Biz New Orleans: TEP Interpretive Center Opens New Permanent Exhibit

Close-up of various metal clamps and industrial tools organized on a rack in a workshop.

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Architectural

Biz New Orleans: TEP Interpretive Center Opens New Permanent Exhibit

Staff

January 19, 2026

NEW ORLEANS — The Leona Tate Foundation for the Change, Inc. at The Tate, Etienne, and Prevost (TEP) Interpretive Center has announced the grand opening of its newest permanent exhibit, “The Principal’s Office.”

The installation offers an intimate journey through history, retracing the path of six-year-olds Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost—the girls who integrated McDonogh 19 Elementary School in 1960. Visitors will follow their footsteps, beginning at the front steps of the school and culminating in The Principal’s Office, just as those girls did more than 65 years ago.

The exhibit was fabricated by Downtown FabWorks, whose team brought the story to life with immersive craftsmanship. The design was led by Gallagher & Associates (G&A), contributing thoughtful interpretation to the physical and emotional journey being reimagined inside the space.

Read the full story: https://bizneworleans.com/tep-interpretive-center-opens-new-permanent-exhibit/

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Staff

January 19, 2026

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Scott Beelman

Partner, Katapult Events

In the world of live events—where things often change on a whim—it's great to have a fabrication partner who understands our business and exceeds our expectations every single time.

Ryan McDonald

Senior Creative Producer, RED VELVET

Downtown FabWorks was a standout partner for our brand activation at Tales of the Cocktail. From the start, their team was collaborative, communicative, and deeply invested in bringing our vision to life with smart tech integration and seamless execution. Their onsite crew was not only skilled, but also incredibly friendly and easy to work with, making install a breeze. The final result was high-quality, on-brand, and a true showstopper.

Kristen Kain

Owner, Kristen Kain: Marketing + Events

Downtown FabWorks is a great group to work with on any event project. They are experienced in all things related to scenic fabrication and installation, and they are flexible and accommodating as the needs of the project are developing. Having a reliable scenic partner is crucial to the success of the project—and Downtown FabWorks does not disappoint.

Mandi (Ridgdell) Mueller

Account Manager, Solomon Group

We love our partnership with Downtown FabWorks! Between their quality leadership and fortitude they are second to none.

Paul Utterback

Business Development, Crystal Clear Imaging

A model company for design and fabrication. If you can dream it, Downtown FabWorks can do it.

Irina Gusin

Independent Exhibitions Producer

Dan and his team at Downtown FabWorks were able to fully produce and execute a large-scale structure thoughtfully and in record time when my project's deadline was threatened by Hurricane Ida. I couldn't be more appreciative of Dan's professionalism and hard work during a very stressful and uncertain time. Dan and his team were a joy to work with!

Mike Cassesi

Owner, CASSESI Commercial Construction

Dan and his team are true professionals who are in a league of their own. When it comes to creativity, quality, and skill, Downtown FabWorks is a company that we know we can trust. Dan is down-to-earth, responsive, hardworking, and a true pleasure to work with every time.

Chuck Breaux, Sr.

Owner, Assurance AV Solutions

Working with Dan and his team has been great. We always have a need for custom fab solutions in our line of work and these guys deliver top-notch work on time—every time. I highly recommend them for any of your fabrication needs.