NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The City of New Orleans Office of Economic Development announced that pedestrian access on O’Keefe Avenue has been restored following the partial collapse of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) Turners’ Hall building on Dec. 14, at the intersection of Lafayette Street and O’Keefe Avenue.
Through the efforts of City agencies, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD), LEH leadership, and a team of engineers, architects, and contractors, substantial progress has been made this week to stabilize the LEH building. This work has allowed for the reopening of O’Keefe Avenue to pedestrian traffic.
“Businesses along O’Keefe Avenue are now able to resume operations after being closed for over a week, and we encourage everyone to support these local businesses that have been deeply impacted by this incident especially during one of the busiest times of the year,” said Jeff Schwartz, Director of the Office of Economic Development. “I encourage our residents and visitors to head to the area to explore these businesses and enjoy quick meals or just take a leisurely walk downtown during this holiday season.”
Businesses in the South Market District include Swoops, Willa Jean, Poke Loa, District All Day Delicious, Dahla, and Tacos Del Cartel. The City issued a statement saying it commends LEH for its exemplary efforts in mobilizing resources in response to the incident.
“The Helis Foundation John Scott Center will be closed while we continue to assess and ensure the long-term integrity of our beloved headquarters,” said Miranda Restovic, CEO of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. “Rest assured, we remain committed to preserving John Scott’s critical body of work and our historic home while continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of our organization.”
