Hurricane Gustav
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina three years ago, the National Trust for Historic Preservation opened an office in New Orleans, in order to work closely on the ground with our partners as the city rebuilt. We've been part of tremendous successes, including the HOME AGAIN! program and its part in helping restore the community in the Holy Cross neighborhood, and we're still facing challenges, as with the planned demolition of Charity Hospital and the neighborhood surrounding it.
As Hurricane Gustav loomed over Labor Day weekend, however, we -- like so many others -- hoped the Crescent City and the rest of the Gulf Coast would not be too extensively damaged. One of our local staff members, Kevin Mercadel, remained in his Holy Cross home, and he has reported that, at first glance, it appears that the historic districts where we have focused so much work over the past three years were spared any significant damage as a result of Hurricane Gustav. Both he and Walter Gallas, director of the New Orleans Field Office, will continue their assessment over the coming days. They're sharing their stories on the PreservationNation blog.
Updates from our Partners on the Gulf Coast:
Baton Rouge: Wind damage, many trees down, power out for over 300,000 people. No reports for specific historic properties yet.
National Trust Historic Site Shadows-on-the-Teche: Jim reports from Pat of minor damage to house and visitor center, much of the fence is down and many tree limbs down.
From David Preziosi, Mississippi Heritage Trust: "We did fine in Jackson with minor winds and rain. Natchez on the other hand was hit much harder. I spoke with Mimi Miller (of Historic Natchez Foundation) this morning and she said trees are down all over the city including falling on transmission lines to the city. She also said that the front wall of a building in the downtown collapsed, however it was just the remains of the front of building with no walls or roof behind it. Another commercial building in the historically African American section of town partially collapsed."
From Bob Wilson, Main Street coordinator for Mississippi: Biloxi is OK with minimal damage, as is Ocean Springs. Have not yet heard from Gulfport. Hancock County (Bay St. Louis & Waveland) experienced heavy flooding; at least 5 ft. in some downtown buildings. The Main Street Manager evacuated and cannot return until the week's end. Pascagoula had some flooding on Beach Blvd. with minimal damage downtown. Picayune experienced some roof damage from wind, overall damage was minimal.
View our Gulf Coast Recovery Slideshow.
Support our work on the Gulf Coast.
Resources
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has myriad resources available for homeowners coping with the damage caused by hurricanes. Click here for a list of preservation organizations in the states impacted by Huricane Gustav.
From the PreservationNation Blog
Notes from New Orleans: Holy Cross Projects Sustain “No Significant Damage”
The Holy Cross neighborhood looks very good the day after Gustav passed through Louisiana. Although heavy winds downed a few trees and one electrical pole, the neighborhood is clear of any major debris. The streets are fully passable. Luckily, there was no significant damage seen on the exterior of the homes in the neighborhood. Though [...]
Notes from New Orleans: Evacuation & Early Reports
Watching the early reports of Gustav’s effects on New Orleans from my viewpoint in St. Louis, I see that at least right now we will need to keep an eye on three areas — neighborhoods in and near the Upper 9th Ward, the Lower 9th Ward, and the West Bank.
Whatever happens with the floodwall lining [...]
Notes from New Orleans: Preparing for Gustav
With Gustav churning just outside the Gulf, New Orleans made preparations even as citizens also did what they could to focus on commemorations of the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the region on August 29, 2005.
On Friday, Kevin Mercadel and I spent part of the Katrina anniversary at one our HOME AGAIN! New [...]
Share Your Story
Do you live in the area impacted by Gustav? Want to send a message out to those who were there? Share your story below.
