Downtown Development District Unveils New Lighting Installation at Molly Marine Plaza
Creative lighting installation brings new illumination and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure to an important Downtown and BioDistrict corridor
NEW ORLEANS — The Downtown Development District of New Orleans (DDD) unveiled a new lighting installation at Molly Marine Plaza, introducing a creative approach to illuminating the public space and enhancing the pedestrian experience along Elk Place between Canal Street and Tulane Avenue.
Designed by local firm Studio West, the lighting installation transforms the plaza with a thoughtful design approach that adds illumination while contributing to the character of the surrounding streetscape. The programmable system allows the lighting to change colors for holidays, special occasions and community events, adding a dynamic element to the plaza throughout the year. The project advances the DDD’s first strategic priority, Improve the Experience in the Public Realm, through thoughtful design and improvements to Downtown’s shared spaces.
The unveiling also coincides with the 83rd anniversary of the installation of the Molly Marine statue on November 10, 1943. Created by renowned sculptor Enrique Alférez, the life-sized statue at Elk Place and Canal Street honors women serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Inspired by the Women Marines Association and Marine recruiter Charles Gresham, it was the first statue of a woman in military uniform erected in the United States. The anniversary offers an opportunity to recognize the history of this landmark while investing in the continued enhancement of the public space surrounding it.
“Improving Downtown’s public spaces means thinking creatively about how people experience them throughout the day and evening. The Molly Marine Plaza project is a great example of how thoughtful design and targeted investments can make a meaningful difference. By bringing new lighting to the plaza and improving the surrounding sidewalks, we’re creating a safer, more welcoming pedestrian environment while advancing our commitment to improving the public realm across Downtown,” said Seth Knudsen, President and CEO of the Downtown Development District.
The project was made possible through a $100,000 allocation from Act 461 of the 2025 Louisiana Legislature, supporting the design and installation of improvements at Molly Marine Plaza. The work also advances recommendations from the DDD’s Parks and Open Spaces Plan and the BioDistrict Lighting Gap Analysis and Concept Identification Plan.
In addition to the lighting installation, the DDD completed sidewalk improvements surrounding the plaza. The work included installing a new six-inch concrete subbase, replacing 125 large granite tiles and reinstalling 70 smaller granite tiles. These improvements address the condition of the surrounding pedestrian infrastructure and complement the lighting project by enhancing the overall experience.
The project was completed in coordination with the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways, whose partnership helped advance improvements to the public space.
“Investments in public spaces are investments in the long-term strength of our city. Projects like the Molly Marine Plaza improvements show what can be accomplished when state and local partners work together to enhance our shared spaces and make Downtown more welcoming for residents, workers and visitors. I’m proud to have supported this investment and to see it come to life,” said Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis.
“Intentional design and lighting do more than enhance the appearance of a public space. They contribute to a sense of safety, improve pedestrian mobility, and help create a more welcoming environment. Molly Marine Plaza is an important connection point between Canal Street, Downtown, and the BioDistrict, and investments like this help strengthen that connection while improving the experience for residents, workers, and visitors. Through the Canal Street Renaissance Initiative, we are taking a broader, coordinated approach to revitalizing the corridor. This includes addressing critical infrastructure and maintenance needs while identifying opportunities to enhance lighting, accessibility, and the overall public realm. The DDD’s investment is an important component of that effort and reflects the value of sustained partnerships in creating a more connected, accessible, and vibrant Canal Street corridor,” said Sayde Finkel, Canal Street Renaissance Director for the City of New Orleans.
Molly Marine Plaza is an important public space within Downtown New Orleans and the BioDistrict. The improvements build on the DDD’s ongoing collaboration with BioDistrict partners, including Tulane University and the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, to enhance the area’s public spaces through lighting, public art, landscape improvements and other placemaking initiatives.