MANY ARCHITECTS will call this design “kitsch,” “pastiche,” or “nostalgic.” Pastiche means “an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period,” so it’s not really a criticism, although they mean it to be. For that matter, nostalgic means “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations“—happy associations seem like a good thing.

New Orleans is a great American city, with residents who love their jazz, old and new—the old is frequently called “New Orleans style”—and the French heritage of their food, which until the foodie revolution was hands down the best in America. More than any other Americans, perhaps, they love their old neighborhoods and the characteristic buildings that define those neighborhoods. New Orleanians will have no problem with this building.

You can also see that the architect drew the building with love. That’s always a good things. Buildings made with love will draw the most happy associations.