In January 2025, Downtown Development Distric and Greater New Orleans, Inc., in partnership with the New Orleans Building Corporation and RockStep Capital, installed a new iconic sign on Downtown New Orleans’ Spanish Plaza.
Installed by local fabricator Downtown FabWorks, the sign commemorates the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Its design mirrors the trademarked emblem of Desire NOLA—a non-profit established after Hurricane Katrina to support civic and community-based projects.
To honor the legacy of this local non-profit, the installation includes a plaque that states: “Desire NOLA was founded in 2005 by a group of young community members committed to rebuilding the Greater New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina. This installation honors the legacy of these citizens, many who have assumed leadership positions in civic, business, and political fields.”
The project intends to bring visitors to Spanish Plaza, the Riverwalk, and the surrounding area to take pictures, acknowledge this legacy, and celebrate their love for the City. Further, it is part of DDD’s Economic Development Strategy to implement placemaking concepts throughout Downtown neighborhoods that add vitality to the existing urban fabric.
