American Express
Nine New Orleans Sites eligible for Partners in Preservation Grants
The Partners in Preservation program is a philanthropic initiative designed to increase public awareness of the importance of preserving environmental, historic and cultural landmarks for future generations to enjoy. Upon launching the program in 2006, American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, pledged $5 million over a five-year period toward preserving historic sites in the United States. In September 2006, American Express allocated preservation grants to sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. And in 2007, historic sites throughout the Chicago metropolitan area were the focus of the Partners in Preservation program.
In 2008, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation launched a community-based historic preservation initiative supporting New Orleans in which American Express is committing $400,000 in preservation grants to the city. Nine historic sites in neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Katrina were identified as eligible for grant funding. Each site has played a crucial role in bringing the New Orleans community together.
People who live in the local communities and across the country were invited to participate in the initiative by sharing stories, photos and comments about their favorite historic places in New Orleans and the nine historic sites that are competing for grants funding at www.partnersinpreservation.com. American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a special Advisory Committee comprised of local New Orleans business leaders, preservation experts and philanthropists reviewed the public’s stories about the nine historic sites, along with each site’s story, background, and monetary needs, and determine how the $400,000 in preservation grants will be awarded.
The sites being awarded American Express Partners in Preservation grants were announced to the public on May 13th 2008. The grant monies designated for each of the five sites are based on the specific needs and projects at the chosen sites. Read the press release here.
Recipientes of the Partners in Preservation grants are:
- St. James AME Church: Grnated $100,000 for repairs of the pressed tin ceiling and plaster walls of the sanctuary, bringing the congregation of this mid-city landmark from its fellowship hall back into its beloved church.
- St. Alphonsus Art & Culture Center: granted $80,000 for the retoration of the 1891 front portico of the church building, which includes replacing the roof and repairing the stucco, millwork and columns, enabling this Renaissance REvival gem in the Lower Garden District to continue its service to the community.
- St. Augustine Parish Hall: granted $75,000 for repairs to the sealtab shingle roof and repairs to rotten and termite damaged wood to the second level balcony floor and ceiling, allowing this Treme parish to once again host gatherings, provide services and raise funds for the continued operation of its landmark church.
- Odyssey House: granted $75,000 for window and shutter replacement in order to protect this important Esplanade Ridge-Treme building from future storms and so that it continues to provide social services to the community.
- Lafayette Cemetery No. 1: granted $70,000 for stabilization of the perimeter wall and wall vaults and installation of a drainage system to prevent future deterioration of the wall vaults, ensuring that this popular Garden District tourist site and community anchor is preserved.
Why New Orleans:
Recognized throughout the world for its architectural importance, civic pride and cultural heritage, New Orleans truly deserves to be a part of this exciting preservation effort. The nine nominated sites reflect the diversity of New Orleans’ heritage, encompassing churches, Creole Cottages, cemeteries, and the building known as the “Birthplace of Jazz.” The scope of the preservation needs at these sites ranges from fixing leaking roofs, stabilizing foundations, removal of false wall coverings to reveal original exteriors to adapting buildings or further use as vibrant assets in the community.
Grant Selection Criteria:
The stewards responsible for the care of each site have completed a grant application for a preservation project. Each of the prospective grantees is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization or a government agency. An Advisory Committee was selected to review the grant nominations and make recommendations to American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation used specific criteria to select the nine sites on the slate including their historic, architectural and cultural significance, demonstrated community support for the sites, role as community gathering spaces, damage from Hurricane Katrina, and the ability to complete a preservation project within one year.
Five criteria will be used for the final grant selection:
- Community Anchor: a gathering place for the community (e.g., church, community center) damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
- Historic significance: Sites must be either listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and must reflect the rich heritage of New Orleans.
- Project Plan: There must be a clearly articulated project plan for the preservation of the site that stipulates how the goal will be realized.
- Organizational excellence: The site steward must demonstrate organizational excellence to take the project from concept to completion within a set budget and time frame.
- Completion date: The preservation project must be completed by June 2009.
In addition, community and public support for the sites shared through stories, photos and comments that are posted at www.partnersinpreservation.com will be factored as well.
More information about the American Express Partners in Preservation program and each site can be found at www.partnersinpreservation.com.
