WILL HOLY TRINITY CHURCH DEMOLISH DOWNTOWN HISTORICAL BUILDING

Shreveport’s downtown Holy Trinity Catholic Church owns the old downtown bus station, and the Church plans to tear down this structure on Fannin Street which is between the Second Circuit Court of Appeals building and the Tom Stagg U.S. Courthouse, and across from its historical church building.
 
Several elected and appointed officials and bodies including the City, the Downtown Development Authority, the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission have approved the demolition of this historic building.
 
Holy Trinity plans to construct a new parish hall and visitor center on this location. This new facility will contain the “Minor Shrine of the Five Priests Servants of God” and an adjacent parking lot.
 
The church cited structural deterioration, mold, and asbestos as reasons why demolition is the only option.
 
Local historian Dr. Gary Joiner says the terminal is important because of its documented role in the civil rights movement. He notes that Shreveport was in the background of the struggle for desegregation in schools, lunch counters, and on public transportation.
 
Joiner and others who advocate retaining historical structures hope that the front façade, one wall and perhaps the outside awning be preserved. 
 
Those agreeing with Joiner should contact Father Duane Trombetta and those that are fundraising for this renovation.