The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) will break ground on its new project, the “New Orleans Jazz Market” on Tuesday, February 25, 2014.

NOJO breaks ground for its new space on O.C. Haley Blvd. on February 25.

The Jazz Market will be located on the corner of Martin Luther King Blvd at 1436 Oretha C. Haley Blvd. in Central City. It was the site of the old Gator’s variety store that closed several years ago. NOJO purchased the property in the fall and says the 11,000+ square foot space will contain a 610-seat performance venue, office space, a jazz archive and “New Orleans music experiences and education for all ages.”

The February 25 event will include presentations from Ron Forman, NOJO Board chairman, Council Memebr LaToya Cantrell, and performances by Dee Dee Bridgewater and Ellis Marsalis.

A presentation and Town Hall meeting will follow at 6 p.m. that evening at the Ashé Cultural Center, 1712 Oretha C. Haley Blvd.