French Quarter's Spanish tile restoration in the works

Flashback: The Vieux Carre was once the Viejo Barrio.

• Spain governed the Louisiana territory for nearly four decades, a period that ended when Napoleon Bonaparte's influence ended up with Spain giving it back.
• France was in control for only a short time before selling the territory to the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase.

Zoom in: The French Quarter's 126 original tiles were a gift from Spain to commemorate the city's Spanish era, according to a city press release.

• They were produced in Talavera de la Reina, Spain, in 1959.
• Spanish ceramic tile maker ADEX will make the new ones, courtesy of Spanish ambassador to the U.S. Ángeles Moreno Bau.

What's next: French Quarter building owners with damaged tiles can apply for replacements through the city. The deadline is May 9. Details.