River Shack plans $65K purchase to revive old observatory for dining and meetings

Kenner City Council is considering a revitalization project for the old observatory located next to the River Shack restaurant on Williams Boulevard. Currently unused and in need of significant repairs, the observatory features a dome but lacks a functioning telescope. The owners of the River Shack have proposed to transform the observatory into a small meeting room and develop the area surrounding it.

The council discussed the sale price of the observatory, which has been appraised at $65,000. This figure reflects a decrease from an earlier appraisal of $80,000 conducted in March 2023, primarily due to damage sustained from a recent storm. While a new roof has been installed, the interior remains largely empty and in disrepair.

This initiative aims to breathe new life into the observatory, potentially enhancing the local dining experience and community engagement. The council's decision on this proposal could pave the way for further development in the area, emphasizing the importance of preserving and repurposing historical structures for community benefit.