NEW ORLEANS (AP) — About $3.4 million in emergency repairs are needed to save the historic Cabildo and Presbytere buildings that flank St. Louis Cathedral from crumbling.

The Louisiana State Museum says moisture intrusion at the 200-year-old French Quarter buildings has put the plaster and stucco at risk of breaking off, potentially falling onto pedestrians outside or damaging museum artifacts inside the buildings.

Both buildings are listed as National Historic Landmarks with the National Park Service.

In a news release, officials said the problems came to light during recent exterior renovations, which included removal of an elastomeric coating applied in the 1990s. Officials said Thursday that the coating removal exposed cracks and other problems that if left exposed to the elements, could lead to more serious damage.

 

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