CENTER BEGINS NEW CHAPTER
City of New Orleans begins Sanchez Center demolition

In the Lower 9th Ward, Andrea Sanchez, the daughter of the late Andrew P. Sanchez, climbed into a bulldozer this morning to bring down the first brick of the neighborhood community center named after her father. Joined by her mother June Sanchez, they watched as the building demolition continued.

The City of New Orleans began the demolition of the Andrew P. Sanchez Community Center located at 1616 Caffin Ave on the morning of Tuesday, October 27.

In August of this year, FEMA officially declared the facility over 50% damaged. FEMA lists damages to the building at $32.4 million and demolition costs of $385,581. The facility is approximately 50,000 square feet and housed the Etta Morris Senior Center, the Sanchez Multi Service Center, and the Copelin/Thompson-Byrd Center.

The Sanchez Center sustained approximately eight feet of flood water and was severely damaged by the storm. FEMA's Project Worksheet (PW) of the assessment indicates that the complex suffered considerable damage to the plumbing infrastructure, electrical and lighting systems, and HVAC systems, among other damages.

The City has been proceeding with design for this facility to house administrative, leased and multi-purpose youth and recreation spaces. The Community Center will include a 25 meter pool as well as both large and small gymnasium/ multi-purpose spaces. A New Orleans Police Substation and a wellness clinic will be included in the new community center.