The iconic headquarters building of the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) in suburban New Orleans has been sold to Access Health Louisiana.
Staff reductions over recent years had lessened the association’s need for the spacious headquarters of just over 10,000 square feet. A showcase for wood products, the building generously served SFPA as a base of operations for the last 36 years, housing its various programs and activities, and hosting many landmark membership meetings and industry events.
The staff is relocating to a leased office space five minutes away. SFPA’s new address:
6660 Riverside Drive, Suite 212, Metairie, LA 70003
SFPA’s phone and fax numbers will remain unchanged; however, during the move, services may be down for a short period. Staff members can always be reached by their cell phones.
“It became apparent that the staffing level would not justify keeping and maintaining this beautiful building,” noted SFPA Chairman Joe Kusar. “I want to thank the staff for making the move as efficiently as they have while continuing to service all members’ needs,” he added.
Since SFPA was founded in 1915 as the Southern Pine Association, the organization was housed in two bank building locations until its own headquarters facility could be designed and built near the New Orleans airport. A two-year memorial and living tribute campaign helped finance construction; many member companies contributed materials to the project. The dedication ceremony on January 23, 1978 included remarks from Louisiana’s then-Lieutenant Governor Jimmy Fitzmorris.