News Summary

Jefferson Parish has allocated $2 million for Westwego to purchase the closed Butler Elementary School, which will be transformed into a community center. The sale to TGWB 3, LLC for $450,000 exceeds the asking price and aims to address local needs while alleviating the maintenance burden on the school district. Initially closed in 2023, the historically significant building has faced financial challenges, leading to discussions around its repurposing. The new community center will provide essential services, marking a significant enhancement in local support systems.

Westwego

Jefferson Parish has allocated $2 million to the City of Westwego for the purchase of Butler Elementary School, which has been out of use since its closure in 2023. The site has been acquired by TGWB 3, LLC for $450,000, exceeding the asking price by $50,000. The sale aims to repurpose the historic site into a community center, addressing both local need and the ongoing maintenance burden on the school district.

Butler Elementary was one of six schools closed by the Jefferson Parish School Board in 2023 due to a decline in student enrollment. The 102-year-old building had remained vacant since its closure, prompting local officials to explore various options to save the school from demolition. However, plans to repurpose the property were deemed too costly, leading to its eventual sale.

According to Board member Clay Moise, the property had become a financial burden on the district, which continues to be responsible for securing and maintaining the site. The closure has also led to several break-ins at the building, further complicating the district’s financial responsibilities and leading to lawsuits concerning safety and maintenance issues.

The building originally opened as Westwego High School in 1923 and later served middle and elementary school students. It has historical significance in the community, having functioned as a shelter during hurricanes. Initial plans proposed a partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana aimed at converting Butler Elementary into a “prosperity center” to provide essential services to local residents.

The United Way intended to offer various support programs, including financial literacy, budgeting assistance, and help with utility and mortgage payments from the prospective center. However, previous attempts to renovate the building, including a proposal to convert it for senior housing, fell through due to high renovation costs that rendered the projects financially unfeasible.

Despite the pending sale to TGWB 3, LLC, Westwego Mayor Robert Billiot has emphasized the community’s strong attachment to the building, highlighting its historical importance. The parish council remains dedicated to preserving the historically significant property while seeking innovative options for its future use.

The project’s funding will come from federal COVID relief funds allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act. Jefferson Parish Council member Deano Bonano noted that the new prosperity center will be the first of its kind in Jefferson Parish, indicating a significant step towards enhancing community support systems.

Local officials have pointed out the importance of addressing the needs of the community, particularly given the district’s ongoing infrastructure and efficiency plans that have led to the closure and demolition of several other schools. The Butler Elementary site, while no longer functioning as a school, holds potential as a resource hub for financial assistance and support services, contributing positively to the area’s socioeconomic landscape.

As Jefferson Parish moves forward with the purchase and redevelopment of Butler Elementary, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment that can address some of the pressing needs of families in Westwego while embracing the historical significance the building embodies.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Fox 8 Live: Efforts to Repurpose Westwego School
• Wikipedia: Westwego
• NOLA: Butler Elementary School Property
• Google Search: Butler Elementary School Westwego
• ASU Magazine: Jefferson Parish Board Closes Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Jefferson Parish
• Fox 8 Live: Jefferson School Board Demolition List
• Google News: Jefferson Parish Schools
• WDSU: Jefferson Parent Complaints
• Google Scholar: Jefferson Parish Educational System

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.