If something is happening in downtown Abbeville, there is a pretty decent chance it is happening in Magdalen Square.
Now, the focal point of the city’s picturesque downtown is receiving a little facelift. The city has hired a contractor to replace bricks on the wall and on the ground in the square. That work began last week. Dale Michaud is the contractor and bricklayer who is handling the project.
Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., who represents that area of the city, explained that the Public Works department, Main Street Department, Mayor Mark Piazza and the city council have long-recognized the damaged bricks from the frequent use and wear and tear on that surface.
“Festivals, weddings and concerts are only a few of the many public uses of Magdalen Square,” Broussard said. “These repairs will make that surface
better, more beautiful and safer going forward.”
Abbeville Main Street Manager Charlene Beckett said it is important to keep up the Square because of its history, especially its connection to the late A. Hays Town, a Louisiana architect who passed away in 2005.
“He was a famous Louisiana architect,” Beckett said, “He designed the wall around the square. That is really an honor.
“It’s important to keep up the bricks in the square, which is so important to the downtown area.”
Work will begin on the wall soon. The bricks were placed around the square in the 1964.
“Updates are not made very often,” Beckett said. “This is a pretty big deal.”
As is the square to the city.
“It’s our meeting place,” Beckett said. “It’s a great place to hold events.”
One of those regular events, Sounds on the Square, will soon be returning. The fall season will begin on Thursday, Sept. 27.
“We’re looking forward to another great season in the square,” Beckett said.