New Orleans

New Orleans, LA: industrial sites, commercial signage and abandoned facilities from riverfront warehouses to French Quarter storefronts

New Orleans, LA

This photo set records built environments across New Orleans, LA, including graffiti on a warehouse at the decommissioned Naval Support Activity New Orleans, commercial signage in the French Quarter and interiors of abandoned industrial buildings. Images show a mural reading "Open House" on a riverside warehouse, a neon sign for Felix's Sea Foods, a graffiti-covered ATM on Decatur Street and the interior of the Dixie Brewery. The Market Street Power Plant and the Entergy Ninemile 6 power plant appear among other industrial subjects. The selections document vacancy, informal reuse and the public debate over redevelopment of former military and industrial properties.

French Quarter box office window HELLO — *December 11, 2019* — A "Box Office" sign with a red LED display showing "HELLO" is visible on a building in New Orleans. The sign is mounted above a shuttered window, suggesting it is part of a venue such as a theater or music hall. The "HELLO" message could indicate an opening for ticket sales or the start of a performance. New Orleans has a rich history of live entertainment, from jazz clubs to historic theaters, and box offices are a crucial element of these cultural institutions.

ATM in French Quarter in New Orleans — *December 11, 2019* — A blue ATM is situated within a narrow doorway at 211 Decatur Street in New Orleans' French Quarter. The machine is covered in graffiti and stickers, reflecting the vibrant and often uncurated street art culture of the area. Decatur Street, a historic thoroughfare, has long been a commercial and cultural hub, adapting to modern needs while retaining its unique character. The presence of the ATM highlights the ongoing integration of contemporary services into the fabric of this historic urban environment.

Bangkok Spa in New Orleans — *December 11, 2019* — A sign for Sun 509 Bangkok Spa hangs in New Orleans, Louisiana. The establishment offers therapeutic services, drawing on traditions associated with Thai massage and wellness practices. Such businesses often serve as cultural touchstones, providing a connection to international customs within the local urban environment. The sign itself, with its bold lettering, indicates the presence of a service catering to relaxation and health.

Felix's Sea Foods neon sign, French Quarter, New Orleans. The restaurant, established in 1946, is known for its fresh seafood and casual atmosphere. — *December 11, 2019* — A neon sign for Felix's Sea Foods illuminates the entrance to the restaurant in New Orleans' French Quarter. Established in 1946, Felix's is a long-standing establishment known for its casual atmosphere and fresh seafood, particularly its oysters. The sign, with its distinctive green lettering and red arrow, is a familiar sight in this historic district, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience a taste of New Orleans' culinary heritage.

Entergy Ninemile 6 power plant in Westwego, Louisiana, at dusk. The natural gas-fired facility supplies electricity to the New Orleans area. — *December 8, 2019* — Entergy Corporation's Ninemile 6 power plant, a 560-megawatt natural gas-fired unit located in Westwego, Louisiana, began operation in December 2014. The construction of this facility, which supplies electricity to the greater New Orleans area, cost $655 million. The plant is situated near a levee wall and a bike trail, highlighting its integration into the local infrastructure and environment.

Graffiti on Former Naval Base Warehouse, New Orleans — *December 8, 2019* — Graffiti adorns a former warehouse at the Naval Support Activity New Orleans, a decommissioned military logistics facility. The "Open House" mural, a large-scale artwork, covers multiple bays of the building, transforming the industrial structure into a canvas. The base, which operated along the Mississippi River, is now awaiting redevelopment, with the graffiti symbolizing the site's transition from military use to a space for artistic expression and potential future revitalization.

The abandoned Market Street Power Plant in New Orleans, a 20th-century industrial structure with brick and arched windows, once provided electricity to the city. — *December 4, 2009* — The Market Street Power Plant, located in New Orleans, stands as a testament to early 20th-century industrial architecture. Originally constructed to provide electricity to the city, its imposing brick and concrete structure features large arched windows and prominent smokestacks. The plant ceased operations decades ago and has since fallen into disrepair, becoming a subject of interest for its historical significance and architectural presence. Its abandonment reflects broader shifts in energy production and urban development.

Interior of the abandoned Dixie Brewery in New Orleans, showing decaying wooden floors, support beams, and metal grating. — *December 4, 2009* — The interior of the abandoned Dixie Brewery in New Orleans shows decaying wooden floors, support beams, and metal grating. The Dixie Brewery, a historic New Orleans landmark, ceased operations and has remained vacant for years. This image documents the current state of disrepair within the once-operational brewing facility.

New Orleans

Photographs made over time, focused on place, public life, and ongoing reporting.