Author Topic: LeBeau Plantation, New Orleans (not in NE, sorry), w. pics  (Read 6651 times)

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Offline Tmac02892

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LeBeau Plantation, New Orleans (not in NE, sorry), w. pics
« on: July 01, 2008, 10:30:49 PM »
The Francois LeBeau plantation was built in 1854, and is one of the oldest buildings in St. Bernard's parish.  It was built using an interesting bricks between post construction.  When Mr. LeBeau heard that he was going to be taxed on the number of interior staircases in his house, he tore them out and built one on the front porch.  In the early 1900s it was a Jai Alai casino, and you can still see the gun turrets that were built into the closets.  A 1986 fire destroyed much of the roof, and it wasn't until 2003 when the company that owned it decided to waterproof it because it was in danger of collapsing.  Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina hit the area before further renovations could begin.  After the hurricane, restoration of the plantation house became a second thought.  Fortunately, however, the work done before Katrina saved the house from collapse.  The entire roof was rebuilt, including the cupola and attic floor.  Little work was done on the second floor, which still retains some fire damage.  The rest of the house is almost gutted, ready to be renovated.  It was built on brick supports, so it only took slight flood damage.  One of the walls supporting the staircase had collapsed, and while dangerously weakening the staircase, made it accessible. 
Probably the coolest place I've been to.



The cupola


Interior


The rebuilt attic, the cupola supports.


View from the cupola of the nearby Domino Sugar plant.


For more photos, visit my flickr account accessible from my profile.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2008, 05:27:50 PM by Tmac02892 »
Saving history one photo at a time.