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An old building with historic significance partially collapsed Wednesday afternoon at 1031 North Claiborne Ave. The owner said it was built in the early 1818 and was once the Harlequin Theater, the first theater for people of color. WDSU spoke with owner Tracy Williams. Williams said she has been working to repair and renovate the inside of the building with things like plumbing and electrical. As for the exterior, it is a historic building so she was waiting for an emergency permit from the city to proceed with work and renovations. She said she finally got a permit, but it has been a long drawn out process. “They approved me to do demo, secure it or pick it up. They have not confirmed that yet. They just told me I will have a permit in hand tomorrow. I was literally asking them for a permit this past week. I have been emailing them back and forth. It’s the Harlequin, it’s the first theatre that allowed people of color.”Williams said she had to overcome several obstacles like flooding, and some copper and other electricals being stolen.She said she is hoping to turn the theater into a boutique hotel for youth to learn about the hospitality industry.WDSU has reached out to the city’s Department of Safety and Permits.
An old building with historic significance partially collapsed Wednesday afternoon at 1031 North Claiborne Ave.
The owner said it was built in the early 1818 and was once the Harlequin Theater, the first theater for people of color.
WDSU spoke with owner Tracy Williams. Williams said she has been working to repair and renovate the inside of the building with things like plumbing and electrical.
As for the exterior, it is a historic building so she was waiting for an emergency permit from the city to proceed with work and renovations.
She said she finally got a permit, but it has been a long drawn out process.
“They approved me to do demo, secure it or pick it up. They have not confirmed that yet. They just told me I will have a permit in hand tomorrow. I was literally asking them for a permit this past week. I have been emailing them back and forth. It’s the Harlequin, it’s the first theatre that allowed people of color.”
Williams said she had to overcome several obstacles like flooding, and some copper and other electricals being stolen.
She said she is hoping to turn the theater into a boutique hotel for youth to learn about the hospitality industry.
WDSU has reached out to the city’s Department of Safety and Permits.