North Iberville Community Center hosts grand opening

ROSEDALE – The North Iberville Community Center held a grand opening ceremony on Friday midday.

The $2.6 million facility was built by Bryan Bush Construction of Baton Rouge and includes 8,500 square feet and a concrete parking area. The building was designed by Fusion Architecture.

"I want you to enjoy this building but I want you to respect it because it is yours," Iberville Parish President J. Mitchell Ourso said. "I want you to go out and tell everybody in the parish how proud you are of this building."

Problems with sewer pipes and air conditioning hampered completion of the center, which has been in the makings for over a decade.

"It has been a long road and there were a lot of bumps and bruises along the way but no one threw their hands up and gave up on the project," Iberville Parish Chairman Matt Jewell said.

The building, completed 16 months behind schedule, includes a main auditorium with a stage, full kitchen, office and restroom.

"I think we have a facility that we can be proud of," former State Sen. Rob Marionneaux said. "I hope we treat it as our own so it can be here for generations to come. It is something we can all smile about when we pass."

The building was largely funded through state grants. The property was bought from the descendents of Joe Gottlieb.

Marionneaux said the center was spearheaded by the T.A. Levy High School Alumni Association, who were seeking a place to hold reunions.

"It has been a long and at times daunting road but I think it is only fitting that it is right next door," Marionneaux said. "It is a wonderful facility in a wonderful location. It is something we should all be proud off."

Other speakers included Sen. Rick Ward, State Rep. Major Thibaut, Sheriff Brett Stassi, District Attorney Ricky Ward, Assessor Randy Sexton, Rosedale Mayor Football Badeaux, Grosse Tete Mayor Mike Chauffe, Maringouin Mayor John Overton and North Iberville Community Center director Carroll Devilier.

"I don't know who to thank first," Badeaux said. "This is not Rosedale's community center. It is for all of north Iberville. It was built for the purpose of having a place to meet."

Devilier asked those in attendance to spread the word of the center's opening.

"I will make every effort to accommodate the people of north Iberville and the use of this beautiful facility," Devilier said.