City Leaders Celebrate Algiers Courthouse Renovations
Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City Councilwoman Nadine Ramsey, Louisiana’s FEMA Recovery Director Mike Womack and other city and state officials celebrated the completion of renovations on the Algiers Courthouse with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, Feb. 1.
Second City Court, located at 225 Morgan Street, underwent a $1.3 million makeover that began last spring.
“The historic Algiers Courthouse has been a pillar for the West Bank. For over a century, it has served as a focal point of the Algiers community,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “This renovation shows our commitment to Algiers, and we look forward to continuing to invest in the community.”
The building was originally constructed in 1896 to serve as the courthouse in Algiers after the former Duverjé plantation home, which served as the courthouse, was destroyed by fire in 1895. It is the third oldest courthouse in continuous use in Louisiana.
Second City Court’s Judge E. “Teena” Anderson-Trahan, Clerk of Court Darren Lombard and Constable Edwin Shorty, Jr. were on hand for the ceremony.
“The Algiers Courthouse has provided essential services and conveniences to the citizens of Algiers for over a century. These renovations will ensure that this historical building will continue to serve Algiers and the rest of New Orleans for years to come,” Judge Anderson-Trahan said.
Completed renovations include the installation of a new roof, repair and replacement of wood decking in the upper floors of the east and west towers, new ornamental metal signage, painting and waterproofing, and a number of repairs.
The project was funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance money for public buildings affected by Hurricane Katrina.
“FEMA recognizes the importance of preserving the historical integrity of our communities following Hurricane Katrina. The successful completion of repairs to the historic Algiers Courthouse will ensure it remains a prominent landmark in this community,” said FEMA’s Womack.
The Algiers Courthouse renovation joins more than 180 capital projects completed since 2010, a total investment of $330 million.
Ashe Cultural Arts Centers Hosts Events in February
In honor of Black History Month, the Ashe Cultural Arts Center is inviting the public to join them in celebrating works that uplift and inspire, including “The Other Black History”, a theatrical production by first-time playwright Flint Mitchell. This stage play, set over two consecutive Saturdays, features a formerly incarcerated, yet exonerated schoolteacher as a detention monitor. During the two days of detention, he teaches four students about racial justice, and courage in the face of adversity.
Tickets are $15 if purchased by Feb. 15 and $20 after that date. The play will show at 7:30 p.m. each night Feb. 22-24 and at 3 p.m. on Feb. 25.
Also, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Exhibition is up through the end of March. The exhibition represents work from artists around the country, and is curated by the New Orleans Chapter of the National Conference of Artists.
For more information and a complete list of events, visit ashecac.org.
