Mayor Landrieu Announces Big Plans For Community Center Wrecked by Hurricane Katrina

A New Orleans community center destroyed by Hurricane Katrina is getting a $5 million renovation. The new facility is set to be completed by this spring.

Katrina ripped apart the roof of the John Lyons Memorial Center at Louisiana Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street. Holes remain in the roof over the dilapidated gymnasium. Mayor Mitch Landrieu officially began the renovation process, saying what will open there next year will be much more than what was lost.

The 38,000 square-foot center will have a new gym, but also a computer center, dance studio and movie theater.

FEMA is funding most of the work, along with some private donations.