HNOC names former K-Paul’s restaurant the Chef Paul Prudhomme Building

Written By Alicia Vial

Dedication marks the completion of the historic renovation of 416 Chartres St.

NEW ORLEANS — During a private dedication ceremony Dec. 3, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) unveiled the new name for the former K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen restaurant located at 416 Chartres St. in the French Quarter – the Chef Paul Prudhomme Building.

HNOC acquired the building in late 2023 and recently completed a $6.4 million historic renovation to convert the two-story, 1834 structure (originally two buildings, 416 and 420 Chartres St.) into a state-of-the-art facility supporting exhibition fabrication, media production and collections-related operations. The renaming recognizes Chef Prudhomme’s lasting cultural influence while marking the building’s new role in HNOC’s mission, connecting the site’s culinary legacy with its future as a center of creative production.

“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 St. 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 St. 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.

To learn more about the Chef Paul Prudhomme Building visit hnoc.org.

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

 

 

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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