How important is historic preservation to Opelousas as the city looks to evolve?

OPELOUSAS, La. ( KLFY ) — Opelousas is one of the oldest cities in Louisiana but many officials are focusing on moving the city into the future.

Over the past few months, a variety of buildings across the city have experienced different fates — such as Hollywood Inn on Blanchard Street being demolished while others urge for Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki Zydeco Dance Hall to be restored.

In the middle of all these conversations on what to do with these buildings, News 10 has spoken with people of different backgrounds to get their thoughts on historic preservation and why it may be important for Opelousas.

Here is what they had to say:

We need to preserve our historic culture and value for the next generation to continue to tell the story in an accurate way.

Rod Sias, Zydeco Historic Preservation Society

Opelousas Downtown Development District is in the process of trying to build a national historic district, and every building that is destroyed that falls within that criteria brings us one step further away from being able to get that national historic district.

Gretchen Erlingson, Opelousas Main Street volunteer

It’s important to save it because it’s part of who we are and our past. But it’s important to save them because economically, putting these buildings back into commerce provides jobs for the community. They increase the tax revenue to the town. It’s placemaking at its finest.

Stephen Ortego, architect

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