Those who were raised in New Orleans know well the neighborhood called Tulane-Gravier. The only time an outsider ventured into that blight of ram-shackled decadence, was to seek out a drug dealer, pimp, or a quick turnaround after getting lost. Young drivers were well warned for decades of the dangers there, as traveling through even in broad daylight gave evidence of negligence on a grand scale.
There is a project that some hope will wipe out almost 70 acres of this blight, and though there are some historical sites worth mentioning, like Deutsches Haus, the old McDonogh No.11, the dilapidated German cultural center, these are small islands of memory in one of the most dangerous parts of the city, now know to be the murder capital of the world.
After Katrina some shotgun and side-hall homes that were renovated will probably have to go, but some might be spared, and incorporated into the complex. Two of these is the City Hall annex and The Dixie Brewery.
Though some preservationists are balking at this destruction, it would be a real shot in the arm for the economy, and a city spiraling downward by increased crime and disrepair. Looking at the streets of potholes, crack houses, pimps and prostitutes, that host a multitude violent crimes, it seems whatever architectural heritage that lingers is profoundly tainted by a culture bent on filth and irresponsibility.
The area proposed to be demolished is between Tulane Avenue and Canal, just north of Interstate 10. The LSU hospital would be between Claiborne Avenue and South Galvez Street, with the VA located between North Galvez to South Rocheblave Street.
Author's note: There is rumor here in Lafayette of local veterans trying to convince the Veteran's Administration to buy the old Our Lady of Lourdes hospital, but that acquisition has not yet made it to the negotiating table. It would seem this has credence, as the number of Veterans in this area has increased, a study would have to be done to see if a hospital of that size would be feasible.
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