Grand Isle Will Celebrate New Historical Marker for Oleander Hotel

7 hours ago

Site Staff,

GRAND ISLE, La. (press release) – Grand Isle invites residents, visitors and friends of the island to attend a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new historical marker honoring the Oleander Hotel on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m.

Built in 1929, the Oleander helped bring in a new era for Grand Isle and remains an important part of the island’s history and heritage. The ceremony will celebrate that history while recognizing ongoing efforts to preserve the landmark for future generations.

New Historical Marker + National Register of Historic Places

The Oleander Hotel’s new historical marker was made possible through the support of the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission, including Judy Mills and others who have worked to recognize and preserve Grand Isle’s history.

The marker recognizes the hotel’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Preservation and Support for Oleander Hotel

The ribbon-cutting event will also recognize Allyson Hinz, who prepared the nomination that helped place the Oleander on the National Register of Historic Places. Hinz prepared the nomination as a graduate student in Tulane University’s Historic Preservation program.

The effort to preserve the Oleander Hotel has received support from the Town of Grand Isle Mayor and Town Council, State Senator Pat Connick, State Representative Joe Orgeron, Jefferson Parish Councilmember Tim Kerner, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Governor Jeff Landry.

Restore Grand Isle members will also be recognized, along with everyone who contributed to the effort to purchase and preserve the property.

Special thanks will be given to the Augustin family, from whom the building was purchased.

The historical marker represents just the beginning of a larger effort to preserve the Oleander. Restore Grand Isle plans to restore the historic building over the next two years, with the goal of transforming it into a new Grand Isle Cultural Center where residents and visitors can experience and learn about the island’s history, culture and unique coastal heritage.