Krauss Building, Historic commercial building in Canal Street, New Orleans, United States
The Krauss Building stands at the corner of Canal Street and Basin Street in New Orleans, occupying an entire city block in this important commercial district. The structure was later renamed 1201 Canal and now contains residential units and retail spaces within its historic framework.
The building was founded in 1903 as a department store and grew into a major retail destination on Canal Street over the following decades. It was eventually converted into residential condominiums and retail spaces, adapting to the changing needs of the neighborhood.
The store held special meaning in New Orleans during the civil rights movement as an early department store on Canal Street that opened its doors to Black customers. This openness set it apart from many other retailers of the era and made it a notable place in the city's social transformation.
The location is easily accessible by various forms of transportation in the heart of New Orleans and connects well to nearby streets. Visitors can walk around the perimeter to appreciate the exterior design and observe how the building fits into the historic street grid.
The store was among the first places in New Orleans to install modern escalators, which came from the New York World's Fair. This technical innovation made it a draw for visitors curious about the latest advances in retail technology.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
