The Friends of the Algiers Courthouse

THE ALGIERS MUSEUM

New Roof Protects a Community Treasure

Thanks to a $48,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in June 2000, obtained by Senator Francis Heitmeier, the Stable at the left rear of the Courthouse received a new much-needed roof in July. The building, first known as the Patrol Building, served as a stable for police and fire horses and fire equipment when the Courthouse was built in 1896. Later some office space was added. The Friends of the Courthouse was formed in 1995 after vandals damaged construction material stored in the Stable and broke many windows.

The terracotta colored metal roof replaced a hail damaged asbestos cement shingle roof. The roof decking and some structural members were also replaced due to water damage and termite infestation. The new roof, gutters, and downspouts will go a long way in preventing further termite damage and keep the building dry until more work can be done there.

This project is the first phase of a total renovation project for the Stable slated to begin in 2001. The building will be renovated to house the Algiers Museum, and will also serve as a community meeting space.

LSED Funds to Benefit the Stable

$10,000 in Louisiana Stadium and Exposition funds were obtained for The Friends of the Algiers Courthouse by State Representative Jackie Clarkson in May 2000 and will be used by the Friends to do preliminary work toward a total renovation of the Stable building. Some proposed projects using the money are surveys, fencing, termite treatment and prevention, and working drawings for the project.

Why a Museum?

The Friends of the Algiers Courthouse see the vacant and unused Stable as an important development of the tourist interest in a little known part of New Orleans. In addition, there is a definite need for education about the role of Algiers in New Orleans' history. A few Algerines have studied and written about the history of this unique area, but in general very few residents know much about the development of the shipbuilding and railroad industries in Algiers or about the important contributions which African-American citizens of Algiers have made in business, education, and the arts. The Stable offers a site to promote the Algiers heritage to local residents as well as tourists through a museum and multipurpose community center.

The Stable location is a positive feature for development as a museum and cultural center since it is itself part of a historic landmark that is already visited by residents and tourists. The Algiers/Canal Street Ferry docks less than two blocks away, offering a ready-made tourist audience. Thousands of vistors each year tour the nearby Blaine Kern's MARDI GRAS WORLD and then leave this historic neighborhood. An Algiers museum would interpret the history of Algiers and increase the number tourists walking through the area and visiting local businesses.

The Stable is waiting for adaptive reuse. The Friends envision a flexible plan that would include a museum of changing exhibits and space for community meetings and conferences. Some revenue for maintenance could be earned from wedding receptions for the many marriages performed each month in Second City Court. In addition, there is a real need to teach the children of our community about the contributions Algiers has made to regional history. Providing a central site for educational programs and tours is one of the primary objectives of The Friends of the Algiers Courthouse. We know the Stable is the perfect place for these programs.

In November 1997, The Friends received a $4,000 City Council/NOPSI Economic Development Grant to retain Robert Cangelosi, A.I.A., to develop plans for the renovation of the Algiers Courthouse Stable as a museum and multipurpose community space. These plans are being used to attract donations for development and to promote our organization to the public.

Links

New Orleans Public Library Online Algiers Exhibit
Coming Soon! The Algiers Museum