- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
New Iberia Today
By the People, for the People
New Iberia to Restore Historic Sugarcane Festival Building
Mayor outlines plans to renovate long-vacant community hub, aiming to revive local events and boost economy.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:33am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The city of New Iberia, Louisiana is moving forward with plans to renovate the historic Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival building, which has sat vacant for years due to flooding issues. Mayor Freddie DeCourt led a public walkthrough to outline the scope of work required, including addressing water intrusion, adding air conditioning, and restoring the space for community use by groups like local dance studios and Mardi Gras krewes. The renovation is expected to cost as much as the building's overall value and take over a year to complete, with the goal of reopening the facility in February 2028.
Why it matters
The Sugarcane Festival building has long been a hub for community events in New Iberia, and its restoration is seen as an important step in preserving the city's heritage and boosting the local economy through increased tourism and activity. The renovation aims to revive popular events that were previously held at the site, which could draw visitors and spending to the area.
The details
The city recently took ownership of the long-vacant Sugarcane Festival building and is now planning a comprehensive renovation. Key elements of the project include addressing water intrusion issues in the basement, adding air conditioning throughout the facility, and restoring the space for community use by groups like local dance studios and Mardi Gras krewes that previously relied on the building. Officials estimate the renovation costs could match the overall value of the historic structure.
- The city took ownership of the building in February 2026, just a few weeks prior to the public walkthrough event.
- The renovation project is expected to take over a year to complete, with the goal of reopening the facility in February 2028.
The players
Freddie DeCourt
The mayor of New Iberia, Louisiana, who led the public walkthrough event and outlined the city's plans to renovate the historic Sugarcane Festival building.
Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival
A long-running community event that was previously held at the historic building in New Iberia.
What they’re saying
“I need them to understand the many months it's going to take before the work can even start—and then it's a year process.”
— Freddie DeCourt, Mayor
“Historic preservation is economic development. People will come to a historic theater, a historic building or historic downtown—spend money, they're attracted to that.”
— Freddie DeCourt, Mayor
What’s next
The city plans to begin the renovation work in the coming months, with the goal of reopening the Sugarcane Festival building in February 2028.
The takeaway
The restoration of the historic Sugarcane Festival building in New Iberia represents an important investment in the city's cultural heritage and economic future. By reviving this long-standing community hub, the renovation aims to draw visitors, support local businesses, and preserve the unique character of New Iberia.
