Save the Oleander Hotel!

A new chapter has begun for one of Grand Isle’s most treasured landmarks.

In May 2026, Restore Grand Isle officially acquired the historic Oleander Hotel and is working to transform it into a visitor center, museum, and community gathering place that celebrates the island’s rich history, culture, and heritage.

Current efforts are focused on property cleanup, building stabilization, and partnering with a historic architectural team to develop a comprehensive restoration master plan.

Join the effort and help write the next chapter of the Oleander Hotel’s story.

Thank you for your support!

History of the Oleander:

The Ludwig family helped shape Grand Isle long before the Oleander Hotel was built. In 1929, as Highway 1 neared completion, John “Vic” Ludwig constructed the Oleander after reportedly being told by Governor Huey P. Long, “If you build a hotel, I’ll build a road.” The highway reached Grand Isle in 1931, ushering in a new era of tourism.

Built in the Louisiana Coastal Vernacular style, the two-story hotel featured guest rooms upstairs and a restaurant below, with wide galleries overlooking the Gulf and the highway. A dance pavilion hosted live music, and for more than six decades the Oleander welcomed fishermen, families, artists, and visitors from across the region.

Purchased by the Augustin family in 1973, the Oleander remained a beloved landmark long after it ceased operating as a hotel. Today, it is Grand Isle’s last surviving historic hotel and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2026, ownership transferred to Restore Grand Isle, which is working to restore the building as a visitor center, museum, community gathering place, and artist retreat—preserving this treasured landmark for future generations.

A new Chapter for the Oleander:

The Oleander is being reimagined as Grand Isle’s visitor center, museum, and community gathering place, welcoming residents and visitors year-round.

The first floor will become the heart of the building, featuring exhibits that tell the story of Grand Isle’s history, fishing heritage, ecology, and culture. The former restaurant will be transformed into the Oleander Great Room, a flexible space for lectures, exhibits, performances, weddings, community events, and educational programs, complemented by a café and coffee bar.

The second floor will serve as an artist retreat, providing workspace for visiting artists, writers, photographers, and researchers whose work will be shared with the community through exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and open studios.

Outside, the grounds will host festivals, concerts, markets, and community gatherings, while native gardens will celebrate Grand Isle’s unique coastal environment. Together, these spaces will preserve the Oleander’s historic character while creating a vibrant destination that celebrates the island’s past, present, and future.