The Upper Pontalba Building in the French Quarter needs significant repairs to fix problems stemming from Hurricane Ida, botched repairs, and general maintenance. However, Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s proposed budget does not include the $8 million the agency that oversees the historic building is requesting.
According to a report by our partners at NOLA.com, the French Market Corp. will go before the city council on Monday to request that funding to make the repairs they say the 175-year-old building desperately needs. The group says tarps continue to cover the roof, which was damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021. The agency says even before Ida, the roof needed repairs to correct long-standing problems. In addition, the French Market Corp. says the building has rotting windows, moisture intrusion, and an outdated HVAC system.
French Market Corp. officials say the omission may have been an oversight by the Cantrell Administration. They also say they’re confident the council will provide the funds they need to begin the repairs that preservationists say should be a “top priority” for the city.
In August, the city council voted to prohibit Cantrell from using the city-owned apartment in the Upper Pontalba Building for personal use. The council also approved putting that unit on the market for rent.
The Cantrell Administration did not respond to NOLA.com’s request for comment.
