MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One of downtown Monroe's oldest buildings Castle Hall is getting a facelift.
Generations of folks, since 1892, have come to shop, play, and gather in the Castle Hall building. Castle Hall was built by a group dedicated to serving the community called Knights of Pythias.
As time passed, the building wore down leaving it at risk of being torn down. Property developer Melody Olson didn't want to see that happen. "When you tear down that history, it's gone forever, so that's why I think it's very important to save our old buildings" said Olson.
Other developers shied away from the project because of it's age and wooden structure. Melody says she saw it as an opportunity to spruce up Downtown Monroe. "I think this building picked me, because no one really wanted to buy this building or try to save it." said Olson.
Ron Downing's family has lived in the area for 200 years and his family has deep ties to Castle Hall. "My great grandfather George Robert Endom was one of the original 24 charter members of that lodge." said Downing. He's confident his ancestor's lodge is in good hands.
"Melody has the Midas touch, everything she touches, she tries to do it as nearly correct as possible and of the period."
The new version of Castle Hall will include a sandwich type shop, a banquet hall, and apartment lofts. Melody hopes her efforts will bring more people to the area. "Monroe is one of the last cities to revitalize their downtown, the other cities I think are a little ahead of us, so that's what my goal is for Monroe, to catch up."
The second floor banquet hall is expected to be completed by December.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:40:16 GMT
RIVER RIDGE, La. (AP) - Jefferson Parish sheriff's deputies say a 52-year-old man apparently shot his 16-year-old son in the head and then turned the gun on himself in their home in River Ridge.
RIVER RIDGE, La. (AP) - Jefferson Parish sheriff's deputies say a 52-year-old man apparently shot his 16-year-old son in the head and then turned the gun on himself in their home in River Ridge.
A Virginia man who was once one of the nation's most prominent swimming coaches has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing one of the girls he instructed.
A once-prominent swimming coach who trained thousands of children was sentenced to seven years in prison Thursday for sexually abusing one of the girls he instructed.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:06:12 GMT
Monroe, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Police arrested Thomas Wroten this afternoon following a domestic dispute. At 9:15pm last night Monroe Police received an emergent call for help in the 5300 block of Blanks.
Monroe, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Police arrested Thomas Wroten this afternoon following a domestic dispute.
