State program gives local landmark
NEW LEASE ON LIFE
The Mistretta Store on Railroad Avenue in Donaldsonville was added to the list of Louisiana's Most Endangered Places, as recognized by the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation. The building, constructed in the mid-19th century, most recently served as a grocery story. —STAFF PHOTO BY GREG FISCHER JOHN DUPONT A Donaldsonville landmark dating back to the mid-1800s could receive a new lease on life through a state-run preservation program. City official and representatives from the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation gathered Nov. 15 at the site of the old Sam Mistretta Store, where they announced the addition of the building to its list of landmarks targeted for preservation. The state program highlights endangered structures and advocates their preservation and protection. JANUARY - MARCH 2020
The list of buildings is generated from nominations made by the public and aims to attract creative approaches and resources to see the sites saved and rehabilitated, according to Brian Davis, executive director for Louisiana Trust. "Historic buildings and sites are the fingerprints of our communities, and it takes creative measures to preserve and protect them for future generations," he said. World renown chef and Doaldsonville native John Folse and his wife, Laurie Boucherau Folse, later bought the dilapidated building in
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