We recently announced that Club Desire was slated for FEMA-funded demolition and that, despite a concerned citizens meeting organized on July 21st, the outlook wasn’t too optimistic. Given the severe damage the building suffered during Katrina and subsequent decade of neglect, the cost for the city to rebuild would be extremely high.

However, there could still be a sliver of hope for the iconic R&B, blues, and jazz venue. FEMA, in a recent public notice, said that they’ve “determined that the proposed demolition of the Club Desire building will result in an Adverse Effect to Historic Properties”and is investigating alternatives that involve repairs or stabilization.

Club Desire was one of the 383 properties approved by FEMA as eligible for federally funded demolition (out of 608 properties submitted for review), but eligibility does not necessarily entail demolition. Because of the building’s historic status, as the notice stated, “Federal regulations require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if any historic properties will be affected; assess the effect on historic properties; look for ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects; and evaluate the proposed action’s potential for significant impacts to the human and natural environment.”

FEMA is requesting public opinion to identify “specific practical proposals or information on feasible alternatives to demolition.” Proposals should include a funding source and a timeline.

To view the notice and post your comments, visit FEMA’s website here. Be sure to do it soon, as the deadline is August 17th.