Storm's Toll on South's Architectural Heritage
The loss of a large number of architecturally significant houses in the path of Hurricane Katrina is one of the many sad facts that has accompanied the loss of so much human life. Today the NY Times takes a look at some of the pieces of history in Biloxi, Mississippi damaged or destroyed by the…
The loss of a large number of architecturally significant houses in the path of Hurricane Katrina is one of the many sad facts that has accompanied the loss of so much human life. Today the NY Times takes a look at some of the pieces of history in Biloxi, Mississippi damaged or destroyed by the storm, including the former home of Jefferson Davis. Of the four houses pictured, all were destroyed except for the James Charnley House (lower right) which was severely damaged.
History is Now a Salvage Job [NY Times]
JoshK,
My understanding is that the Garden District experienced some flooding, but not the catastrophic amount seen in the other parts of the city. I also understand that the French Quarter escaped without any flooding, but was the scene of some of the looting and, lately, fires that have broken out. The best hope for this city is that these areas can be restored quickly to anchor the quick return of the convention/tourism industry.
Thanks, Cynthia. We’ll post an announcement on the main page.
I work with the the New York Chapter of Architecture for Humanity, http://www.afhny.org, and we are addressing exactly this issue. We’ve got a meeting next Tuesday at the Center for Architecture at 7 pm if you’d like to be involved in the relief effort. If you’d just like to donate to our national/global effort, which will partner with local architects and community redevelopment groups to rebuild neighborhoods, please visit http://www.architectureforhumanity.org. Thanks!!
Any help would be great. I am an ex-pat of the area now living in Brownstone Brooklyn. My wife and I were just down there visiting family in early August, and kept finding ourselves saying “wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to live here in one of the beauties on the beach”. How fast it all changed. Gone. A very, very sad story in every way imaginable.
Great idea. Anyone know of such a group?
Brownstoner,
Thanks for touching on a secondary (after the loss of life), but still important issue of the near total destruction of such a rich architectural legacy. What has happened in Mississippi and New Orleans is the equivalent of the demolition of just about every 19th century brownstone in Brooklyn. It is a true tragedy. If someone out there knows of an organization that is taking donations to help restore what is left of the architecture in the Gulf region, maybe Brownstoner can host a link to the site to collect donations?? I know I would give.