[StBernard] Lacoste Design

[Westley Annis]

Hey John,

I should say I was trying to be a little funny with the story about the new
Lacoste school and the million dollar oak tree...but it is the truth.  I'll
admit I laughed when my contact told me about it - he was laughing while
telling me.

Like you, I don't mind being a little modern when it comes to design,
provided it doesn't add anymore cost.  I really don't care if a building
looks a bit old fashioned on the outside provided the inside is equipped
with all the latest technology.  A good example of this would be the new
Hannan High School in Covington.  I find it to be an attractive design but
it's not going to win any awards from Architectural Digest, but I hear the
school has a very efficient layout and is equipped with all the latest tech
stuff.

Like you I want us to have the best, but not have to spend a penny more than
necessary.  But I have to admit, never again will there ever be a time I
pass in front of Lacoste School and not look at that oak tree.

I'm thinking about getting some sort of mock up of a sheep's coat and spray
paint it in glitter gold.  Then wrap it around the base of the tree with a
sign below reading "Here stands the rare Golden Fleece Oak that took FEMA
for $1.5 million." I'm thinking the late William Proxmire would approve.

Thanks,
John
 

-----Original Message-----
John S.
 
I never thought about it from that angle.  Thanks for enlighting me.
Personally, I saw nothing what-so-ever wrong with the Lacoste School
structure other than it was "dated", the same as Chalmette High was today
and when I walked in the doors in 1966.  I could be why off base but I
suspect that since federal dollars were (are) being spent to built the new
school, why not have the latest and greatest?  It will be an impressive
structure once finished, but I sure wish they would have followed the
original plan to add the elevated walk-way between the two buildings and
used the money for another school (if that option was available).
 
John R