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Insights > Claiborne Substation restoration and mural project earns prestigious award for historic preservation
Claiborne Substation restoration and mural project earns prestigious award for historic preservation
05/22/2025
Entergy New Orleans and Gibbs Construction have received the Louisiana Landmarks Society “2024 Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation” for restoration work on the Claiborne Substation located at 425 Elysian Fields Avenue. This is a major milestone for Entergy New Orleans and our partners marking the successful planning, restoration, and revitalization of this historic site.
This recognition honors exceptional restoration and rehabilitation projects completed in Orleans parish in 2024.
“The variety of this year’s thirteen award-winning projects reflects the strength and reach of historic preservation across New Orleans,” says Michael Mancuso, president of Louisiana Landmarks Society. “These efforts are essential to preserving our city’s character while contributing to its cultural and economic growth.”
The Claiborne Substation, a century-old brick masonry structure, has long served as a vital power hub for the Greater New Orleans area. Originally built as a power generation facility, the substation played a foundational role in electrifying the Vieux Carré and predates the well-known Market Street Power Plant. Although in continuous operation, the facility had deteriorated significantly over time.
The award recognizes the team’s efforts to preserve and rehabilitate the historic site while keeping it fully operational. Despite the complexity, the team successfully balanced preservation with functionality using expert craftsmanship, careful planning, and strategic project management.
At Entergy New Orleans, our work goes beyond powering homes and businesses. We are committed to strengthening our city by investing in projects that reflect the culture, history, and resilience of the communities we serve.
A striking mural now spans the wall of this historic site and serves as the final phase of the revitalization effort. New Orleans-based artist Brenden Palmer-Angell, known for his deep connection to the city and his symbolic, meaningful approach to public art, was commissioned to bring the mural to life. The mural, added after the three-year restoration effort, now stands as a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal for both the building and the community.
The mural features a white heron surrounded by a cornucopia of native healing plants—passionflower, elderberry flower, sassafras leaf, blooming cats’ claw, and red Mamou. According to the artist, the heron symbolizes wisdom, peace, resourcefulness, and adaptability. The plants represent natural elements that promote healing and clarity. Together, these components deliver a message of hope, unity, and resilience.
“This is our community, and we want to see it flourish,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “We’re honored to receive this award and proud to play a role in preserving the history that makes our city so unique.”
The mural and restoration project reflects Entergy New Orleans’ ongoing commitment to investing in the communities we serve. We are thankful for the recognition by the Louisiana Landmarks Society and will continue to champion projects that celebrate our city’s rich history while building a stronger, more beautiful New Orleans for generations to come.
