Old Arabi Jail to re-open as a parish tourism site

Parish and federal officials celebrated the grand re-opening Thursday, Dec. 21, of the renovated Old Arabi Jail at 220 Hernandez St., near the Mississippi River, site of the First Ward Justice Courthouse and Jail, built in 1911. The building was used as a courthouse until 1923 and also held a jail cell until 1939. It will be used as a parish tourism site, Parish President David Peralta said at its ribbon-cutting attended by Sheriff James Pohlmann, Council member Ray Lauga who represents the area, Chamber of Commerce officials, FEMA representatives, and others from parish government and the Sheriff’s Office. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the building was used as a meeting space by the Arabi Lions Club. It is expected the renovated building will be used as a community meeting space as well for tourism. President Peralta is shown cutting the ribbon. Also shown is the old cell that was made of thick iron. Inside the cell is Sheriff Pohlmann and President Peralta in one scene and Col. John Doran and Chief Deputy Richard Baumy in another.