1950–1980: A Beacon for Black Entertainment
Opened on September 29, 1950, the Carver Theatre was designed by Dallas-based architect Jack Corgan. Named after the esteemed African American scientist George Washington Carver, it was hailed as “America’s finest theater exclusively for colored patrons” during the segregation era. With a seating capacity of 1,050 on a single floor, the theatre featured modern amenities, including a spacious powder room with a maid in attendance—a rarity at the time.
 
“It was the ‘ultimate’ all-Black movie house,” the National Register of Historic Places states.
 
The opulent building originally cost $300,000 in 1950, with 1,050 seats and marble partitions in the bathrooms. 
 
The Carver quickly became a cultural hub in Tremé, hosting films, concerts, plays, and community events. Its opening featured John Wayne's "The Sands of Iwo Jima" and "Unknown Island,".  The theatre provided a vital space for African Americans to enjoy entertainment during a period when segregation limited such opportunities

1980–2005: Transition to Healthcare Services
In 1980, the Carver Theatre ceased operations as a movie house. By 1984, it had been repurposed into the Carver Medical Clinic, primarily serving nearby Lafitte Housing Development residents. Dr. Eugene Oppman, an optometrist, began leasing space in 1987 and purchased the building in 1991. Under his leadership, the clinic expanded to include general practitioners, a dentist, a pharmacist, and an ophthalmologist, becoming a crucial healthcare provider for the community.

2005: Devastation by Hurricane Katrina
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina inflicted catastrophic damage on New Orleans. The Carver Medical Clinic was submerged under six feet of floodwater, rendering the facility inoperable. The building remained closed, and the adjacent Lafitte Housing Development was eventually demolished due to the extensive damage.
 
2014: Restoration and Rebirth
Determined to restore the Carver Theatre to its former glory, Dr. Oppman spearheaded an $8 million renovation project. The restoration preserved the theatre's historic façade and marquee while modernizing the interior to accommodate contemporary performances. The theatre reopened on April 30, 2014, as a versatile venue for live music, theatre, and community events.
 
Today, the 17,613-square-foot facility boasts state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting systems and hosts jazz, big band, blues, and other performances. With seating for approximately 600 guests, the Carver Theatre has reestablished itself as a cultural cornerstone in the Tremé neighborhood.
 
The Historic Carver Theatre’s journey—from a segregated-era movie house to a community clinic, and finally to a restored cultural venue—reflects the resilience and enduring spirit of New Orleans. Its revival not only honors the past but also serves as a beacon for future generations to celebrate African American culture and history.
 
This is your opportunity to purchase the Historic Carver Theatre and the additional properties at auction for a fraction of the renovation costs.

Online Auction - The Historic Carver Theatre + 15 Adjacent Properties for Additional Parking or Commercial Development

Location: 2101 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116

Selling in Online Auction
Bidding Starts: July 17 at 9am CT
Bidding Ends: July 23 at 3pm CT

The Historic Carver Theatre:
A Legacy of Culture and Resilience
 
Introduction
Located at 2101 Orleans Avenue in New Orleans' Tremé neighborhood, the Historic Carver Theatre stands as a testament to African American cultural heritage and resilience. Since its inception in 1950, the theater has undergone significant transformations—from a pioneering entertainment venue to a medical clinic and, following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, a restored cultural landmark.  The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located just ten blocks from the French Quarter.
Property Highlights:
* 17,613+/- square feet total
* Seats 600+ comfortably
* Five restrooms (two on each floor plus backstage private green room restroom)
* Elevator
* State-of-the-art audio/visual/fiber optics equipment attains an optimal acoustic and visual experience
* Beamless construction and flat flooring provide outstanding views
* Full-size stage and audio-visual equipment
* Box office
* Secure parking for 24 vehicles
* Bar, concession area, and lounge areas on each floor
* “Green Room” with living room, rest room, and shower for talent
* The theatre is located in an Enterprise Zone and Opportunity Zone
* Structures qualify for State and Federal Historic tax credits and New Market tax credits due to location. 
* The starting bid of $2,000,000 is far below the renovation costs of $8,000,000+
* Theatre Address: 2101 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116, Lot A-1, Square 268, 139/140 x 155
 
Additional properties included for parking or future commercial, retail, or residential development:
-2035-37 Orleans Ave., Lot 111, Square 253, 60x75, HU-MU, 3232 SF 2-story Comm. Bldg.
-2119 Orleans Ave., Lot 109, Square 268, 16x78, HU-MU
-2121 Orleans Ave., Lot 5, Square 268, 16x78, HU-MU
-2125 Orleans Ave., Lot 4, Square 268, 31x78, HU-MU, Bldg.
-2139 Orleans Ave., Lot 113, Square 268, 31x78x50 x var and Lot X N Galvez 28x10x31, Bldg.
-2201 Orleans Ave., Lot 1, Square 283, 28x79, HU-MU
-2205 Orleans Ave., Lot 2, Square 283, 58x79, HU-MU, Bldg.
-2209 Orleans Ave., Lot 3, Square283, 27x79. lot
 
-2036 St. Ann St., Lot 8-A, Square 253, 60x80, HU-RD2
-2118 St. Ann St., Lot R, Square 268, 30x78, HU-MU, lot
-2126 St. Ann St., Lot 18, Square 268, 31x78, HU-RD2, lot
-2128 St. Ann St., Lot 97A, 16x78,
-2130 St. Ann St., Lot 19, Square 268, 16x78, HU-RD2, lot
-2134 St. Ann St., Lot 20, Square 268, 32x78HU-RD2, lot
-2200 St. Ann St., Lot 20, Square 283, 20x79, HU-B1A, 1580 SF lot

Contact for Additional Information: (504) 468-6800

SVN Gilmore Auction & Realty, Co.
David E. Gilmore, Auctioneer - Licensed in Louisiana #0447