John Goodman’s 175-Year-Old New Orleans Home Asks $4.75M

After two decades in one of the Garden District’s most iconic residences, John Goodman is parting ways with his longtime New Orleans home, now listed for $4,750,000 with Hyatt Hood of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Realtors.

Built in the 1850s, the 4,950-square-foot Italianate–Greek Revival mansion sits on a lush quarter-acre corner lot at 2425 Coliseum Street, just steps from Commander’s Palace and St. Charles Avenue. With grand double galleries, floor-to-ceiling windows, and 14-foot ceilings, the home blends historic preservation with understated star power.

Also known as the Joseph Merrick Jones House, the property has a lineage as rich as its millwork. It once belonged to Carnival royalty—a civic leader who reigned as King of Mardi Gras in 1958—and later to Trent Reznor, founder of Nine Inch Nails, before Goodman acquired it in 2005 for $1.8 million. He and his wife, Anna Beth, raised their daughter here while maintaining the home with meticulous care.

“For a 175-year-old home, there’s not a shake, rattle, or roll to be found,” said listing agent Hyatt Hood. “It almost feels like it was carved from stone rather than built from wood.”

Inside, the residence showcases plaster medallions, marble mantels, hand-painted hardwood floors, and a sweeping staircase that reflects its 19th-century origins. A cobalt-blue chef’s kitchen with honed quartzite countertops and Wolf appliances brings contemporary function into the architectural narrative. Additional spaces include a double parlor, formal dining room, private library, and multiple sitting rooms. Upstairs, there are three ensuite bedrooms, plus a fourth currently used as a dressing room.

Outside, a saltwater pool, covered veranda, and mature Crepe Myrtles create a private outdoor oasis. The home is tucked behind a gated entry with high privacy foliage, and includes a two-car garage with off-street parking.

Though Goodman, now 72, is best known for The Big Lebowski, The Righteous Gemstones, and Monsters, Inc., he’s long been a low-profile local figure—regularly spotted at parades, coffee shops, and community events. He first visited New Orleans during a college Mardi Gras trip in 1972, fell in love with the city, and made the move permanent in 1989.

According to Hood, the couple is downsizing but staying close. “They absolutely love New Orleans and will continue to maintain a home here—the city remains an important part of their lives,” he said.

With its layers of Hollywood lore, Carnival history, and architectural preservation, 2425 Coliseum Street is more than a residence—it’s a living chapter in the story of New Orleans.

All photos courtesy of the listing agency.