NEW ORLEANS – Council Vice President Helena Moreno and Councilmember Freddie King III are proud to announce that the Central Business District Historic District Landmarks Commission (“CBDHDLC”) has found that 1031 Canal Street meets the criteria for a historic landmark designation. This effort began with a motion jointly filed by their Council offices requesting the CBDHDLC study whether landmark designation is appropriate for this site given its historically significant past.

This location serves as a reminder of two momentous events in history: the 1960 Woolworth lunch counter civil rights sit-ins and the tragic 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse.

The Council’s landmarking request began in earnest after discussions with family members of the victims of the Hard Rock collapse requesting a permanent memorial to honor the lives of Jose Ponce Arreola, Anthony Magrette, and Quinnyon Wimberly. In light of these conversations, it became clear that recognizing both historic events was the most appropriate path forward.

“The decision by the Commission marks a powerful step forward in honoring the layered history of this location — a place that remembers both the undeniable courage of the Civil Rights Movement and the sorrow of lives lost too soon,” said Council President Helena Moreno.  “This landmark designation ensures that we do not erase the past but elevate its memory — preserving the stories of bravery, injustice, and loss. We owe it to both the past and the future to make sure that whatever rises here next reflects our values, our memories, and our hope for a more just and accountable future. For the families of the victims, for civil rights champions, and for every New Orleanian, this site deserves our respect and remembrance.”

“This site tells two powerful stories—one of courage in the fight for civil rights, and one of tragedy that must never be forgotten,” said Councilman Freddie King III. “Landmarking this location ensures we honor both, and that future generations understand the weight of what happened here.”