In the late 1980s, a battle ensued as to whether to keep or demolish the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse. Some deemed the structure a monstrosity while others felt it was a historical gem.

On Jan. 17, 1987, a tax proposition before Calcasieu voters outlined a proposal to construct and maintain a new jail and courthouse annex and restore the existing courthouse.

The proposition called for a one percent sales tax for a two-year duration. It was expected to generate $14.5 million. Additionally, a 3.5-mill property tax would be levied for 10 years for maintenance of the jail and renovated facilities.

The entire proposition was predicated on the state giving the parish $10.5 million in funds for the construction of the new jail. Should the state not fund the facility, the Police Jury would void the election and neither tax would be collected.

On Jan. 6, 1987, the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association endorsed plans for a new jail and courthouse complex.

When asked about the project, however, 14th Judicial District Court Judge L.E. Hawsey told the American Press he objected to the restoration of the courthouse and wanted an entirely new complex built.

“This building is deplorable; it is literally falling down,” Hawsey said. “Our lives could be made a lot easier with new equipment.”

The total cost of the renovations, new 434-inmate capacity jail and courthouse annex was projected at $25 million.

Hawsey said he would prefer not spending “any money on this monstrosity (the courthouse) just to satisfy some history buffs” and added that for “$25 million we could have a new 25-story building with everything (offices, courtrooms and jail) in one building.”

Architect E.J. Ellender had a different response.

“Overwhelmingly, the public we have talked with has told us that they’re glad we’re restoring the courthouse,” he told the American Press on Jan. 6, 1987. “We think that (restoration) has been a big plus in our plans.”

Ellender said if the proposition was approved, the new jail would be constructed immediately, along with repairs to the courthouse.

“The plus about this proposition is that it is not just a jail tax. It would be hard to sell the public on just new cells for prisoners or just new offices for judges,” he said.

Bob Pumpelly, who co-chaired a 31-person citizens committee, spoke at a The Chamber/Southwest Louisiana public forum on Jan. 6, 1987.

“There is no reason for people not to be for this,” he said. “There is no interest, no bonding charges, no bonding attorneys and if we don’t do it now, we’re going to have to do it later.”

District Attorney Richard Ieyoub said the “courthouse is a classic — and I don’t care what anyone says. It has 71,000 square feet and is a sound structure.”

Ieyoub told the American Press for its Jan. 7, 1987, edition that the project was “a great package. It’s going to be beautiful and give us the space we need.”

Ieyoub said the renovation plans for the courthouse call “for the honorable judges to have renovated offices, hopefully to their liking.”

“In addition there will be a private walkway for the judges into the new courthouse annex.”

Sheriff Wayne McElveen said the jail was “antiquated. But I don’t want to build a country club.”

McElveen said if someone is arrested for driving while intoxicated, he is put into a holding cell with 31 other prisoners because there were not any individual cells left.

The proposal ultimately passed by a narrow margin — 9,798 voters approved the proposal and 8,314 voted against it.

The American Press reported only 20.4 percent of the parish’s registered 88,716 voters braved day-long, often heavy rains to go to the polls and vote.

Mark McMurry, assistant parish administrator, said officials were pleased with the vote totals, adding he wished the ad valorem tax had passed by a larger margin.

“On behalf of the governing body of the parish, I have never been more proud of the Calcasieu Parish,” Police Jury President C.W. “Corky” Lockhart told the newspaper for its Jan. 18,1987, edition. “Our voters looked into the eye of adversity to take care of its own needs.”

The Legislature ultimately did approve the $10 million for the jail.