Architect says Grolee Street building should be saved, restored

ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. ( KLFY ) — A building on Grolee Street in Opelousas has been extensively discussed at city council meetings, with the initial plan to tear the building down. However, a Lafayette architect says there’s a benefit in saving the structure.

Stephen Ortego, architect and former state representative, said putting some of the city-owned buildings back into commerce could pave the way for restoration possibilities.

“It could be a catalytic project that starts to allow all these other privately-owned buildings to start to be rehabilitated as well,” he said.

Ortego said his architecture firm was made aware of the building’s situation by residents and preservationists in the city because of his experience restoring historic buildings, such as the Hotel Klaus in Washington and the old Bank of Carencro.

This week, Ortego will tell the council that the building can be restored and, if the council is willing to wait six months, the building can be included in the St. Landry Economic Development’s Historic District.

“It’s going to open up funding, both state and federal funding, that are tax credits. So it’s a way to encourage developers and encourage property owners to be able to rehabilitate these historic structures,” he said.

While restoring old structures helps preserve the city’s history, Ortego said putting the building into commerce will also provide jobs for the community.

“They increase the tax revenue to the town. It’s placemaking at its finest. It’s part of your history, and that’s what people are looking for,” he said.

The city of Opelousas will soon set a public meeting to discuss plans for the building.

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