NEW ORLEANS — From falling debris to decay and death, it’s a building that’s plagued New Orleanians for years.
“Plaza Tower is an iconic building and a huge part of our skyline and prominent when you enter New Orleans,” Louisiana Super Bowl Coordinator Michael Hecht said.
Change may finally be coming to the Plaza Tower soon.
“We know that in recent years, it hasn’t been maintained like we would like it to be, and we want to beautify it for the Super Bowl,” Hecht said.
By Super Bowl LIX, officials plan to wrap the bottom ten floors of the eyesore in a welcome banner.
“For the remainder of the building, which you really don’t see from street level, but you do see from far away and the skyline, we’re thinking of how we can project on it and light it up and make it beautiful,” Hecht said.
A series of unfortunate events followed after it was vacated over two decades ago due to asbestos and toxic mold.
In 2021, falling debris injured a cyclist. Last April, a fire broke out in the tower, and two hours later, a man died after falling from a window.
“At the very least, we need to make sure the building is secure and safe before the Super Bowl,” New Orleans Council Member Lesli Harris said.
Now the question is, who’s paying for the wrap?
The state’s Super Bowl Coordinator, Michael Hecht, says he’s not sure yet, but it won’t be taxpayers or building owner Joe Jaeger.
“It won’t be cheap. It could be about a six-figure price tag,” Hecht said.
Last year, Jaeger was fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for violations and costs related to the building. His attorney tells us he approved the Super Bowl makeover.
“Everyone is on the same team. Everyone has the same goal,” Hecht said.
We asked Hecht if the city would pay Jaeger to use the Plaza Tower. He said that hasn’t been determined, and planning is still early.
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