HNOC Names Former K-Paul’s Restaurant Building in Honor of Chef Paul Prudhomme

“Chef Paul Prudhomme helped shape how the world understands Louisiana food and culture. By dedicating this building in his honor, we are preserving an important chapter of our region’s history while giving the space new purpose in service of our mission,” said Daniel Hammer, HNOC president and CEO. “We are proud to steward this landmark into its next phase of life.”

“Chef Paul’s legacy continues to inspire cooks, culture bearers and communities across Louisiana and beyond,” said Marty Cosgrove, President of Magic Seasoning Blends. “We are grateful to see his name and story honored in such a meaningful way and we applaud the Historic New Orleans Collection for preserving the place where so much of his creativity came to life.”

The renovation itself was complex. “The existing structural components of two different building frame types literally meeting in the middle of the building was the most challenging aspect of this project,” said Katie Boyer, Ryan Gootee General Contractors’ director of operational excellence. “The building’s historic masonry required a tedious rehabilitation process using specialized mortar and hand tools to ensure structural integrity and address moisture intrusion without compromising the historical fabric.”

The renovation, preserving historic architectural features while modernizing the building for specialized use, included new exhibit workshops for wood and metal fabrication, digital media workstations, collaborative design studios, and flexible office space. Approximately 24 HNOC employees will be relocated from 533 Royal Street to the Chef Paul Prudhomme Building, contributing to the institution’s total staff of more than 140 employees across its French Quarter campus which spans 14 historic buildings.

The move is part of the institution’s plan to rehabilitate and renovate the original campus which spans seven buildings and four courtyards anchored by the museum at 533 Royal Street. Once completed, the entirety of the Royal Street campus will house gallery spaces, public event spaces, and an educational facility, making the campus fully accessible to the public for the first time.

The Chef Paul Prudhomme Building continues HNOC’s long-standing commitment to adaptive reuse, preserving historic French Quarter properties while supporting the organization’s expanding public exhibitions, digital initiatives, and educational programs.

Explore the links on this page to learn more about the Chef Paul Prudhomme Building, HNOC’s campus, and current renovations.