The VCCF enables protection and preservation of New Orleans’ architectural heritage through education and workshops.
Colors of the French Quarter
initiated August 2022
After nearly a year of collaborative effort, Helm Paint, Benjamin Moore, and the VCC Foundation have created the Colors of the French Quarter special paint color collection. Made possible by Helm Paint’s generous 2025 donation, this collection serves as a helpful starting point for homeowners seeking historically appropriate paint colors for their French Quarter properties.
Quarterly Care Workshops
Initiated 2019; Ongoing
Learn hands-on historic preservation through our Quarterly Care Workshop series. Expert-led sessions teach French Quarter property owners and caretakers essential maintenance practices, compliance with Vieux Carré Design Guidelines, and how to evaluate contractor work. Maintenance is preservation – protect your historic property from deterioration with proper care.
We aim to raise awareness of the French Quarter’s cultural and historical value while providing practical preservation education to stakeholders. All workshops are available on our YouTube channel for those who can’t attend live.
Navigating the VCC
Initiated August 2020; ongoing
Free workshop series helping property owners and tenants navigate VCC processes. Each session features VCC Staff presentations and live Q&A, focusing on different aspects that build on previous topics. Open to the public. All sessions posted to YouTube with slides and FAQ updates.
Have topic suggestions? Email info@vccfoundation.org
When are the full commission hearings?
Educational Programs
Storm Preparedness
Storms are scary and stressful – especially when caring for a historic French Quarter property. We’ve partnered with the Vieux Carré Commission to create this easy guide for storm preparation and post-storm property care.
The best preparation happens before hurricane season. Check “Storm Preparedness” in the Design Guidelines Index for seasonal and annual preparation steps.
Exterior Lighting Design Guidelines
Completed April 2013
The Foundation’s first major project was a comprehensive French Quarter lighting study to help the VCC adopt new guidelines addressing security, pedestrian safety, and aesthetics for property owners and 9+ million annual visitors.
The 1986 lighting guidelines were obsolete due to rapidly changing technology. Our study provided prescriptive guidelines for exterior illumination tailored to various building types, the Vieux Carré’s character, and public safety needs, including optimal lighting for security cameras. The results became new state-of-the-art exterior lighting design guidelines.
Morrison Memorial Lecture Series
Initiated 2002; Ongoing
This biennial lecture series, continuing in 2025, educates the public about historic preservation while honoring longtime French Quarter advocates Jacob Haight Morrison and Mary Meek Morrison. Coordinated with The Historic New Orleans Collection and Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents, and Associates.
Past speakers include:
- David Dixon – “We’re Not Done Yet: Post Katrina Urban Planning Lessons”
- Kirk Cordell – “Preservation in the 21st Century: How Technology is Reshaping Historic Resources”
- Pratt W. Cassity – “Managing Change in Historic Districts”
- Costas Christ – “How Sustainable Tourism is Transforming the Global Travel Industry”
- Calder Loth – “Infill and Additions in Historic Districts”
Graffiti in the French Quarter
2022
We know that graffiti is happening to property owners and caretakers throughout the French Quarter. It is frustrating, repetitive, and overwhelming. Navigating the remediation process can feel exactly that same way. We worked with other neighborhood organizations to put all of the information in one place and make it easily accessible. We are so sorry that this happened to you and hope this helps.
Special Events
Our annual events celebrate and support French Quarter preservation while bringing together the community around our shared architectural heritage. The signature Spirit of the Vieux Carré Gala features live music and raises vital funds for preservation projects, while the Vieux Carré Architectural Awards recognize outstanding restoration efforts. Educational workshops, quarterly care sessions, and community gatherings provide opportunities for property owners and preservation enthusiasts to connect, learn, and engage with ongoing efforts to protect the historic character of New Orleans’ most treasured neighborhood.