KEY TAKEAWAYS: Restore Grand Isle plans to restore the historic Oleander Hoteland convert it into a cultural center. The proposed facility would include a museum, visitor center and community gathering space. Initial stabilization work is complete, and a master plan for the redevelopmentis bei ng developed. The nonprofit is seeking donations and community support, with no estimated project cost or completion timeline disclosed. A historic Grand Isle hotel could be transformed into a visitor center, museum and community gathering space under a redevelopment plan moving forward for the coastal property. Restore Grand Isle announced Aug. 28 that it is developing a master plan to restore the Oleander Hotel and convert the property into the Grand Isle Cultural Center. The proposed center would focus on the island’s history, culture and natural environment while providing space for public programs and events. In May, the nonprofit preservation group acquired the historic hotel after raising $400,000 to save and restore the nearly century-old landmark. Initial stabilization work on the historic building has been completed, according to the nonprofit. The next phase will include developing a comprehensive plan for the property’s restoration, adaptive reuse and long-term operation. Plans call for the cultural center to serve multiple functions, including as a visitor center, community center and museum. Exhibits would highlight Grand Isle’s fishing and maritime traditions, its history as a coastal resort community and the island’s natural environment. The building could also accommodate educational programs, community meetings, cultural events and other public activities. According to a spokesperson, the project is estimated to cost between $2 million and $2.5 million. Restoration is expected to take about 18 months to two years to complete. The organization is seeking donations and other community support to finance the remaining restoration and rehabilitation work. “This is about more than saving a historic building. It is about preserving a piece of Grand Isle’s identity and giving it a new purpose that serves our community and visitors for generations to come,” Ronnie Sampey of Restore Grand Isle said. “We have made progress, but we need the Grand Isle community, near and far, to help bring the Oleander back to life.” The project represents an effort to preserve one of the island’s historic structures while creating a new tourism and community asset for Grand Isle. Restore Grand Isle is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and restoring sites connected to the history and culture of the barrier island community. ...read more read less