A Colorful Journey in Hammond, LA
The Mural at Cate Street Seafood Station
By Erin Perez
As you drive, stroll, or bike through historic downtown Hammond, Louisiana, a vibrant splash of color catches your eye. A striking new mural adorns the wall of Cate Street Seafood Station, breathing fresh life into the already charming streetscape. This artistic addition is more than just a pretty picture—it's a testament to our community's unwavering spirit, our rich history, and our commitment to growth and beauty.
The Mural: A Collaboration of Local Talent
The large mural, which now graces the wall along the railroad tracks of our building, is the result of a collaboration between two talented local artists: Nicholas Miner of Miner Design Co. and Marc Verret of MarcFreshArt. Nicholas Miner, the creative mind behind Miner Design Co., crafted the intricate design for our mural. With a background in graphic design and branding, Nicholas brings a unique perspective to visual storytelling. His work is characterized by clean lines, bold typography, and a keen eye for composition that effectively communicates brand messages. Nicholas's expertise extends far beyond mural design. As evident from his portfolio, he has worked on a wide range of projects, including logo design, brand identity development, digital illustrations, and so much more. His ability to distill complex ideas into visually striking designs made him the perfect choice for conceptualizing our mural. Marc Verret, known professionally as MarcFreshArt, brought Nicholas's design to life with his distinctive graffiti-style approach. Marc is a well-known figure in the Louisiana art scene, recognized for his vibrant and eye-catching murals that have left their mark on various locations throughout south Louisiana and beyond. Marc's unique style blends elements of traditional graffiti art with contemporary design, resulting in pieces that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful to the communities they inhabit. His work often incorporates many bold colors, dynamic shapes, and a sense of movement that brings normal static walls to life. The creation of our mural was a true collaborative effort. Nicholas Miner's exquisite design expertise and complete understanding of our brand's story provided the perfect blueprint, while Marc Verret's skill with spray paint and large-scale artwork brought that vision to vibrant life on our exterior restaurant wall. This collaboration between graphic designer and street artist resulted in a mural that is not only visually stunning but also rich in symbolism and meaning. The mural features iconic local imagery, including the historic Hammond train station, a nod to our restaurant's location in the former freight station; lush strawberries, representing Hammond's legacy as the "Strawberry Capital of America;" the Southeastern Louisiana University lion, honoring our local educational institution; and abstract representations of local flora and fauna. These elements are woven together in a dynamic composition that captures the essence of Hammond's past, present, and future while also reflecting the unique artistic styles of both Nicholas and Marc. The result is more than just a beautiful (and very large) piece of art—it's a testament to the power of collaboration and the vibrant creative community in Hammond, America. We're proud to showcase the work of these talented local artists and to contribute to the visual landscape of our beloved downtown area.
A Reflection of Our Community
The decision to commission this mural was driven by our deep connection to the Hammond community. As a family-owned restaurant that has been serving the area for two decades, we've always strived to be more than just a place to eat—we want to be an integral part of the community fabric. This mural represents our commitment to beautifying our downtown area while supporting local artists. It's our way of giving back to the community that has supported us for so long while also creating a new point of interest for visitors and locals alike.
The Heart of Historic Downtown Hammond
To truly appreciate the significance of this new mural, it's important to understand the context of its location. Historic downtown Hammond is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural heritage, with a story that stretches back nearly two centuries. The Hammond Historic District, encompassing fifteen square blocks in the geographical center of modern Hammond, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980! This area is a testament to the town's rich history, particularly its commercial heyday in the early 20th century when Hammond was the center of Louisiana's strawberry industry. Walking through downtown Hammond is like stepping back in time. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved brick buildings, many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These structures, with their ornate facades and vintage signage, tell the story of a bustling commercial center that has stood the test of time. Some notable landmarks in the historic district of Hammond include the Columbia Theatre, a beautifully restored 1928 vaudeville theater that now serves as a performing arts center, and the Hammond Train Depot, built in 1912 and now home to the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Our restaurant, Cate Street Seafood Station, is proud to be part of this historic landscape. Located in the former Hammond Freight Station at 308 S. Cate Street, our building itself is a piece of local history.
Cate Street Seafood Station: A Family Legacy
The story of Cate Street Seafood Station is deeply intertwined with the history of Hammond itself. Our journey began in 1971 when the Wong family opened Trey Yuen, introducing the flavors of Chinese cuisine to Hammond. This venture laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational commitment to serving the Hammond community. In 2003, our family purchased the former Hammond Freight Station from Duffy and Donna Gay Bordelon. We saw potential in this historic building, located at the entrance to downtown Hammond. Over the next year and a half, the Wong Family and their friends poured their hearts into renovating the space, carefully preserving its original character while adapting it for its new life as a restaurant. On August 19, 2004, Cate Street Seafood Station opened its doors, initially serving a fresh seafood buffet. However, like any enduring business, we've had to adapt to changing circumstances. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, it forced us to reimagine our concept. During this challenging time, we were fortunate to cross paths with Yusuke Kawahara of Little Tokyo, who relocated to Hammond and taught Christopher Wong the art of sushi. This unexpected turn of events led to a transformation of our menu. When we reopened, Cate Street Seafood Station had evolved into the diverse culinary destination it is today, offering a unique blend of seafood, steak, and sushi dishes.
A Culinary Journey Through Hammond's Flavors
At Cate Street Seafood Station, we pride ourselves on offering a menu that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Hammond and Louisiana as a whole. Our dishes are a celebration of local flavors and fresh ingredients, prepared with the skill and care that comes from years of experience. Our menu is designed to offer something for everyone, from seafood lovers to steak enthusiasts and from sushi aficionados to those craving classic Southern comfort food.
The Dining Experience: More Than Just a Meal
When you step into Cate Street Seafood Station, you're not just entering a restaurant—you're stepping into a piece of Hammond's history. We've worked hard to preserve the character of the original freight station, incorporating many authentic vintage details that speak to Hammond's past. The original wood floor creaks underfoot, telling tales of countless footsteps over the decades. An antique water fountain stands as a silent witness to the building's long history. Rustic old railroad signs adorn the walls, reminding diners of the building's former life as a bustling freight station. But it's not just about the past. We've created a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages diners to relax, enjoy their meal, and create new memories. The convivial ambiance captures the essence of Hammond's small-town charm, making every visit feel like a special occasion.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
As we celebrate 20 years of serving the Hammond community, we're more committed than ever to being an active, positive force in our town. The new mural is just one example of our ongoing efforts to contribute to the vibrancy and beauty of downtown Hammond. Looking ahead, we have plans to continue enhancing both our menu and our space. We're always experimenting with new dishes that showcase local ingredients and flavors, and we're exploring ways to further improve our dining area while respecting the historical integrity of our building. We're also committed to supporting local events and initiatives. From participating in food festivals to sponsoring community projects, we believe in giving back to the town that has given us so much. The community response to our new mural has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the deep connection between our restaurant and the people of Hammond. Restaurant owner Jonathan Wong expressed his pride in the mural's message, stating, "Our chosen quote, 'You Belong Here,' perfectly complements the welcoming nature we want to achieve with this mural. It’s a beautiful way to invite everyone into downtown with familiar representations and symbols of Louisiana and Hammond." He highlighted the inclusion of a special plant with five leaves, symbolizing the Five F concept: Family, Faith, Fitness, Friends, and Finance. This thoughtful design resonates with many locals, creating a sense of belonging for all who pass by.” Melissa Bordelon from our very own Tangi Chamber of Commerce shared her admiration, saying, "I am just in AWE of the beautiful mural," while Anntoine Marketing + Design added, "There’s something new in town, and we can’t help but smile every time we drive by! The beautiful new mural on Cate Street Seafood Station's building celebrates everything we love about Hammond – from Southeastern’s green and gold pride and our favorite lion, Roomie, to herons, magnolias, strawberries, and that charming oak tree swing. It even reminds us to fall in love with Hammond all over again. We’re so grateful for the vibrant spirit of our hometown! Thank you for inspiring us Jonathan Wong and Marc Fresh Art!" Other community members echoed this enthusiasm, with Dara Calmes simply stating, "I adore your new mural. It really breathes some life into that side of town!" and Anderson Traylor Edwards Law Firm calling it "amazing!" These comments reflect not only appreciation for the artwork but also a shared pride in our vibrant community spirit.
Visit Us and Be Part of Our Story
Whether you're a Hammond local or a visitor to our charming town, we invite you to come experience Cate Street Seafood Station for yourself. Enjoy a delicious meal, admire our new mural, and soak in the history and character of our unique space. As you dine with us, remember that you're not just enjoying a meal—you're participating in a continuing story of family, community, and culinary excellence that stretches back over two decades. From the Wong family's first Hammond restaurant in 1971 to today's Cate Street Seafood Station, we've been honored to be part of Hammond's culinary landscape. So the next time you're in downtown Hammond, look for the colorful mural along the railroad tracks. Let it guide you to Cate Street Seafood Station, where history, art, and incredible food come together in a truly unique dining experience. We can't wait to welcome you and make you part of our ongoing story!
Check out this special feature on our mural done by Miss Chloe Williams, Staff Writer for Hammond’s The Daily Star newspaper.
