At KW New Orleans, we had the privilege of celebrating a remarkable chapter in our city’s preservation story. Danielle del Sol, the outgoing Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center (PRC), joined us for a heartfelt conversation marking the end of her 14-year journey—an era defined by fierce advocacy, boundless knowledge, and a deep love for the historic homes of New Orleans.
From Intern to Impact Maker
Danielle’s journey began 15 years ago as an intern at the PRC, evolving into a decade of leadership, with the last seven years at the helm as Executive Director. Under her stewardship, the PRC launched transformative programs like the Revival Grants for low and moderate-income homeowners and incorporated Save Our Cemeteries as a core department. She also helped revive iconic spaces like the Historic Preservation Hall in Armstrong Park, leaving a legacy etched into the very architecture she fought to preserve.
Why Every Historic Home Matters
Danielle reminded us that in a world increasingly filled with cookie-cutter construction and disposable materials, New Orleans is different—and worth the fight.
“These homes have lasted 100, 150 years,” she said. “They’ll last another 150 if we take care of them.” She acknowledged the grind that agents and homeowners experience—rot, termites, permitting headaches—but urged us not to lose sight of the bigger picture. “Every single house has unique features. They are individual pieces of art.”
Selling the Value of Preservation
Danielle didn’t just inspire; she educated. For agents looking to help buyers fall in love with these charming but challenging homes, she offered two key messages:
- You Opt In to This: If you choose to live in a historic New Orleans neighborhood, you get the beauty, the culture, the walkability—and the responsibility. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay.
- It’s a Smart Investment: Homes in historic districts outperform the market by 20% or more. And when maintained well, these properties provide long-term financial returns and historical continuity.
What’s Next: Education and Empowerment
Danielle also shared her excitement about PRC’s upcoming certification program, where agents can earn CE credits while diving into New Orleans’ rich architectural history. Participants will learn about original materials like barge board, practical upkeep strategies, and the ins and outs of district-specific guidelines. “We’ll even talk about when it’s okay to use Hardy Plank,” she joked, balancing preservation ideals with real-world maintenance realities.
A Proclamation, a Toast, and a New Adventure
To close, Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis honored Danielle with a formal proclamation recognizing her visionary leadership. Danielle is heading to Florida as the new President & CEO of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach—but, as she assured us, she’s keeping her home in New Orleans. She’ll be back.
Until then, she leaves us with a powerful reminder: every house we restore, every client we educate, and every neighborhood we champion keeps the soul of New Orleans alive.
Cheers, Danielle. Thank you for everything.