Historic Landmark on Mandeville Lakefront Experiences a Revival
The lakefront in Mandeville, Louisiana is an enchanting, charming location where tourists and residents gather to enjoy the walking / biking path, the children’s playgrounds and play areas, the seawall, the Lake Pontchartrain Yacht
Harbor and several selections of bars and restaurants that serve food, drink, and good company. As visitors stroll, bike, or drive along the few miles of Lakeshore Drive, they will also notice the myriad of historic homes and renovated and raised homes along the way. Many of these visitors don’t realize that these homes can be over 100 years old with roots dating back to before 1859.
One such location on the Mandeville lakefront is the Rest Awhile (sometimes called Rest A While). This building, along with a few cottages that align the sides and back of the property, is located on a 180-by-506-foot tract of real estate. Actually, one the cottages, which was constructed around 1859, was relocated to an adjacent lot and restored to its original Creole cottage aesthetic. The Rest Awhile began as Frapart’s Hotel which had a restaurant, a grand dancing hall, and an architectural structure built to catch the cool breezes coming off of Lake Pontchartrain during the stifling hot summer months in the New Orleans area. It
was owned by Edward Frapart and his wife, and during the 1880’s the landmark thrived as a destination location on the Northshore for vacationing New Orleanians. In 1894, it was taken over because of bankruptcy, and sold to a private owner. After 10 years, the building was donated to the International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons, a New York based charity. For nearly a century after that, it was operated as a safe haven for abused women, destitute women and children and orphans.
The building itself was still inhabitable and operational up until Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Unfortunately irreparable damage was done to the structure during the hurricane, and it was shut down. However, this historic landmark now has a chance at a revival because it has been purchased by Barrett C. McGuire of McGuire Real Estate Group, LLC. Work had begun to fortify the building because of the damage it sustained during the hurricane. So far, the only plans for the building include raising and establishing the exterior structure.
“Columns and steel beams to support the raised structure will be added over the next few weeks, said McGuire, “The building’s elevation will be set at 12 feet, which meets FEMA Velocity Zone requirements,” he said.
Many residents of Mandeville in St. Tammany Parish are anxious to see what is next for this treasured piece of real estate along the historic Mandeville lakefront. Although, anything to maintain its historic value and renovate it to a better condition to prevent decay is a good start in the minds of most locals.
