Save the Oleander Hotel!
Restore Grand Isle with the support of the town has started an effort to save the historic Oleander Hotel. As an important part of Grand Isle’s history, Restore Grand Isle would like to purchase and restore the hotel and use it as a visitor and cultural center for everyone to enjoy. It will be a center piece of the island and help Grand Isle continue to rebuild following Hurricane Ida.
Now we need your help!
What we are saving:
Construction on the Oleander Hotel began in 1928 and was completed in 1931, the same year automobiles first accessed the island bringing electricity, radios, and telephones. The building is an important part of our history that needs to be saved.
Our Plan:
The Oleander Hotel will be restored and turned into a visitor and cultural center. We will have permanent exhibits, meeting space and visiting artists.
Located in the historic center of Grand Isle, the restored Oleander Hotel will help revitalize the historic district and greatly contribute to the town’s community and economy.
Our Goals:
1) Purchase the Historic Hotel.
2) Continue to work with the state to raise the funds to transform the building into visitor center, museum, and community space.
Check out our video!
Photos courtesy of the Theodore Fonville Winans Historic Collection.
Join the effort!
Thanks to our supporters, we’ve raised $343,000 toward our $400,000 goal.
That leaves $57,000 left to raise to purchase and begin renovations before this landmark is lost
to time and neglect. If you would like to become a sponsor of this project you can reach out to us by emailing us at restoregrandisle@gmail.com or calling us at 985.226.3766.
Donations:
Major Contributions to Date:
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$100,000 – Anonymous Donor
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$68,000 – Contributions from individual supporters
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$50,000 – Karen B. Yoh Foundation
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$50,000 – Gary Chouest
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$25,000 – Boysie Bollinger
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$25,000 – Todd Graves
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$25,000 – Patrick F. Taylor Foundation