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Zulu elevating headquarters after flood problems in New Orleans

A new project could put an end to their problems. WWL's Alyssa Curtis checked in on the work being done to raise the building.

NEW ORLEANS — Whenever it rains, we often see flooding along Orleans Avenue. It's something the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club has been dealing with for years, at their headquarters on Broad. But a new project could put an end to their problems.

On Thursday, WWL Louisiana's Alyssa Curtis checked in on the work being done to raise the building.

"You can't control mother nature but the reality is we're a fixture in this community," said Darren Mire, Zulu's Director of Public Relations. "And to have our building flood every time there's a storm is a little overwhelming for this organization."

For years, the headquarters of Zulu has flooded almost anytime there's a hard rain. But now, Mire says there's a new beginning on the horizon.

"Today a long time coming we are elevating our building," Mire said.

Construction is finally underway to raise the building.

"Last Thursday was the day it started. We had about 15 or so members out here at 8:30 a.m.  just to witness it," Mire said. 

"Some of our older members never thought this would happen so to see them out here with the chairs, watching the process taking photos it was a good moment for Zulu," he said.

They said they're going to raise the building about four feet off the ground. They said they feel pretty confident the building won't flood anymore.

"You can't anticipate everything but hopefully it's high enough," he said.

The krewe said at the highest, water has been about three feet. They've spent a lot of money and resources over the years because of it. But now, using federal funds to get the reprieve they've desperately needed — the future of Zulu is bright.

"We're bigger and better that's the important part," Mire said.

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