Can Mandeville Save This Piece of History?

That was the subject at the Mandeville City Council meeting. The piece of history in question is the house located at 2603 Lakeshore Drive which was built around 1852. The home is currently owned by William Jourdan. Unfortunately, the house received substantial damage during Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Jourdan has tried to find a way to restore the historic home. However, he has come to the conclusion that he cannot complete the necessary repairs and has applied for a demolition permit.

Mr. Jourdan would live to see the home preseved and has offered an alternative plan to the city. He would like to donate the home to the City of Mandeville. The city would be required to move the house to another location and restore the home. Some residents and council members feel that saving this bit of Mandeville history is well worth the price tag, which is still to be determined.

The city has contracted with historian and archivist Sally Reeves to identify architectural and historic structures in Mandeville. At this time, there are about 450 buildings in Mandeville which have been identified as significant structures, including Mr. Jourdan's home, in her report. In Ms. Reeves' report, she has identified the Lakeshore Drive home as the "singular Mandeville-style cottage now found in Louisiana." The council has authorized Mayor Price to advertise for bids to move the home to another location. Mayor Pro Tem Lenfant offered a suggestion to auction the home. The new owner would be required to move the house to a location within the city limits and to restore the home.

This year is the 175th anniversary of the founding of Mandeville. The city is currently working to develop guidelines for protecting and preserving historic structures with the city before they are lost to future generations. Ms. Reeves will present her report on Mandeville's historic structures later this year during the City of Mandeville's 175th anniversary events.