When Jason and Paris Neal Seedman first encountered this historic Italianate home in the Garden District, they noticed something most potential buyers had missed. “The house was so disjointed inside that most people thought it was a four-unit rental,” Jason recalled. “For us, it was an addition and subtraction exercise.”
Built in 1894 by noted physician Dr. Oscar Czarnovsky, the house was home to many people until the Seedmans purchased it in 2020. “Unlike many houses of the time, the frame of the house was not wood but masonry, a more durable and expensive material that reflected Dr. Czarnovsky’s methods,” said architect Kim Payne Allen of Studio BKA, who led the restoration. By 1921, the single-family home had been converted into four luxury apartment buildings, and when the Seidman family purchased it, the main building housed two units: two residences and a carriage house.
When Hurricane Ida hit in 2021, it revealed the scope of maintenance and upcoming work that had been deferred for years. “There was water intrusion on the south side of the house,” Allen said. The project proceeded in two stages. First, they restored the carriage house with extensive roof and stucco repairs, then converted the main house back into a single-family home. However, the couple chose to maintain one rental unit in the main house.
Paris’ brother organized the introduction, and the location was ideal for Jason and Paris, who met at Delaché’s Bar. “We loved the Garden District neighborhood, the location near great schools, the walkability of Magazine Street, and most importantly, the architecture reminiscent of London and New York City,” Paris says. The two Louisiana natives attended Tulane University at different times, but were drawn to the home’s European sensibilities.
Fortunately, thanks to Jason’s work at a boutique hotel, the two were able to find comfort in a historic building. “Given that most hotels in the city are historic, we felt very comfortable and excited to learn about and ultimately peel back the layers to preserve the original architecture, natural light, and beautiful site lines,” he says.
The renovation focused on restoring the home’s original flow and grandeur. For example, the switchback staircase in the entryway was awkwardly used for both the main house and the apartment. “Before we made the changes, the flow of the house was very erratic,” Allen says. “Once we decided to reclaim the apartment space into the main house, we knew we needed to redo the staircase. That configuration didn’t make sense for a single-family home. The entryway, staircase, and central hall set the tone for the overall composition of the house, so it became important to restore that sense of hierarchy.” [paramount]”
A new straight staircase extends to the rear of the home, opening up the entryway and creating a great architectural moment that Allen loves. “Jason knew early on that he wanted metal railings rather than wood,” she says. “To be honest, I was a little hesitant at first, but once I made the mock-up, I was completely sold on it.”
Another feature was the introduction of arched doorways throughout the house. “Jason had the idea to introduce arches, and I wanted them to feel authentic to the architecture of the house,” says Allen. “The thick, rounded stucco casing was inspired by a detail from French architect Joseph Dillan and felt right here. We also love that it repeats throughout the home, creating an architectural dialogue that ties everything together.”
But the delicate balance between historic preservation and modern functionality required ingenuity. As with most historic homes in New Orleans, storage can be an issue. “I don’t like reducing the proportions of historic rooms, so I thought of clever ways to incorporate storage into integrated design elements,” says Allen. “We did a lot of built-ins like walls, which you can see in the children’s rooms, the kitchen, and the master bathroom.”
The collaborative process between architect and homeowner proved to be surprisingly fluid, especially considering Jason’s history of developing boutique hotels. “It started by sharing a ton of inspirational images and references from around the world that spoke to us,” says Jason.
“I’ve been talking about 10 images of inspiration every day for months,” says Allen. “After a while, you could almost read his mind. He’s great at communicating his vision and the aesthetic he’s going for, and his great taste in decorative items helps.” Digital modeling software allowed the couple to experience the renovation virtually before construction began.
One element that Jason was particularly passionate about was the checkerboard tile. What started as a simple black and white scheme evolved in the stone field, with exotic slabs, Alexandrita Quartzite and Cristallo Giadore Quartzite, inspiring a bolder approach. The team selected checkerboard tiles in three colors to create a uniquely saturated bathroom that pushes traditional boundaries.
But for Paris, functionality was paramount. “[I wanted] “The open kitchen was a space that not only looked great, but was also very functional. We wanted to create a room for our first child that she would love and grow in, so the nursery was also a top priority,” she says.
The couple’s overall vision was clear from the beginning. They wanted a peaceful, open, yet cozy home with plenty of space throughout to read a book or watch a movie quietly. The third floor has become a “West Coast wellness escape” with a gym, playroom, sauna, shower and kitchenette, dramatically transforming the previously empty attic space. Meanwhile, the rest of the house takes inspiration from London and New York brownstones, including the exterior paint colors.
Displayed throughout the home are layered collections that reflect years of travel and relationships with artists. The most notable heirloom is a 28-seater dining table that belonged to Paris’ family home on the North Shore. “It’s all the result of our travels and years of investing in art and furniture that is high quality and has a good story,” says Jason.
For Allen, the project was successful because of its enduring design. “What? [this home] “What’s timeless is the thoughtful customization that reflects the owner’s perspective. Everywhere you turn there’s a moment. From the architecture to the art, it’s a truly beautiful home,” she says. For the Seidman family, this home represents more than just beautiful design. “We align on design and, most importantly, family values, travel, music, and creating great memories with family and friends,” Paris says. “We believe that home is a solid foundation on which to build lasting memories.”
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