A nearly century‑old Grand Isle landmark is getting a second shot at life. Restore Grand Isle has purchased the Oleander Hotel, a move organizers say will anchor the island’s cultural district and support longer‑term recovery. The closing took place at Grand Isle Town Hall on Thursday, May 21. The nonprofit plans to turn the long‑vacant 1929 building into a visitor and cultural center with exhibits, meeting space and community programming.
Restore Grand Isle said it completed the acquisition after raising the money needed to buy the property from the Augustin family. As reported by New Orleans CityBusiness, contributors included an anonymous donor, Tim Kerner, the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, Gary Chouest, Boysie Bollinger and Todd Graves. “Today would not have been possible without the generosity and support of so many people who believe in preserving the history and spirit of Grand Isle,” Restore Grand Isle president Ronnie Sampey said. Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle added that the redevelopment would help preserve the town’s identity while supporting long‑term recovery following Hurricane Ida.
History and National Recognition
The Oleander opened in 1929 and is one of Grand Isle’s last surviving hotels from the island’s early tourism era. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2025, according to the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans and the Federal Register listing at the National Park Service. Preservation advocates say the designation opens the door to funding pathways, tax‑credit opportunities and technical guidance for a sensitive restoration.
What Restore Grand Isle Plans
Restore Grand Isle says the Oleander will be transformed into a visitor and cultural center with permanent exhibits, rotating Louisiana art shows and community meeting space meant to serve both residents and tourists. The plan includes a permanent photography display from the Fonville Winans collection as a central exhibit, a detail noted by New Orleans CityBusiness. Organizers say the site could host artist residencies, educational programs and visitor services that would support the island’s small economy.
Funding and Next Steps
Restore Grand Isle’s campaign page showed $343,000 raised toward a $400,000 purchase goal in November 2025, leaving the group close to its target before final gifts completed the deal, according to Restore Grand Isle. With the property now secured, organizers say they will move into a second phase of fundraising for rehabilitation and programming and begin design and permitting with state preservation officials and the town. The group expects to stage work so portions of the building can be stabilized and opened for limited uses while larger rehabilitation efforts continue.
A Boost for Recovery and Tourism
Preservationists say saving the Oleander is both symbolic and practical. The Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans noted an estimated $2 million cost to fully rehabilitate the structure and highlighted the tax‑credit and grant opportunities that National Register status can unlock. Local leaders say the restored hotel could help diversify Grand Isle’s visitor offerings beyond seasonal fishing and beach traffic. Project organizers plan to pursue grants, tax credits and private gifts to fund the rehabilitation and the new cultural programming.
