La Fonda Restaurant

The remodel and new façade of this building was designed in 1973 by Hal N. Perkins, Jr., a notable architect in Lafayette, Louisiana, known mostly for his Modern style buildings. At a very young age, Hal Perkins received career advice from architect, George Bernard Knapp, who designed several buildings in Lafayette between the late 1800s and the early 1900s. While Hal Perkins attended architecture school, he was also creatively inspired by Midcentury Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It was during the automobile-era architectural movement of the mid 20th century that La Fonda Restaurant achieved its early popularity in Lafayette. It achieved particular significance as a place to see and be seen during a period of the oil and gas industry’s significant growth. For decades, the restaurant achieved notoriety throughout Acadiana and beyond. Today, La Fonda is a cultural icon, having enjoyed long-term successful operations, and representing the economic prosperity of the Midcentury era in Lafayette. Hal Perkins is also credited with the designs of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, St. Jules Catholic Church, the Carmelite Monastery on Carmel Drive, the 5 story bank building at 700 Saint John Street and the Paul Azar Residence at 100 Beverly Drive.