Blue Plate Building, building in Louisiana, United States
The Blue Plate Building in Gert Town is a former mayonnaise factory built in 1941 and opened in 1943, featuring a distinctive Streamline Moderne design by architect August Perez Jr. The structure was converted to artist lofts in 2011 while preserving its characteristic horizontal lines, large windows, and robust concrete exterior.
Designed in 1941 and intended to open in 1943, the factory's construction was complicated by World War II, forcing builders to use recycled materials and delay completion. The mayonnaise plant operated for decades before being sold to Riley Foods in 1974 and eventually closing, though it remained an important symbol of the city's industrial past.
The building shapes the character of the Gert Town neighborhood and remains connected to local food traditions. Its transformation from a factory to artist lofts shows how the community honors its industrial roots while welcoming new residents and creative people.
The building is located at the corner of South Norman C. Francis Parkway and Earhart Boulevard and is easy to spot by its large illuminated sign and white concrete structure. The loft apartments inside are private, but the exterior and signage are visible from the street for viewing.
The iconic blue sign illuminates at night and has become a favorite photography spot for locals and visitors. The factory's mayonnaise became a staple topping for Po-Boy sandwiches, a local classic that continues to connect the brand to the city's food culture today.
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