Sidney Torres, III lauds designation’s significance for the community.
The Ford plant in Arabi has been added to the National Register of Historic Places through the efforts of the property owners in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism.
At its peak in the early part of the 20th century, the plant drove as many 300 cars a day off its assembly line, servicing the southern U.S. as well as much of Latin America. The plant largely looks the way it did then, with expansive assembly floors, a flood of natural light, original red brick, and thick timber beams defining the beautiful architectural wonder.
The 225,000 square foot plant sits on 27 acres with 800 feet of river frontage and rail access.
“We are thrilled to have the Ford plant, an iconic landmark in our community, added to the National Register of Historic Places,” said Sidney Torres III, an attorney who leads the small group of private investors who own the property.
Torres said that the Ford plant was also recently designated as an Opportunity Zone under the new 2017 Congressional tax reform package.
“These designations will encourage long-term capital investment that will result in significant economic development in our community,” Torres added. The Ford plant’s addition to the Register was recently reported on by Hemmings Daily, which is described as “the world’s leading classic car news source.” As a place of historic significance, the plant was also the subject of a 2014 Times-Picayune article by geographer Richard Campanella, who wrote:
“Ford’s selection of Arabi made sense. New railroads, superb river access, abundant fresh water and open land, as well as great urban proximity, had attracted investors here since the late 1800s.”
Torres says that the same things that made Arabi attractive at the turn of the last century still exist and are appealing to this day.
“Just a short drive to downtown New Orleans, with rail and river access, the Ford plant is well suited for any number of uses,” he said. “We’re currently exploring our options for how best to develop it.”
A prominent area businessman, Torres is also an owner of The Ranch Film Studios in nearby Chalmette and is the attorney-owner of Sidney Torres Law Firm and Property Title.
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.
A board containing images and information on the Ford plant in attorney Sidney Torres III’s office.
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