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The Historical Association of Central Louisiana is deeply concerned that the
most significant and remaining vestige of downtown Alexandria has nothing moving progressively at this time.
At present, Third Street structures have endured and entertained the discussion of the demolition of the Hotel Bentley and the demolition of the Weiss & Goldring building.
Third Street is the one street in Alexandria that still showcases many turn of the century
storefront buildings. The concentration of early twentieth century buildings on Third Street gives great potential
for Third Street's successful revitalization and restoration. The Hotel Bentley rivals and can run with the best and most exquisite early twentieth century hotels in our nation. Already, Mike Jenkins
has restored the Commercial Bank Building; the Rapides Foundation has restored and preserved the old Kress building; and,
Buddy Tudor's renovation of the old Schnack's building which houses the exquisite Diamond Grill Restaurant are superlative
proof that Third Street can indeed live again.
Other owners of properties on Third Street are thinking progressively about Third Street's
restoration to a physicality akin to its former glory. Yes, Alexandria has lost the Paramount Theater and many other
fine properties on Third Street. However, we cannot cry over spilt milk. Those properties are forever gone.
We, as present day Alexandrians, must think prospectively as to what is presently on Third Street and what Third Street could
become aesthetically with the buildings restored to their former glory. Such a restoration would generate the charm,
the hustle and bustle, great civic pride, and the pulsing life that Third Street enjoyed in the early to mid century years
of the twentieth century.
HACL challenges you. You Can Make a Difference. If you are in agreement with the Historical Association, please provide your name, address, telephone number and email
address (please click the below link to send this information to us now) so that we may form a Third Street Association to
speak as an advocacy group concerning the revitalization, restoration and the new life Alexandria's Third Street.
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| Third Street, Downtown Parade 1950's |
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| Third Street 1950's |
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| Third Street, Alexandria, Louisiana |
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| Third Street, Downtown Alexandria, Parade |
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| Third Street |
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