This small nook of California-style bungalows and Mediterranean Revival homes,

popular with families, has all of 164 historic buildings within its borders. But its

character is strong, with crepe myrtle trees and azalea bushes framing the historic

residences.

 

The neighborhood was developed by Charles Louque, the founder of the New Orleans

Swamp Land Reclamation Company; in 1897 his company drained the then-swampland

to prepare South Lakeview for development. A street in the heart of this district is named for him. The Lakeview Civic Improvement Association was established in 1924, and is one of the oldest and largest in the state. The neighborhood was especially hit hard in 2005 when it su ered some of the worst ooding after the 17th Street canal breach following Hurricane Katrina. Six feet of water ooded the area and sat for days, causing an incredible amount of loss of personal property. Fortunately, the solid construction and raised elevations of many of the historic homes contributed to the neighborhood’s survival — as did determined residents, many of whom came back, cleaned out their homes and rebuilt. Today, South Lakeview is once again a thriving neighborhood. Walkable amenities nearby — a grocery store, schools, churches, restaurants, a drug store — make it a desirable place to live, as do its proximity to both City Park and the lakefront.

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Many thanks to the Preservation Resource Center for providing this wonderful information! (www.prcno.org)