In its heyday, the Ford Arabi plant cranked out cars for Ford Motor Co., changing the culture of suburban St. Bernard Parish.From turning out Model T's to being used as warehouse during World War II, the building on North Peters Street has a storied history. It was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places."It was not only an economic engine for suburban New Orleans, but also a local architectural treasure," said a spokesperson for St. Bernard Parish about the recent recognition.Officials with the National Register of Historic Places told WDSU in an email that the Arabi assembly plant was inducted because of its importance at the local level, especially from 1923 to 1933.The plant also proved important because of its location along the Mississippi River. It would help churn out vehicles to the southeast and parts of Latin America.After World War II, the plant was converted back to a sales and distribution center.St. Bernard Parish officials called the building an "iconic structure of our community for almost a century."Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!