john schwegmann, jr. COLLECTION

 

 

(Mss 225)

 

 

Inventory

 

 

Earl K. Long Library

University of New Orleans

 

May 1991

 

 

Contents

 

 

Summary

 

Historical Note

 

Container List

 

Index Terms

 

Procedures for Requesting Special Collections Materials

 

 

 

Summary

 

 

Size:                          0.25 linear feet

 

Geographic

locations:                 Primarily New Orleans, La.

 

Inclusive dates:      1966 - 1978

 

Summary:                File of clippings and correspondence compiled by John Schweg­mann, Jr. in his opposition to the Louisiana Superdome.

 

Source:                     Gift, May 1991

 

Access:                     No restrictions

 

Copyright:                Physical rights are retained by the Earl K. Long Library, University of New Orleans.

 

Citation:                    John Schwegmann, Jr. Collection, Earl K. Long Library, University of New Orleans

 

 

 

Historical Note

 

 

            The Superdome was embroiled in tremendous controversy from its very inception -- a building in New Orleans to be financed by funds generated in part from the northern part of the State.  The concept of a domed stadium was attacked, and the method of financing provoked numerous lawsuits from such as John Schwegmann, the supermarket king.  Almost every day there appeared a story on television or in the newspaper about the Superdome.  The man who prevailed in this turmoil was David Dixon, who proposed the building in the first place.  He derived his authority and power from then-Gov. John J. McKeithen, to whom Dixon initially sold the idea for the Superdome.

            There was still unbelievable pressure from architects, not only in Louisiana, but nationwide.  Political pressure was intense until Dixon transferred the problem of architect selection to a Committee of Deans from the Tulane School of Architecture, the Louisiana State Engineering School, and the Louisiana State University School of Environmental Design.  The Committee, after extensive televised interviews, selected Curtis and Davis to lead the design team for the building.  Two firms were forced onto the design team by Mayor Victor Schiro and others, and a violent argument as to who would be in charge of the project ensued.  The argument was settled by then-Gov. McKeithen, Dave Dixon, and Theo Cangelosi, a Baton Rouge attorney.

 

Source: Nathaniel Curtis, “The Rivergate.”  http://www.rivergate.tulane.edu/chapter4.html  Accessed July 1, 2006.

 

 

 

Container List

 

 

225-1              Clippings and correspondence, unknown date, 1966 - 1976, 1978.

 

 

 

Index Terms

 

 

Louisiana.  Legislature.  Senate—Constituent communication

Louisiana—Politics and government—1951-

New Orleans (La.)—Buildings, structures, etc.

NIMBY syndrome—Louisiana

Schwegmann, John, Jr.

Sports facilities—Louisiana—New Orleans

Superdome (New Orleans, La.)