The American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496 will break ground on construction of their new rehearsal hall at 2555 Ursulines Avenue on Thursday, February 23. The ceremony will begin at 2pm.

A year of planning went into the design and technical details of the new building, which will be available—free of charge—to all members of the union.

Designed by architect Sam Bevido and Esplanade Studios owner and engineer Misha Kachkachishvili, the hall will also accommodate union membership meetings, giving members of the New Orleans music community opportunities to network and discuss how to protect the interests of working musicians in South Louisiana.

The New Orleans chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) boasts nearly 500 members, including Louisiana Philharmonic performers, composers and musicians spanning a wide range of genres. The AFM itself began in 1896 with a charter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The organization currently represents 80,000 artists and is dedicated to improving the working conditions and wages of its members.