FEMA Section 106 Notices for Louisiana

The public comment period for this FEMA Section 106 notice has closed.

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Date of Comment	Comment	Name City, State
9/30/2009	I am more than disheartened -I am devastated by FEMA's proposal. Charles Colbert's school is a testament to the quality of life all New Orleanians deserve - a school that was light-filled and had a view - higher than most had seen before, of their n... read more	Sarah Cloonan New York, NY
9/30/2009	Mid Century Modern buildings such as the Phillis Wheatley School are reaching age that they may be eligible for listing on the National Register. Alternatives to demolition should be explored for this building including listing on the National Regist... read more	Paul Hohamnn St. Louis, Missouri
9/30/2009	I can't believe this is even an issue. The throwaway mentality of our architectural treasures is shameful. This building is clearly a unique enhancement to the urban landscape of one of America's greatest cities. It was designed with the future in... read more	Jeff Vines St. Louis
9/30/2009	Wheatley is an amazing building. It didn't flood. Reuse this school instead of taking the more expensive, irresponsible route of demolition and replacement.	James Weber, Jr. New Orleans, LA
9/30/2009	PRESERVE!	Ashley Winchell New Orleans, LA
9/30/2009	The work of Charles Colbert is fundamental to the development of modern architecture in Lousiana, and scholars are starting to recognize his impact in other parts of the United States. Colbert's educational work is uniquely visionary and an interest... read more	Michael R. Allen St. Louis, Missouri
9/30/2009	Please demolish this rat trap ASAP. All of the do gooders on this site don't live anywhere near this building but I do and this building needs to be destroyed sooner rather than later. Its beyond rehab.	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, LA
9/30/2009	I urge you to preserve the Wheatley School as a significant building from the late modern work of architect Charles Colbert, one of New Orleans most important modern architects and educator (Both at Tulane and as Dean at Columbia University) ... read more	Name redacted at request of author St. Louis MO formerly a resident of New Orleans
9/30/2009	The Wheatley School was one of the favorite buildings of the late, great architect Sam Mockbee, recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant and founder of the Rural Studio. Preserving and adapting it would surely honor his memory and legacy.	Brian Swanner New Orleans, LA
9/30/2009	Thank you for the opportunity to express my wholehearted support for the PRESERVATION of Phillis Wheatley and Thomy Lafon Schools in New Orleans. (In the interests of disclosure and clarity, I am posting the same text for both Wheatley and Lafon Sch... read more	Brad Brooks New Orleans
9/30/2009	Though this is not a creole cottage or significant structure located in the French Quarter, the Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School plays an important role in defining the scope of New Orleans' architectural heritage. At a time when every type of bui... read more	Jessica Tippens Portland, OR
9/30/2009	In a city which has led the nation in preservation efforts for decades, I'm shocked and saddened that officials are so willing to throw away mid-century modern masterworks as Phyllis Wheatley Elementary. Charles Colbert was one of New Orleans' most i... read more	Lindsey Derrington New Orleans, LA
9/30/2009	Robert Kelley's 1954 photographs for Life Magazine of Thomy Lafon school document just how miserable life in an elevated Modernist New Orleans public school was: crowds of smiling black children proudly posing in the school's courtyard, students rapt... read more	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, LA
9/30/2009	The design for this school by Charles Colbert won a 1955 Progressive Architecture Design Award for education. Mr. Colbert's innovative work represents an integrated approach to form and structure that is unique in its physical expression. Twelve gian... read more	wayne troyer New Orleans, louisiana
9/30/2009	The Wheatley school at this time is an empty shell waiting for renovation and reuse. Most of the main structure was not flooded, and it is an innovative design for a public space. Removing this building with no consideration for its repurposing pos... read more	Leigh Checkman New Orleans, Louisiana
9/30/2009	The Wheatley school building designed by Charles Colbert is important as an internationally recognized work of significant architectural merit. Nationally and locally, it has garnered awards and accolades for its architectural merit and as part of t... read more	Toni DiMaggio New Orleans, LA
9/30/2009	The Phillis Wheatley Elementary School is an aesthetically profound tour de forceā€"a superlative monument to innovative design in mid-century modern architecture. It would be incredibly shortsighted to erase this significant building from New Orlean... read more	hilairie schackai new orleans, la
9/30/2009	Save this building! Please note the obscene conflict of interest: Jacobs Engineering, who has a $550 million contract with RSD to provide construction services, has been guiding the mitigation process. They would profit from demolition.	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, La.
9/30/2009	I wholeheartedly oppose RSD's proposal to demolish the Phillis Wheatley School. Not only does it have a wonderful Modernist design that is part of a vanishing era of the city's culture, but it is also a well-built building. Its unusual elevated des... read more	Roland Solinski New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	Please consider reinvigorating this neighborhood by saving this structure.	Karen Gadbois New Orleans
9/29/2009	The attitude seems to be that unless it's at least 100 years old, it can't possibly be worth preserving. This is a building of international repute, and it borders on the criminal to demolish it. Creative re-use could give the neighborhood not only a... read more	David Bess New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	remarcable example of modernism. such a pity those in charge see no value in modernism at its best. an adaptive reuse solution could have used this gem's full potential. but hey, let's spend more money and build something new, who cares about culture... read more	vlad ghelase new orleans, la
9/29/2009	As a former resident of New Orleans, and a student of Art and Architectural History, I strongly urge FEMA to consider the value and importance of Charles R. Colbert's Phylis Wheately School, and save it from demolition. I must remind you that it is ... read more	Susan Karlowski Brooklyn, NY (Formerly NOLA)
9/29/2009	The Wheatley School building is of international importance, it is eligible for the National Register. Yet, in spite of letters indicating its importance (see below), the RSD has never seriously considered adaptive reuse of this building. They have n... read more	John P. Klingman New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	This is a work of art. Please preserve it.	Peter Leaf New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	The current architectural discourse among many design professionals in New Orleans, the United States, and the world is centered on the long term goals of sustainability and mitigation issues. Phillis Wheatley Elementary School is a prime example of ... read more	Jesse Stephenson New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	After studying architecture for the last four years, I moved down to New Orleans in June and was amazed to see the Wheatley School, abandoned and falling-apart, yet still striking as perhaps the most beautiful school building I have ever seen. It wo... read more	Aron Chang New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	I am against the tear down of Wheatley Elementary school... it is in perfect shape for a renovation and a face lift. Let's keep it green by avoiding putting even more history in our land fills and use these well built buildings for the future.	Bethany Lemanski New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	There are way too many buildings being knocked down when it is much faster to renovate an existing building. There are some exceptions, but Wheatley & Lafon are definitely not one of them.	Christian Generes New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	Please understand that the demolition of mid century buildings in the New Orleans area has been taking place at an alarming rate due to most people's view that they are not "historic" becuase they are not old enough. Progress is not made by wiping o... read more	Michael Hunley Covington, LA
9/29/2009	I am strongly opposed to the demolition of this historic structure. The adaptive reuse of this important school would send positive signals to the neighborhood and community as a whole. It could be a vibrant and wonderfully functioning school. Its... read more	Kenneth Schwartz, FAIA New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	I oppose the demolition of this unique structure. I am continually amazed at the extreme cantilevered construction any time I visit Willie Mae's Scotch House across the street. While I am normally not even a fan of modernist buildin... read more	Brad Vogel New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	Another tragedy if the school is demolished. The RSD,( just like Holy Cross School and Harrahs) is intent on destroying all the works of world reknown mid century modern architects.	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	I find it interesting that any structure dating back to 1940 or older is deserving of preservation but the Mid Century Modern movement that prospered in this City is all but being eradicated at the expense of personal taste. The structure exemplifie... read more	Allen Tufts New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	Despite its current appearance, the Wheatley School has the potential to be a gem, a symbol of the recovery of New Orleans and the neighborhood, and also a nationwide example for sustainable school construction through renovation. The func... read more	Steven Ward Louisville KY
9/29/2009	Please do not allow the demolition of this historic structure. The flexibility of the building's design provides ample opportunity for adaptive reuse and could be it renovated more quickly and economically than a replacement would be. The structure i... read more	Ramiro Diaz New Orleans, LA
9/29/2009	New Orleans has a unique opportunity to redefine itself and be an example for other recovering communities. We have the chance to incorporate sustainable design from the ground up and encourage the re-use of existing buildings. Demolishing Phillis ... read more	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans
9/29/2009	This school is an architectural treasure and one of the remaining few examples of New Orleans' modern architectural history. Its demolition would be a disservice to the future of New Orleans and an erasure of its past. Its construction is unique and ... read more	Maggie Morrow Oakland, California
9/28/2009	This is one of my favorite buildings in New Orleans. Walking through the neighborhood and seeing it the first time was like a dream, but more of an apocalyptic dream because of the sad state of neglect it had fallen in to. Katrina is not an excuse fo... read more	Name redacted at request of author Los Angeles, CA
9/28/2009	Rehab/renovate and reuse!!! This building is a tremendous example of mid-century modernism that deserves to be restored to working order. As one of the few shining examples of this movement, in a city that lacks any kind of modernist reference, it wo... read more	Name redacted at request of author Los Angeles, CA
9/28/2009	Please do not demolish such a strong, capable building. True sustainability is about reusing the gems that have already been designed and built in this community. This school could become quite a beautiful landmark of our community when com... read more	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, LA
9/28/2009	I support the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Philis Wheatley Elementary School, the master work of the architect Charles R. Colbert, and one of the most important mid-century modern buildings in the state of Louisiana. I encourage the planne... read more	Francine Stock New Orleans, LA
9/28/2009	Please demolish this eyesore. Wheatley is beyond saving and the costs to rehabilitate this antiquated structure make no sense at all. Its time our community moves on for the benefit of our children and not for the benefit of our egos. We need to e... read more	Rev. Diallias Jones New Orleans, Louisiana
9/28/2009	The school is an amazing structure that can be renovated to its 1954 appearance with new extras. If there is a need for more classrooms or space, add a new building.	Webster J Glapion III New Orleans
9/28/2009	First of all, nothing should have been historical after hurricane katrina. If any building was damage more than 50% by katrina, the building should have been demolish. This is the reason the city is in this horrible condition. There are buildings tha... read more	Kenneth Gill New Orleans
9/27/2009	Look at that structure. This is one of the most amazing buildings I have ever seen. It seems perfectly suited for rehabilitation and is already raised well above any new flood requirements. This building is a model for how new buildings should be bui... read more	David Wright New Orleans, LA
9/25/2009	Please consider the preservation of Wheatly School so that future generations who have a better appreciation of our more recent architecture won't be disappointed in us now	Michael Rouchell New Orleans, LA
9/25/2009	I am writing to state that i am against the demolition of Wheatley. I have watched several New Orleans building be wastefully demolished and replaced by unfortunate, forgettable, and 'affordable' alternatives (rivergate, cj pete, and lafit... read more	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, LA
9/25/2009	What a strong and amazing building! Please renovate and reuse as a school - let this building inspire the young minds of future generations as it has in this one.	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, LA
9/25/2009	I would like to discourage the demolition of Phillis Wheatly Elementary School. I hope that the course of action will include renovation and amelioration but exclude demolition. Not only does the building represent regional Modernism of New Orleans... read more	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, Louisiana
9/24/2009	KEEP the Wheatley School building. Allow its continued life within the Treme community - whether as a school or as something else. It is a FANTASTIC, well designed building.	Kelly McLaughlin New Orleans, LA
9/23/2009	The Cornerstones Project, a social and cultural landmarking project in New Orleans, has researched the intricate fifty year history the Wheatley School has had with its neighbors, especially the Lafitte housing community two blocks away. One of our ... read more	Name redacted at request of author New Orleans, LA
9/22/2009	The demolition of Wheatley and Lafon Schools would erase irreplaceable cultural resouces from the city of New Orleans. The buildings are both actual and potential cultural resources: potential in that both, as flood-resilient designs, are readily ad... read more	Graham Owen New Orleans, LA
9/21/2009	I am dismayed that the Recovery School District (RSD) has consistently sought rejuvenation through demolition and waste rather than seeking environmentally and socially responsible solutions. When New Orleans architects Charles Colbert, Bu... read more	Keli Rylance New Orleans, LA