed or something?
Warren
18-Dec-2006 05:33
This place brings back a lot of memories. Glad to hear that the tower will be restored. It's amazing it is still standing and the ball is lit after the storm. I still remember the smell of beer brewing in the air.
Ted Baldwin
13-Dec-2006 20:04
Citadel Builders of New Orleans is involved in renovating the brewery as a go-zone housing project. Our company, 3rd Coast Digital Films ( 3cdf.com), is recording HD footage of the demolition of the vats and removal of the brewery workings for Citadel, but the exterior presence of the brewery will be maintained and restored, including the weather ball tower and the King, as we understand.
Jim
27-Sep-2006 18:32
My dad worked for JAX for over 30 years; apart from some memorabilia, it's amazing how fast the brewery disappeared. It used to stretch for blocks along Decateur with angled truck bays, warehouses, etc. The Dixie and Falstaff structures are still there , but I fear they too will be gone. One day the tower and weather ball just won't be there anymore. Thanks for the pictures.
Guest
23-Sep-2006 05:21
Chris, this is a great series of photographs. Black and white really suits the subject matter.
Joz
03-Aug-2006 17:03
Buy the king? I want to buy the whole building. Turn it into a giant version of TwiRoPa... music halls, bars, guest rooms, etc. Make a big entertainment mall out of it. Sigh.
These pix have only fueled my passion, which I fear is totally futile. I don't suppose there are any investors out there who want to talk?? :)
Jon
17-May-2006 20:38
I just went thru the old st. louis plant building that in the same condition this one is in. Very dangerous , but really interesting,.
Joslyn
26-Apr-2006 16:54
My Man want to go exploring in this Death Trap of a building! Hopefully this site will give him enough info where he is satisfied and wont go in. He lives down the street so it is really tempting to him but i keep telling him its too dangerous!
Ken
24-Jan-2006 01:12
Great images, as I think that every urban spelunker growing up in NOLA wanted to explore this building and find an appropriate home for the King.
Guest
21-Sep-2005 23:27
who owns the Falstaff Building? I want to buy the king!
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