DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / December 13, 2000

GRAMERCY – Everyone seems to be wondering when the St. James ParishWelcome Center is going to be ready. With setbacks like the swamp firediverting the work crews, the construction seems to be sporadic, but it’s is in fact continuing on. Parish President Dale Hymel is still holding firm to thespring completion date.

The recent $20,000 grant given by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources has crews at the center in order to finish two rooms, as per the grant requirements, by the end of the year. “There are two roomsdesignated for coastal erosion and wetland exhibits,” said Jody Chenier, director of operations.

The grant arrived as the crews were constructing the public restrooms in the back building. That work has been placed on the back burner at the crewshave finished up the two display rooms. Once the work required by the grantand the handicap accessibility ramps have been added, the crews will go back to finishing the restrooms, said Chenier. The material for the work hasalready been purchased, so the crews can continue on.

It’s uncertain who will be contracted to finish the interior of the center.

Design Woodwork Co. restored the exterior of the building, but so far has notbeen hired to do the inside restoration.

At the last parish council meeting Hymel stated that with the end of the construction with the grant money, attention would be payed to the next step, completion of the interior.

With the possibility of putting the center on the national registry of historical buildings, it is hoped the inside can be restored with the same quality as the exterior. “We hope that (Design Woodwork) can get back inthere to complete it,” said Chenier.

Jud Reynaud, owner of Design Woodwork, is hoping to see the project through to the end. The importance of the restoration of the center is that being onthe corner of Louisiana Highways 642 and 61, it is the first thing visitors and businesses will see when they enter the parish. “It’s important to see thehistory St. James has to offer,” said Chenier.With the completion of the project this coming spring, the welcome center will become the official tourist welcoming area for the parish. Behind thecenter a boardwalk through the swamp will give visitors a feel for the land in St. James Parish. The center will also be used for school field trips, campingexpeditions and other community programs.

More importantly the old creole home will give visitors a look back into time at what St. James Parish was, while inside they will see what St. JamesParish has become.

Return To News Stories