Cultural District Application Cultural District Name/Location

Thibodaux Cultural Distirct Name of Proposed Cultural District City of Thibodaux in Lafourche Parish Location of Cultural District (city and parish)

I. CONTACT INFORMATION A. Local Governing Authority Contact The Local Governing Authority (LGA) applying for certification of a Cultural District is the municipality OR the parish OR the consolidated government in which the Cultural District is located. The Designated Liaison must be completed for all applications.

1. Contact for Municipal Governing Authority:

Name: Mayor Tommy Eschete Title Ma y or of ______Thibodaux Agency City of______Thibdoaux Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5418 City: Thibodaux ______State: LA Zip Code: 70302 ______Phone: 985-446-7218 ( ) ______Ext. Fax: 985( 446-7247) Email Address: [email protected] ______

2. Contact for Parish Governing Authority: Name: Title ______Agency ______Mailing Address: City: State: LA Zip Code: ____ Phone: ( ) ______Ext. Fax: ( ) Email Address: ______

B. Designated Cultural District Liaison Name of the contact person designated to act on behalf of the Local Governing Authority Name: Rhonda Dempster Title: Executive ______Director Organization/Agency Thibodaux______Main Street, Inc Mailing Address: 409 B West 3rd Street City: Thibodaux State: LA Zip Code: 70301 ____ Phone: (985-413-9886) Ext. Fax: ( ) Email Address: [email protected] ______

CD-Application 2013 Page 2 of 9 Cultural District Application

II. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Though a district’s size and shape are not restricted, they are important considerations. Refer to the Application Procedures on Pages 3-4 in determining the Cultural District boundaries.

A. Boundary Provide a concise, accurate written description of the proposed Cultural District using start and end points, using street names and directions that fully describe the designated geographic area. Use the centerline of visible physical features whenever possible, or specify if the boundary is on a non-visible feature or property line. Fit description in space provided. If it will not fit in the space provided attach a separate document. Maps provided should match the description exactly. See attachment A and B.

B. District Information Does the proposed district align with other existing districts, such as a Main Street District, Downtown Development District, National Register or locally designated Historic District, etc.? Yes. If yes, please name it/them: No. If no, please explain why not: The proposed has encompassed the Main Street Thibodaux Boundary and the Thibodaux Historical District. The boundary also includes the historical neighborhoods surrounding downtown Thibodaux, including several designated historical buildings, Nichols State University, and .

CD-Application 2013 Page 3 of 9 Thibodaux Cultural Distirct Cultural District Application

C. Feature Data Provide estimates, as accurate as possible, of the following features in the proposed Cultural District using geographic systems, municipal data, Census data, surveys, and general knowledge.

Distirct 21 Senate District number(s) District 55 Louisiana Representative District number(s) At Large, A, B, C City Council District number(s) Lafourche Parish Parish Council/Police Jury District number(s) 1.65 square miles Geographic area (in square miles) 5,160 Population 1,437 Total number of buildings 75 Approximate age of the majority of buildings 372 Number of commercial buildings 1,292 Number of residential buildings 1,372 Number of occupied buildings 12 Number of vacant buildings 263 Number of commercial businesses Indicate the percent of businesses that fall into each of these categories: 35% Professional and Finance- architect, lawyer, bank, CPA 16% Service providers- printers, salons, cleaners, service stations, fitness 16% Retail- grocery, clothing, gift, office, stationery, drug, auto supplies 7% Restaurants- bars, clubs, fast food 2% Entertainment- music venues, performance spaces 2% Arts/Cultural- historic sites, museums, galleries, studio space 10% Government 8% Non-Profit 4% Other (Explain) Schools (elementary, middle, high, private); Peltier Park; City Park, Edwin Chiasson Park on Jackson Street;7 churches

CD-Application 2013 Page 4 of 9 Thibodaux Cultural Distirct Cultural District Application

D. Cultural Assets Inventory List existing cultural assets such as a museum, art institution, art and entertainment businesses, arts/cultural organization, artists, an area with arts and cultural activities or cultural or artisan production, year-round or seasonal. Name Category (choose from list) Jubilee Festival of the Arts and Humanities Festival Architectural site/event Ameen Art Gallery - Nicholls State University Gallery Arts market Chef John Folse Culinary Institute Dance company/event Nicholls State University Annual Pottery Sale Festival Arts/Cultural business Margo's Studio of Dance Educational institution Arts/Cultural Thibodaux Main Street Farmers Market Farmers market organization

Jean Laditte National Park Historic site Culinary enterprise Cajun Jam Session Festival Edwin J, Chaiasson Park Park/Recreation site/facility Dance company/event Thibodaux Playhouse Performing arts venue/event Educational Thibodeauxilleville Fall Festival Festival institution Bayou Lafourche Bike/Ped Path Park/Recreation site/facility Farmers market

Bank of Lafourche Historical Building Architectural site/event Festival Breaux House Historical Site Architectural site/event Film/Video/Media Citizen's Bank (Queeny's Boutique) Historical Site Architectural site/event venue/event Danseraeau House (Bed and Breakfast) Historical Site Architectural site/event Gallery Frost Houst Historical Site Architectural site/event Heritage center

816 Jackson Street House Historical Site Architectural site/event Historic site Lafourche Parish Courthouse Historical Site Architectural site/event Literary Lamartina Building (Weeping Willow Cafe) Historical Site Architectural site/event institute/event Charles C Elkin Hall (Nicholls State) Hisotical Site Architectural site/event Museum Peltier House Historical Site Architectural site/event Music venue/event Percy Lobdell Building Architectural site/event Park/Recreation Caillout Land Co. Building Architectural site/event site/facility Roichaux House Architectural site/event Performing arts St John's Church and Cemetary Architectural site/event venue/event St. Joseph Church and Rectory Architectural site/event Symphony

Vives House Architectural site/event Theater company/event McCulla House Architectural site/event

CD-Application 2013 Page 5 of 9 Thibodaux Cultural Distirct Cultural District Application

D. Cultural Assets Inventory List existing cultural assets such as a museum, art institution, art and entertainment businesses, arts/cultural organization, artists, an area with arts and cultural activities or cultural or artisan production, year-round or seasonal. Name Category (choose from list) McCulla House Architectural site/event Architectural site/event Riviere House Historic Site Architectural site/event Arts market Rienzi Plantation Architectural site/event Big Boy Cookoff Festival Arts/Cultural business East Thibodaux Middle School Architectural site/event Arts/Cultural Lafourche Parish Library Library organization

-Select from List- Culinary enterprise -Select from List- -Select from List- Dance company/event -Select from List- Educational -Select from List- institution -Select from List- Farmers market

-Select from List- Festival -Select from List- Film/Video/Media -Select from List- venue/event -Select from List- Gallery -Select from List- Heritage center

-Select from List- Historic site -Select from List- Literary -Select from List- institute/event -Select from List- Museum -Select from List- Music venue/event -Select from List- Park/Recreation -Select from List- site/facility -Select from List- Performing arts -Select from List- venue/event -Select from List- Symphony

-Select from List- Theater company/event -Select from List-

CD-Application 2013 Page 5 of 9 Thibodaux Cultural Distirct Cultural District Application

E. Maps Please provide legible maps, preferably 8½ by 11, but not larger than 11 by 17 inches. Maps may be in color or black and white. Label Attachment- Maps. 1) Required: A map precisely outlining the boundaries of the proposed Cultural District, showing boundary and major street names, a north arrow, with legible labels 2) One map showing existing National Register, local historic, or Main Street districts 3) Optional: Provide map(s) showing the location of cultural, art, educational, and tourist assets or facilities, or additional information pertinent to the proposed Cultural District

Possible resources for maps and other data requested in the application: Municipal and/or parish planning office Louisiana Regional Planning districts- http://wwwprd.doa.louisiana.gov/census/plandist.htm Google Earth- http://earth.google.com/ Google SketchUp- http://www.sketchup.com/ College or university geography department Louisiana Census Data Center- http://www.census.gov/sdc/www/lasdc.html Local or Regional Arts Councils

F. Photographs Provide five to ten (10) photographs representative of the district. Please number photographs and caption the photo content. Optional: A map showing the numbered location of the photographs provided. Label Attachment- Photographs.

III. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Provide concise narratives to address what the Cultural District will do with regard to the achievement of the objectives suggested in each of the three areas of development listed below. Each narrative is limited to 500 words. A. ARTISTIC/CULTURAL PRODUCT Promote the arts and support artists Encourage creativity and cultural activities Attract artists and cultural industries workers Potential for artists, housing, studio, and performance space (rental or purchase) The historical center of Thibodaux currently sustains itself as an attraction for both office and retail business during the day and bars and restaurants at night. For a city the size of Thibodaux, activity already has a thriving downtown attraction and creative activity from the Nichols University. It has become a center point for the surrounding region's Cajun culture. Thibodaux has a limited amount of venues to support these activities, and various venues are spread among the region. The Thibodaux Cultural District will attract and retain these artistic talents in one tightly integrated hub in the District founded in the early 1800's. This will elevate and reflect Cajun cultural and allow it to flourish in this old historic center, college town, and Bayou Lafourche. Downtown Thibodaux already has many successful businesses. However, there is a huge stock of vacant commercial and housing stock that can be utilized to strengthen this hub of activity in the old historical part of town.

Currently Main Street Thibodaux, City of Thibodaux, National Historic Site, and Nicholls State host several events throughout the year to assist with arts and entertainment. The goal of the Cultural District is to expand art shops and studios to under-utilized historic buildings to keep these activities consistent year round. As a college town, the scene is already present for creative talents, but with the greater expansion of arts, the historical area will see diversification of businesses both during the day and night.

CD-Application 2013 Page 6 of 9 Thibodaux Cultural Distirct Cultural District Application

B. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – What will the CD do to achieve any of these objectives? Engage residents Provide a sense of community Serve as a gathering place Strengthen community partnerships Develop a positive image for the community The Cultural District will continue to host arts and entertainment festivals downtown to ensure a center of energy downtown that will use the adjacent historical neighborhoods to ensure a constant creation of unique art experiences. These activities will expand to encourage entrepreneurs to invest in the vacant sites to create additional businesses specifically aimed toward the unique creative Cajun cultural assets. Empirical data shows that there is a great demand of artist throughout the region; however there is a lack of venue for artist to express their works. The District will begin to help those artist in either individual investment of cooperative agreements inside the District. Downtown Thibodaux is ideal for this investment given the historical background and has many opportunities for revitalization of both commercial and residential structures. In addition to the inventory of historical structures, Bayou Lafourche will have to be a main focus to bring modern day life back to the beginnings of the City. These features are emphasized by the university, historical plantations, churches, and historical houses and businesses needing renovations. By combining the bayou, historical structures, and a vibrant downtown, it will create an experience for all Thibodaux residents that can be expended to the many national and international travelers that pass through the City of Thibodaux yearly.

C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - What will the CD do to achieve any of these objectives? Capitalize on cultural, economic and social assets Revitalize a neighborhood or area Enhance property values Stimulate the economy Draw tourists With the creation of a cultural district, the exsisting amentieis in the area will be branded and highlighted to identify the historical Cajun cultule of the past 300 years. This branding will make current businesses and residents aware of their unique identiy and inceitive them to increast their creative activity within their homes and busineses. This will also bring to light the current and new incitives to utilize for the creation of additional acitivities. There is local, state, national, and international interest in the Cajun culture, and downtown Thibodaux is prime to feature the historic areas. However, with of the university and recent international interest of the Louisiana coast, Thibodaux can utilize new creative talents moving into the area to use its unique culture to create new and innovative placemaking incitives.

CD-Application 2013 Page 7 of 9 Thibodaux Cultural Distirct Cultural District Application

IV. OUTREACH A. Communication (about the Cultural District program within the district) Provide a concise narrative that describes how the Applicant will manage communication within the Cultural District, addressing the items listed below. Communication to residents, businesses and organizations within the Cultural District Provide information about sales tax exemption of original works of art to vendors Provide information about State Historic Tax Credits to property owners As the main applicant, Main Street Thibodaux will utilize their current staff to coordinate their efforts in conjunction with the City of Thibodaux, Nicholls State University, and Jean Lafitte National Historic Site. By using this existing structure, the District would create a unique experience between all these entities to identify with current residents, businesses, and individual artists. Main Street Thibodaux will use digital, paper, and assistance to various entities in the District. Since Main Street Thibodaux has been in assistance for several years, they already have the knowledge and connections to contact both large businesses, small businesses, residents, and individual artists. These connections will be vital to assist and elevate the Cultural District in Thibodaux. Main Street Thibodaux also has the background information on what is missing in the district and needs special attention for the betterment of the community. They will use these connections to create an a system that will help elevate connections between the artist community, government, private sector, historical district, and educational institutions in the area.

B. Promotion (within the district and beyond) Provide a concise narrative that describes how the Applicant will manage promotion of the Cultural District, addressing the items listed below. Promote the businesses, events, and programs of the Cultural District to the public Provide for networking opportunities among residents Provide opportunities for planning and promoting district wide events There are two tiers of promotion that need to happen within the district. The first are established entities like the Main Street District, City of Thibodaux, Jean Lafitte National Historic Site, Nichols State University, and churches. These established institutions are vital to create and assist the residents for the cultural hub being created. However, there also has to be a venue to allow single artist, community activist, small businesses, and residents to give input and find opportunities to initiate their ideas into the district. It’s vital that grassroots efforts are supported through the process but will take the connection of grassroots to established organizations.

CD-Application 2013 Page 8 of 9 Thibodaux Cultural Distirct

Attachment 1: Proposed Th ibodaux Cultural District Attachment 2: Thibodaux Cultural District Boundary Description

The Thibodaux Cultural District is located entirely within the City of Thibodaux. Commencing the city limits at First Street and Bowie Road heading east along the city limits for 466 feet, turning south along the city limits for 1,140 feet, turning southeast along city limits for 215 feet, turning east along city limits for 670 feet, turning north along city limits for 330 feet, turning east along city limits for 1,000 feet, turning south along city limits for 2,600, turning west along the ditch following city limits for 1,500 feet to Bowie Road, turning south along the centerline of Bowie Road for 1,400 feet to the boundary of Nichols State University, turning west along Nichols State University Boundary to Audubon Avenue, turning north along the centerline of Audubon Avenue following the boundaries of Nichols State University and going west for 1,400 feet to Bayou Lane centerline, turning south along Bayou Lane Centerliner fo 1,200 feet to the centerline of South Acadia Road, turning westward along South Acadian Road centerline for 1,500, continuing along the centerline of Gerald T Peltier Road for 2,200 feet, crossing over to the centerline of Thompson Place and continuing westward for 720 feet to the centerline of Caroline Avenue, continuing westward along the old railroad right‐of‐way for 1,100 feet to the centerline of Ridgefield Road, then following the centerline of Candy Lane of 630 feet to the centerline of Jefferson Street turning northward along the centerline of Jefferson Street for 2,500 feet, turning northward along the centerline of Amis Street for 350 feet, continuing northward along the lot line to the centerline of Cherry Street, turning westward along the centerline of Cherry Street to Landry Street for 600 feet to , continuing north along the lot line to Bayou Lafourche and the city line, turning eastward along the city lines for 540 feet, turning north along city lines across Bayou Lafourche for 220 feet to the centerline of Louisiana Highway 308, turning eastward along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 308 for 4,300 feet to the centerline of Rosedown Drive, turning northward along Rosedown Drive for 500 feet to the corner of the National Historic Rienzi Planation House lot line, turning eastward along the lot line for 900 feet, turning southward along the lot line for 500 feet to the centerline of Louisiana Highway 308, turning eastward along Louisiana Highway 308 for 1,200 feet to the city limits of Thibodaux, turning south along the city limits for 330 feet, turning eastward along city limits for 3,200 feet, turning southward along city limits for 180 feet, commencing at the intersection of Bowie Road and Louisiana Highway 1. 5th Street and Canal Street Downtown and St. Joseph Cathedral

Canal Boulevard is one of the major streets traversing the district. It provides the traditional Louisiana common ground and connects downtown to Bayou Lafourche, St Joseph, and Nicholls University. Downtown Th ibodaux

Downtown Th ibodaux is a mixture of historical building ranging over the last three decades. Th e small nine block area is already utilized by shops, entertainment, and residential. Being a college town it is a lively scene and perfect for the creative class to grow and expand. Downtown Th ibodaux

Current example of building mixes and opportunities for development. Th e main building is a multi-residential unit building downtown, fl anked by a store housed in a national historic build-ing; along with other single storefronts and loft s. Th e vacant lot is an example of under-utilized areas in the District that will become more viable as development is centered in the Cultural District. Big Boy Cookoff - Downtown Th ibodaux

One of many festivals downtown Th ibodaux that attracts people to the center and utlizes the exsisting art studios, stores, bars, and restaurants. Bayou Lafourche

Th ibodaux owes its existence to Bayou Lafourche when it was established in the 1700’s by French settlers. It was economic backbone to the city. Today, much of the bayou is under-utilized to the general public, and the district provides an opportunity to revitalize the bayou to the public. Bayou Lafourche

Th is picture located just north of the central core of Th ibodaux near Jean Lafi tte National Historic Site shows the board walk that is being expanded to down the bayou. Th e expansion will provide for unique development opportunities in old abandoned buildings (as seen in the background) that line the bayou and will provide spaces for shops, artist, and performers. Dansereau House National Historic Building

Th e Dansereau House is on the National Historic Building registry and located in the Central Business District, within the Cultural District. Th e house is now utilized as a successful bed and breakfast, providing visitors quick access to sites within the Cultural District. Nicholls State University

Th e main quad at Nicholls State University faces Bayou Lafourche and provides a crucial cultural anchor to the District. Th e university itself has a world renowned culinary school, along with art and language programs refl ecting the heritage of the area. Main Street Th ibodaux Boundaries

RESOLUTION NO. 1873

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF THE THIBODAUX CULTURAL DISTRICT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SUMBIT AN APPLICATION TO THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, RECREATION AND TOURISM

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Thibodaux in regular session assembled, that:

WHEREAS, Act 298 of the 2007 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature authorizes Local Governing Authorities to create Cultural Districts as a mechanism for community revitalization through the creation of hubs of cultural activity; and

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development is authorized to develop standard criteria for cultural districts and to determine whether or not a proposed Cultural District meets those criteria; and

WHEREAS, Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Office of Cultural Development has promulgated administrative rules which set forth the procedure for Local Governing Authorities to submit applications to designate and certify a specified geographic area as a Cultural District; and

WHEREAS, the geographic area within the City of Thibodaux, Parish of Lafourche, may meet the criteria for the creation of a Cultural District which area shall include the following:

Commencing at the low-water mark on the southern bank of Bayou Lafourche at the eastern City limit boundary being the eastern property line of Nicholls State University Campus; thence southerly following the property line of Nicholls State University to a point at Bowie Road; thence easterly along the property line of Nicholls State University to a point; thence in a southerly direction following the property line of Nicholls State University to a point; thence westerly following the property line of Nicholls State University to a point at Bowie Road; thence southerly along Bowie Road to a point being the southeast corner of the property line of Nicholls State University; thence westerly along the southern boundary of the Nicholls State University property to a point on Bayou Lane; thence southerly along Bayou Lane to a point being the southern boundary of the old railroad corridor; thence westerly following the old railroad corridor to a point at the intersection with Jefferson Street; thence in a northerly direction following Jefferson Street to its intersection with Oak Street; thence westerly to its intersection with Amis Street; thence in a northerly direction to a point at Cherry Street; thence westerly along Cherry Street to its intersection with Landry Street; thence northerly following Landry Street to the low-water mark of the southern bank of Bayou Lafourche; thence easterly meandering the southern bank of Bayou Lafourche to a point; thence northerly across Bayou Lafourche to Bayou Road at its intersection with Coulon Road; thence in a westerly direction along LA Hwy 308 (Bayou Road /East Bayou Road) to its intersection with Rosedown Drive; thence northerly along Rosedown Drive to a point being the rear property line of the Rienzi Plantation House property; thence easterly along the rear property line of the Rienzi Plantation House property to a point; thence southerly along the property line of the Rienzi Plantation House property to a point at the intersection of LA Hwy 308; thence easterly along LA Hwy 308 to a point being the eastern City limits; thence southerly across Bayou Lafourche to the low-water mark of the southern bank of Bayou Lafourche; then meandering in an easterly direction along the low-water mark of the southern bank of Bayou Lafourche to a point at the eastern City limits, being the point of beginning; and,

WHEREAS, the stated boundaries are more clearly defined in the attached map “Exhibit A”; and

WHEREAS, within the boundaries of a state-certified Cultural District, several tax incentives may be available including (1) a sales tax exemption on the sale of certain original works of art, (2) individual income tax credits for eligible expenses incurred during the rehabilitation of certain owner-occupied residential or owner-occupied mixed use structures, and (3) income and corporate franchise tax credits for eligible expenses incurred during the rehabilitation of certain historic structures; and

WHEREAS, only a Local Governing Authority is authorized to submit an application for the designation and certification of a Cultural District; and WHEREAS, a “Local Governing Authority” is defined by LAC 25:I§1101 as “the governing authority of the parish in which the Cultural District is located unless the district is located in a municipality, in which case “Local Governing Authority” shall mean the governing authority of the municipality. If the district is located partly in a municipality, “Local Governing Authority” shall mean the governing authority of the parish and the governing authority of the municipality”; and

WHEREAS, the Thibodaux Cultural District is located entirely within the City of Thibodaux and therefore the Thibodaux City Council would be the proper entity to submit an application for the certification and designation of the above described geographic area as a Cultural District.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Thibodaux does hereby:

1. Support and endorse the submission of an application to the Louisiana department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development to designate the Thibodaux Cultural District as a state-certified Cultural District 2. Delegate its authority to submit said application and all supporting documents, reports, and other forms required for the creation, administration, and reporting to Mrs. Rhonda Dempster, Executive Director of Thibodaux Mainstreet, subject to the following limitations and restrictions: a. The delegation of authority shall be re-evaluated by the Thibodaux City Council in the event of a newly appointed Executive Director of Thibodaux Mainstreet.

The Purple Penguin Art Company 702 W. 3rd St. ! Thibodaux, LA 70301 ! 985-446-0700 ! www.purplepenguinartcompany.com ! February 24, 2014

To the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism: As resident, art business owner, and independent artist in the proposed Thibodaux Cultural District, I am writing to express my full support for the proposed cultural district.

I own The Purple Penguin Art Company, LLC, an art studio/gallery, in beautiful Downtown Thibodaux, and am one of several artist within the district boundaries and while the artistic scenes is thriving, venue space is lacking. By allowing for additional economic development opportunities it will allow the artist community to use under-utilized historical spaces and create a hub of arts and recreation within the District.

By encouraging the enhancement of our artistic services for all ages in the community and my work, I can boost the pride within the city and be part of an overall renaissance of the historical and artistic capabilities of the historic Cajun town located along Bayou Lafourche.

I urge you to move forward on the decision to create this district, and I will involve myself in anyway needed to enhance the community as a whole through the promotion of this district.

I am looking forward to your response!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Donaldson

The Purple Penguin Art Company, LLC

Owner, Artist, Instructor

[email protected]

John Lafargue 474 Audubon Street , LA 70118

February 25, 2014

Ms. Gaye Hamilton Louisiana Cultural Districts PO Box 44247 Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Dear Gaye:

As owner of Rienzi Plantation house, an important cultural asset of the Thibodaux community located within the proposed Thibodaux Cultural District, I am writing to express my full support.

I believe the creation eof th Thibodaux Cultural District will be the catalyst in promoting the unique traditions and customs of Thibodaux as well as the advancement of historic preservation. Preserving the rich cultural identity of the area is paramount and the tax incentives provided by a cultural district is key. Thibodaux is the quintessential “bayou town” that is significantly unadulterated. Many of the early traditions of our state can still be found here. In my opinion, the creation of a Thibodaux Cultural District abundantly fulfills the criteria in establishing the designation. I applaud the city administrators in their efforts and know with the proper community involvement the cultural district will have a significant impact.

I urge you to move forward on the decision to create this district, and I have pledged my full support of the creation and implementation of the cultural district.

Sincerely, John

Doug Robichaux 100 Allendale Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 February 25, 2014

Gaye Hamilton Louisiana Cultural District P.O. Box 44247 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 Dear Gaye:

As a business owner in the proposed Thibodaux Cultural District, I am writing to express my full support for the proposed cultural district.

As a historical town and current college community, downtown Thibodaux already has a thriving commercial hub. By allowing for additional economic development opportunities it will allow me to enhance my business and encourage me to assist the arts and entertainment community to use my spaces and create a hub of arts and recreation within the District.

By encouraging the enhancement of talent within the community, I can boost the pride within the city and be part of an overall renaissance of the historical and artistic capabilities of the historic Cajun town located along Bayou Lafourche.

I urge you to move forward on the decision to create this district, and I will involve myself in anyway needed to enhance the community as a whole through the promotion of this district.

I am looking forward to your response!

Sincerely,

Doug Robichaux

Bayou History Center, Inc. c/o 1206 Cardinal Drive Thibodaux, LA 70301 985-859-3214 [email protected]

February 25, 2014

Re: Thibodaux Cultural District

This letter is to voice Bayou History Center’s full support for the creation of the THIBODAUX CULTURAL DISTRICT in the beautiful city of Thibodaux, Louisiana, a jewel of creativity in the Bayou Region.

As an organization whose motto is “Studying Yesterday to Understand Today and Improve Tomorrow,” it is the mission of Bayou History Center to work for the study and preservation of family and community history.

The creation of a specified cultural district in Thibodaux can be of great value to our mission in preserving the historical and cultural aspects of our community. We also feel it can become an economic development tool as well.

Art, history and culture are a major part of our way of life along Bayou Lafourche, and we would like to encourage their development into an economic driver as well.

So, we are honored to state our support for this wonderful project and urge the creation of the Thibodaux Cultural District.

Sincerely,

ctàÜ|v|t j{|àÇxç

Patricia Whitney Executive Director