National Trust for Historic Preservation President Richard Moe and HGTV President Burton Jablin announced recently that grants were awarded to 12 U.S. projects as part of the multi-million-dollar Restore America: A Salute to Preservation partnership.

Restore America focuses on the role that preservation plays in the revitalization of communities and supports community re-investment projects.

In New Orleans, a $50,000 grant will be given to Incardonia's, a restaurant and bar once run by successful Italian immigrant Joseph Incardonia.

Currently vacant and badly deteriorated, the roof system of the "arts & crafts" style building must be replaced and wall framing, flooring and floor joists of the second floor repaired.

Because of its prominent location on Tchoupitoulas Street, the building's restoration and adaptive reuse is critical to sustaining the architecturally rich Faubourg Marengo neighborhood and spurring new investment. Restoration plans have already generated new investment in the area in the form of artists' spaces.

Grant funds will be used by Preservation Alliance of New Orleans to convert Incardonia's into four residential units with loft-like layouts to appeal to young buyers and artists.

HGTV donated $1 million for the 2005-2006 campaign of Restore America to fund community revitalization grants. More than 100 grant applications were received from nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the country to complete residential projects.

Twelve project recipients have been awarded grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for the community revitalization projects.

Walton breaks ground on Bossier war veterans home

Walton Construction Co. of Shreveport recently broke ground on a new $24 million, 90,000-sq.-ft. Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home.

The facility will have 156 beds for domiciliary, acute, intermediate and Alzheimer's care of veterans, and is expected to open in late 2006.