History
Laurenia is housed inside the Pythian Temple which has a history of remarkable local significance. Smith Wendell (S.W.) Green, then one of the most prominent African-American businessmen in New Orleans, commissioned the construction of the Pythian Temple in 1908. The Pythian immediately played an integral part in New Orleans early civil rights movement. It towered over the surrounding neighborhood and became a center of the African American community. Since its inception, The Pythian Temple hosted popular performing groups and African-American carnival balls. The venue led to the formation of the Zulu Parading Club and even housed a popular rooftop bar known as