In the early days there were no landmarks on the scrub covered land. The Elephant Spirit House was one of the first points of orientation so visitors would know the way. The house adapts Asian representation of homes for spirits in this case a white elephant. The white elephant is a rare creature and powerful symbol in Buddhist cultures. It is often seen as a protector, and the bringer of good fortune. The structure is constructed from millwork scrap from the project on Exposition Blvd. The plaster elephant was retrieved from the street in New Orleans.