[2] In 1949, the auditorium held celebrations of and a concert by Louis Armstrong, who was reigning as "King" of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, the leading African American New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe during the segregation era.

The building also began to deteriorate; due to leaks, mold formed under the bathroom sinks.

Windows, pipes and doors were also in need of repair, but the Orleans Parish School Board didn't have enough funds for a full renovation.

After Hurricane Katrina, thieves removed architectural detailing and tens of thousands of dollars' worth of copper.

With better maintenance and security from looters, preservationists contended, the historic school could have been restored for less than it would cost to replace it.

[3][5] The school building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places from July 17, 2002 until it was removed on June 12, 2017.