NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – When a 200-year-old building came crumbling down on Royal Street in October, it brought to light how fragile the French Quarter really is. While a part of history is gone, an artist took it upon himself to bring new life to the vacant lot.
810 Royal Street is now a vacant lot. What once stood there is no more. For those walking by, they’re noticing something that wasn’t there before.
“We were just walking down Royal Street and I was just showing my dad where there used to be a house and it’s amazing that someone here in New Orleans has put art up there, it’s such a New Orleans thing,” says local Karlien Meulenaars.
30 feet high, where the second story would have been, it looks like somebody has made themselves at home. 200 years of history came crumbling down in the French Quarter, a treasured building left to nothing but dirt, dust and debris.
“I felt sad about a historical building collapsing and just falling down, so I wanted to bring new life to this area,” says artist Reggie Ford.
Artist Reggie Ford noticed wood paneling and a socket was all that remained of the second story apartment. He wanted to give it new life so he installed a nightstand, a lamp, and a painting on the wall with his signature. They say the best things in life are free, especially a vision that draws inspiration among the dust.
“I just want to use my art to provoke thought and make people happy,” says Ford.
To learn more about Reggie Ford and his art, click here.