LOCAL

Preserving Donaldsonville history: Lemann Art Lofts grand opening set for Oct. 28

Gonzales Weekly Citizen

The historic B. Lemann and Bro. building at the corner of Mississppi Street and Railroad Avenue in Donaldsonville has been renovated over recent months.

A grand opening will be held in Donaldsonville for the new Lemann Art Lofts, part of the renovation of the B. Lemann and Bro. building in the city's historic district.

Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan announced during his bi-weekly Facebook Live program Making Progress the event will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 28.

A rear view shows the improvements to the historic B. Lemann and Bro. building.

The B. Lemann and Bro. building is at 312 Mississippi St., at Railroad Avenue, across from the Mississippi River levee front.

The United States Department of the Interior has placed the property on the National Register of Historic Places.

Newly constructed apartment buildings are shown at the rear of the B. Lemann and Bro. building in Donaldsonville.

Kevin Kelly, owner of Houmas House and Gardens on the Ascension Parish east bank, partnered with James Neville to purchase the property and redevelop it.

The building qualified for historic tax credits and a federal government grant that covered about 40% of the nearly $15 million project.

The United States Department of the Interior has placed the property on the National Register of Historic Places.

Both one- and two-bedroom units of roughly 800- and 1,100-square-feet are included.

Gov. John Bel Edwards shares a smile with children attending the event.

Gov. John Bel Edwards and area officials celebrated the newly renovated property Oct. 6, marking the start of the early childhood learning initiative.

CF Industries, which operates a facility near the city limits on the Ascension Parish west bank, announced a $1 million donation over five years for the program.