The original church and school building of the National Shrine of Saint Ann.

The school was located on the second and third floors of this building, while a temporary church was established in the multi-purpose auditorium on the first floor. The parish relocated to this facility after moving from the original site, which now houses Saint Peter Claver Parish. Plans called for construction of a larger permanent church building, however, those plans never materialized. With changes in demographics, the church was closed in the 1970's and the parish of St.Ann relocated to Metairie. Father J.Marion Jorda, who served as pastor through the 1950's and 60's until his retirement, attributed the problems of the parish on the demise of many older parishioners who supported the church, and on "white flight", which removed many of the younger parishioners. The building remained unoccupied until a recent conversion to senior housing.

The historic Saint Ann Grotto

The grotto and shrine, which was operated by the Confraternity of St. Ann, encompassed the entire city block bounded by North Galvez, Ursuline, Governor Nichols, and North Johnson Streets. The complex included several wood frame cottages which had been converted to classrooms for the school, the rectory, Grotto, and the Confraternity's office and gift shop, located on the corner of N.Galvez and Ursuline.