NEW ORLEANS — During two days in September (September 15 and 22, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.) members of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) and the Professional Women in Building Council of the HBAGNO, in conjunction with Girl Scouts Louisiana East (GSLE), will finalize revitalization work on the McFadden Cabin in New Orleans City Park.
Located behind the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), the cabin was originally constructed in the 1920’s by William McFadden specifically for the Girl Scouts during the Arts and Crafts era. It is a simple, one room structure that has great artistic integrity. The Cabin was given to the local Girl Scout council on February 14, 1931 as a "Valentine gift" from Mr. McFadden and is currently used by troops, communities, and the Girl Scouts council.
This revitalization coincides with the expansion of NOMA’s sculpture garden, which will be located just outside the back door of McFadden Cabin. The new Louisiana Children’s Museum, which is expected to open in July 2019, is also within view of the cabin.
“We are honored that our members are volunteering their time to work with Girl Scouts Louisiana East to revitalize McFadden Cabin in City Park,” said CEO of the Home Builders Association of GNO Jon Luther. “This project will not only restore a beloved City Park landmark but will empower each young girl to literally learn how to build her own future.”
Volunteers have already removed the cracked slab of the cabin and will be replacing the floor this fall. On the designated days in September, the Girl Scouts, with the support of local professionals and GSLE staff and volunteers, will put the finishing touches on the cabin. The cabin will be equipped with new plumbing fixtures, interior walls, front doors, and a new paint job. Additionally, the cabin has been taken off a septic tank and tied into the city's sewerage system to make it more feasible to hold events at the location.
“Girl Scouts, many who are economically disadvantaged, will be doing much of this work, assisted by professional builders and vendors from around the community,” said Jackie Alexander, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts Louisiana East. “It is the hope of GSLE that the McFadden Cabin project will result in the girls gaining valuable life and STEM skills, while also providing revenue opportunities for GSLE to offer the cabin as an intimate event space.”
