To know New Orleans is to understand its history. Nothing new begins here without a sense of what came before; it seeps into everything. As synthetic and cheaply made building materials become ubiquitous, mostly due to our region’s environmental vulnerabilities, there’s a growing rift between historic preservation and practicality. Luckily, places like Ricca’s Architectural Sales offer a compelling bridge between the two. I spoke with 3rd generation operator, Julie Hoy, about the store and some of its greatest assets.
What is the origin story of Ricca’s?
Ricca’s was founded in 1956 by my Italian immigrant grandfather, Peter Ricca. His path to entrepreneurship began after his service in the Merchant Marines and years spent working in construction and salvage. The turning point came during the expansion of Poydras Street, when he noticed project managers discarding valuable architectural materials. Seizing the opportunity, he negotiated the rights to salvage them, a decision that would define the business. Over the following years, his inventory and reputation grew, eventually leading to the opening of a dedicated storefront. Today, the company enters a new chapter under the leadership of Julie Hoy, alongside Allison Akhter, with Rachel Ricca as a silent partner, continuing the legacy as a female-owned business grounded in preservation, craftsmanship, and service.
What is your full suite of services?
A little bit of everything! We repair and produce knobs, locks, hinges, stained glass, ironwork, shutters, mantels, and doors for home or commercial projects. We can also custom build most anything home related in our mill shop on site. Do note that we do not fix lighting or polish hardware made by outside vendors.
What sets your business apart?
We want you to come in person, touch and experience things. We ask questions, get to know you and your project. Our salespeople don’t work on commission, so it’s really just about what’s best for your project. I’ll add that our mill shop craftspeople can do incredible things. They resurrect items slated for landfill, even broken hardware and light fixtures.
What are the challenges for your business in 2026?
Since the pandemic, brick and mortar shopping has seen a marked decline. Consumers have grown more accustomed to the convenience of online retail, often expecting lower prices even as the cost of goods continues to rise. At Ricca’s, we remain committed to a different standard based on longevity. We proudly pay our employees a living wage and refuse to compromise on quality for the sake of a sale. Our goal isn’t a single transaction, it’s maintaining a customer for life.
What is one of the most special items that has come into the shop?
Years ago, we acquired a 15 – 20 ft European, hand carved wood mantel and fireplace. We sold it to a customer in Florida, but before they could grab it, it was damaged during Hurricane Katrina. Instead of punting the project, the client trusted us to rehab the piece and subsequently based an entire room in their home around it.
To shop with Ricca’s, head to 511 North Solomon St., call 504-488-5524 or visit riccasarchitectural.com.
