NEW ORLEANS — Armstrong Park and Congo Square have served as a north star for New Orleans culture. But just behind the gatherings stands a backdrop that visually doesn't align with the beauty of the culture, the decaying Municipal Auditorium.
"Anybody over 40 years though, experienced many firsts in the auditorium, probably their first concert, their graduation, first ball, first, recital, you know, first ball," said Jackie Harris, President of Save Our Soul Coalition Board of Directors.
But on Thursday, the tune changed.
"It's a great day in New Orleans for me," Harris said.
The city council approved a contract between the city and the "Save Our Souls Coalition", an organization of culture bearers and community advocates – to start working on a plan to redevelop the auditorium and park.
"They've been saying all along, like listen to the community as to what should happen with Municipal Auditorium and Armstrong Park," said City Council President Helena Moreno. "So for many years, there's been this push to have the planning be really community driven."
After they successfully fought off plans to turn the auditorium into City Hall, Harris said the auditorium's second life will be one that the community wants.
"They want to see a museum that chronicles the history of the development of arts and culture in New Orleans," Harris explained. "They also said they want to see a strong economic development effort for culture bearers and artists."
While plans are still getting finalized – and Harris said it'll be at least a year until construction starts. They do know that they want to honor the man whose legacy shines brighter than the arch that bears his name.
"This man never, ever stopped owning New Orleans, although, in many instances, we can say it disowned him," Harris said.
The organization said the next step is to create a planning panel and find the right design team.
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