By ROBIN SHANNON
L’Observateur

GARYVILLE — The first half of a comprehensive plan that will redevelop areas of St. John Parish holding historic significance is nearing completion, and construction could begin sometime later this year.

Since August of last year, St. John Parish has been working with consultants from Greg Cantrell Inc. of Kenner to design a blueprint and checklist for what needs to be done in the four areas of the parish pinpointed for the project. The initiative is similar to the redevelopment of Kenner’s Rivertown historic area, also handled by Cantrell.

Mark DeJarnette, a landscape architect for Cantrell who is handling the St. John project, said the first half of the plan, which includes the Garyville timber mill district as well as the West Bank of St. John near the courthouse, has been laid out.

“Garyville is probably the most historically intact area of the parish and, therefore, the most logical starting point for the project,” DeJarnette said. “The town is a rare example of how early industry in Louisiana was laid out. It is something that we have the ability to salvage.”

DeJarnette said the three-part Garyville project includes a pedestrian loop in the residential district, restoration of the commercial hub around the railroad tracks near the Timbermill Museum and redevelopment in the northern part of the town around an area of ruins that includes what is left of an old sawmill and mill pond.

“It will improve the ‘legibility’ of the town,” said DeJarnette. “The changes we have in store make it more meaningful for tourists coming through the area.”

DeJarnette’s plan puts intense focus on the sawmill ruins area, where he is hoping to improve the open green space and create a recreational area with walking paths. He said he intends to make sure the plans incorporate the historic elements into the day-to-day commerce of the area.

“Museums cannot sustain the economy of a town. They can only do so much,” DeJarnette said. “These redeveloped historic areas need to have a legitimate regular use, and any changes that are done need to be done with the residents of that area in mind. We have held numerous meetings to make sure the people stay in touch with what we are planning to do.”

DeJarnette said much of the funding for projects like this can be found through federal grants specifically set up for historically designated areas. He said much of that grant money is underused because most communities just don’t know it is there. There are also tax credits that the parish can take advantage of if the area falls in line with the “Main Street America” program.

St. John Public Information Officer Buddy Boe said the historic revitalization of Garyville will also include plans to fully renovate the Garyville Timber Mill Museum, which recently received $200,000 from the state to repair the air conditioning system in the hopes of reopening it to visitors. Boe said parish officials are working with the River Parishes Tourism Commission in an effort to increase tourist traffic in that area.