House Concurrent Resolution 89 - “Big Charity” Hospital in New Orleans

The Foundation for Historical Louisiana (FHL), at the direction of the Louisiana State Legislature, and in cooperation with the Office of Facility Planning and Control of the Louisiana State Division of Administration, the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the Louisiana State University Health Science Center, and the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors is soliciting expressions of interest and statements of qualifications for the professional architectural and engineering services that will be required for the preparation of an Existing Conditions and Facilities Assessment Report on the “Big Charity” Hospital building at 1532 Tulane Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Louisiana State Legislature’s House Concurrent Resolution No. 89 (HCR 89, see Appendix), passed in the regular session of 2006, authorized the FHL to assemble an independent group to “. . . assess the condition of the facility and evaluate its potential uses as a location from which medical services may be offered to the population of the Greater New Orleans area . . . .” on an interim basis as set out in this RFQ. Ownership and care of Charity Hospital lies with the LSU System and the State Division of Administration. Both are named in HCR 89 to work with FHL in carrying out this charge.

This study, although directed by HCR 89, is being done voluntarily and on the initiative of the Foundation for Historical Louisiana with its funding derived from private sources.

Local Preservation Alert: Huey P. Long Pool

The Huey P. Long Fieldhouse’s Pool facility has been closed for the past 7 years. It has fallen into dismal disrepair, and it is disappointing to see this unique building not only be shut off from today’s student-body, but be allowed to completely decay before our eyes! This building is in need of repair as is evident by the photographs on this site. The memories of this once unique and great facility have been relegated to a small tree growing where the bulkhead once hung.

At this point in time, nothing is in the works with the University to take care of the HPL pool facility. Would you partner with the LSU swim team and help start a campaign to restore the Huey P. Long pool? Let’s honor the proud traditions and memories that began with this original LSU building by donating today towards the Pool’s renovation and restoration through the Tiger Stripes Aquatic Fund.
Thank you in advance for your concern and support.

Official Save Huey P. Long Fieldhouse's Pool web site

Sign the Petition!!!

Local Preservation Alert: BRHS

BR School Board is considering tearing down BRHS
and building a new school on the site. There is a petition against this action and you all can get it at www.franks.org/petition.pdf.

This is another example of BR doing away with it old and replacing it with new. Remember the Paramount Theatre! Please sign the petition and get other alums you know to do so too.

When fully or partially completed, promptly mail the signed petitions to:

Prof. M. R. Franks,
Post Office Box 281,
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0281. 
SaveBRHS@franks.org

National Preservation Alert

Help Save the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery!

It's hard to believe, but officials at Arlington National Cemetery plan to replace the original Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a new replica solely because of repairable cosmetic imperfections. This 1932 monument is nationally significant and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The 48-ton marble block has two nonstructural cracks which pose no threat to visitors or the historic structure. Surprisingly, federal bureaucrats want the replica carved from new stone that experts agree will likely again crack along its grain just as marble does naturally when exposed to the elements. Repair and proper care of the Tomb (re-grouting the cracks and using only gentle cleaning methods instead of high-pressure power-washing) is possible and is the preferred method for fixing the existing cracks, as other marble monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial were repaired.

Once the National Trust learned about this ill-considered plan, we raised the alarm with Members of Congress and tried unsuccessfully to consult with those who administer the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

A decision to determine the fate of the Tomb Monument is expected by September 30th. Your help is needed to weigh in with decision-makers to help save the memorial.

Please Contact your Senators and ask them and the Senate Committee on Armed Services to explore alternatives to replacing the memorial; and.

Contact John Metzler, superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery and ask him to repair rather than replace the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.