Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Architectural Antiques in New Orleans
Established in 1972, The Bank Architectural Antiques has served as a family-owned institution dedicated to preserving New Orleans' architectural heritage. Our 4,800-square-foot facility offers an extensive collection of antique doors, shutters, hardware, and other architectural elements salvaged from historic properties. With decades of expertise in restoration and customization, we cater to homeowners, contractors, and designers seeking authentic period pieces.Our team combines technical skill with deep local knowledge to provide tailored solutions for historic preservation projects. We maintain rigorous quality standards through meticulous handpicking of inventory and specialized services like paint stripping and custom shutter fabrication. As active members of the New Orleans community, we balance traditional craftsmanship with modern accessibility through social media engagement and nationwide shipping options.
Services
Antique Doors
Custom Shutters
Hardware Restoration
Paint Stripping
Shipping Services
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1972 with generational expertise in New Orleans architecture
- Specialized paint stripping service for antique doors and mantles
- Custom Spanish cedar shutter fabrication with on-site consultation
- 4,800 sq ft inventory of rare architectural elements from local demolitions
- Nationwide shipping available for antique hardware and select items
Services
Stripping
Our specialized paint stripping service restores antique doors and mantles using a proprietary process developed over decades. We handle items up to 96" with pricing starting at $80 for solid doors. This service preserves historical integrity while revealing original wood details.
Custom Shutters
We craft custom Spanish cedar shutters tailored to your specifications. Our experts provide on-site consultations and precise measurements. Available in various styles, these durable shutters enhance both historic and modern New Orleans properties while maintaining traditional craftsmanship.
Antique Doors
Our inventory features thousands of antique doors from New Orleans demolitions. Options include five-panel, French, and carved doors. Each piece undergoes quality inspection to ensure structural integrity while preserving historical character for restoration projects.
Hardware Restoration
We restore antique hardware including hinges, knobs, and locks. Our specialists handle repairs for both functional and decorative elements, maintaining original finishes while ensuring operational quality for historic preservation projects.
Shipping Services
We offer nationwide shipping for hardware and select antique items. Our packaging ensures safe transport while maintaining item condition. This service provides access to our unique inventory for customers outside the New Orleans area.
People
James Wilkerson
Founder
Established The Bank in 1972 within a historic bank building. Featured on 'This Old House' for architectural salvage expertise. Transferred ownership to his children while maintaining active involvement in preservation efforts.
Sean Wilkerson
Operations Manager
Oversees daily operations and inventory curation. Featured in home renovation media. Specializes in matching architectural elements with client needs. Maintains family legacy through hands-on management and historic preservation expertise.
Kelly Wilkerson
Shutter Specialist
Expert in New Orleans architectural styles with decades of experience. Provides personalized consultations for shutter projects. Combines technical knowledge with local history insights to guide customers through restoration decisions.
Haley
Inventory Specialist
Handles hard-to-reach inventory with agility. Offers product knowledge from lifelong exposure to architectural antiques. Provides customer support with enthusiasm and detailed information about available items.
Kristy
Marketing Director
Manages social media presence and online sales. Brings marketing expertise to showcase inventory digitally. Creates engaging content to connect with customers seeking unique architectural elements for their projects.
Questions
What types of architectural antiques do you specialize in?
We specialize in antique doors, custom shutters, hardware, mantles, and salvaged architectural elements from New Orleans historic properties.
Do you offer restoration services for antique items?
Yes, we provide paint stripping services for doors, mantles, and shutters using our proprietary process developed over 50 years.
Can I get custom shutters made to order?
We create custom Spanish cedar shutters to your specifications with on-site consultation available from our expert staff.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards (with a 4% processing fee) for all purchases and services.
Are your business hours consistent throughout the week?
We're open Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. We're closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Do you ship items outside New Orleans?
Yes, we offer shipping services for hardware and smaller items to customers nationwide.
Reviews (6)
Stephen LaGuardia
Feb 16, 2022
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A real diamond in the rough. Not in the greatest neighborhood, and no real parking but worth the trip. It has a great selection of difficult to find salvage pieces. From hardware to doors, mantels to Windows it's got everything. Some items have been partially restored, some are in their original state. The staff is helpful and approachable.
Tim Neil
Nov 19, 2021
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1 city block long- packed with antique architectural treasures - I've remodeled my place (doors shutters & cabinets) with their help
Robb Farmer
Nov 02, 2020
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What a great experience! Kelly, the owner, was extremely personable and very helpful. She has that type of personality where you feel you've known her forever. I wanted to purchase old Cypress doors for a condo in Chicago. I gave her the measurements and she took it from there. The quality and workmanship was second to none. Thanks to everyone at The Bank, who helped with my project. Highly recommend.
Jonathan Hardie
Oct 22, 2020
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So many cool doors! We came all the way from Florida with our friends to find some unique doors for their upcoming project and we weren't disappointed. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff that shared to origins of each set of doors we inquired about.
Amy Green
Mar 26, 2020
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Very helpful staff. Amazing finds. I go here every time I come to town. It's so neat to look around and see all the history.
Wade Halstead
Jan 18, 2020
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This place has vastly improved its customer service over the past few years. It is the mecca of historic windows, doors, and shutters in New Orleans. They also offer "dipping and stripping" services for pieces that you bring-in.
