§ 25:349 — Commercial leases; New Orleans French Quarter

§349. Commercial leases; New Orleans French Quarter
A. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, and in particular the
provisions of R.S. 41:1212, the office of the state museum is authorized to lease or contract
with a qualified real estate or property management company to lease, for any purposes other
than oil, gas, or other mineral development, commercial space within the Lower Pontalba
Building and other properties located in the New Orleans French Quarter under the
ownership, management, jurisdiction, or possession of the office of the state museum,
without advertising for and receiving public bids for such leases, provided that such leases
are negotiated for and executed according to the terms and conditions contained in this
Section.
B. Any and all commercial leases shall be compatible with a comprehensive usage
plan approved by the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum. The comprehensive
usage plan shall include criteria used to evaluate an application for a commercial lease. The
evaluation criteria may include but shall not be limited to:
(1) The compatibility of the proposed use of the commercial space with the historic
nature of the museum property.
(2) The relationship and impact of the proposed commercial use on the integrity and
safety of the building.
(3) The anticipated effect of the proposed commercial use on the integrity and safety
of the building.
(4) The viability of the applicant's business plan and potential for revenue generation.
(5) The financial qualifications of the applicant.
(6) Whether the application, proposed use, or resulting lease will result or is likely
to result in a violation of the Code of Governmental Ethics or any other applicable law.
C.(1) Following its determination that a commercial space is or will become
available for lease, the office of the state museum shall provide reasonable public notice and
an opportunity to submit applications to lease such commercial space.
(2) The public notice shall be posted on the website of the department.
(3) The public notice shall provide the date the commercial space will be available
for lease; the address of the available commercial space; and how the public may obtain
additional information such as lease terms, application requirements, and evaluation criteria.
D. All commercial leases shall be reviewed and approved by the attorney general as
to form and legality.

Legislative History

Added by Acts 1979, No. 581, §1, eff. July 18, 1979; Acts 1997, No. 318, §1, eff. June 18, 1997; Acts 2001, No. 156, §1; Acts 2025, No. 450, §1.