The Gondola

our work

project
description

Envisioned by artist EJ Hill in collaboration with Prospect NOLA, Rises in the East stands as a powerful tribute to the resilience of New Orleans East after Hurricane Katrina. Our team brought this five-story, outdoor, public art installation to life, overcoming tight deadlines and unpredictable weather to honor the community’s strength and spirit.

project parameters

the
challenge

Downtown FabWorks was tasked with the fabrication and installation of a semi-permanent, five-story tall steel art structure featuring a vintage Ferris wheel gondola suspended at its peak.

what

we did

  • Technical Design
  • Custom Metalwork
  • Finishing
  • Installation

solution

description

This project wasn't just about showcasing the skills of our metalworking and finishing teams—it was a testament to the power of process, persistence, and collaboration. Every step mattered. From the first conversation to the final installation, we worked closely with the artist and our partners to create a durable structure that would inform and inspire those who encountered it. Together, we combined expertise in metalwork, finishing, project management, and installation to bring this vision to life. The result is a piece that feels like more than art—it feels like a shared achievement, built with care and intention. Artistic credit: EJ Hill and Prospect New Orleans.

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.
Scott Beelman

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.
Kristen Kain

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.
Mandi (Ridgdell) Mueller

Paul Utterback

Business Development, Crystal Clear Imaging
A model company for design and fabrication. If you can dream it, Downtown FabWorks can do it.
Paul Utterback

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!
Irina Gusin

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.
Mike Cassesi

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.
Chuck Breaux, Sr.

who we

Work with

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get in touch

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New Orleans Saints Small Business Partner 2023Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Alumni
2800 N Johnson St. New Orleans, LA 70117
Call: 504-766-0099
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