Shreveport, La. – The city’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approved Holy Trinity Catholic Church’s request to demolish the former Continental Trailways bus terminal on Fannin Street. The decision, made Tuesday, clears the path for the church to build a new parish hall, a visitor center that will house the “Minor Shrine of the Five Priests: Servants of God,” and a parking lot.
Balancing Preservation and Growth
The HPC, which advises the city on how to balance historic preservation with development, voted in favor of a demolition certificate. The commission’s five members, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council, concluded that the terminal’s condition makes restoration impractical.
Engineering Findings and Church Plans
Multiple assessments from architects and engineers identified extensive asbestos, structural deterioration, mold and other hazards that would make renovation prohibitively expensive. “There were no other possible options and the commission agreed,” said Pastor Duane Trombetta of Holy Trinity. The church purchased the building in 2021 with the intention of renovating it, but the engineering reports forced a change of plans.
Historic Significance and Community Input
Former HPC member and historian Gary Joiner voiced concern about the terminal’s role in the civil‑rights movement, noting that Shreveport was an early battleground for desegregation in schools, lunch counters and public transportation. Joiner suggested preserving the front façade, one wall, or the awning as a compromise that would retain a tangible link to that history.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board, represented by Executive Director Cedric Glover, supported the church’s vision and waived its statutory authority to postpone demolition for 180 days. Glover emphasized that the DDA’s backing also rests on Holy Trinity’s commitment to memorialize local African‑American leaders, including Moses Sterrett, and to honor the broader civil‑rights legacy.
Next Steps and Community Event
The demolition certificate now moves to the Metropolitan Planning Commission for final authorization. Executive Director Stephen Jean indicated he sees no reason to deny the request.
Holy Trinity plans a public launch event on Oct. 8. The gathering will feature a special mass followed by a reception where the church will share details of the construction project. “We hope and pray that this could be impactful for our community and the Catholic faith and those who love downtown Shreveport,” Trombetta said.
What This Means for Shreveport
The approval reflects the city’s ongoing effort to encourage responsible development while respecting historic districts. By allowing the demolition, the HPC acknowledges the practical challenges of preserving a structure that poses health and safety risks, while the church’s promise to create a civil‑rights memorial offers a way to honor the past.
Residents who wish to learn more about the project or voice concerns are encouraged to attend the Oct. 8 event or contact Holy Trinity’s office directly.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
