WALKING TOUR with John P. Klingman, Favrot Professor of Architecture, Tulane University
The Garden District is sometimes described as the First American Suburb. The nineteenth century layout of the neighborhood matches the block dimensions and the overall size of the Vieux Carre but with only a third of the number of properties per block. This creates a verdant landscape of houses set in gardens, completely distinct from the feel of the French Quarter.
This walking tour begins on St Charles Avenue, at a stop of the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line. The tour will focus upon the wonderful residential architecture and horticultural landscape dramatically visible along the tree-lined sidewalks. We will see many of the oldest and grandest homes that are concentrated in the lower blocks of the neighborhood.
At the midpoint of the District, Washington Avenue and Magazine Street provide glimpses of the vibrant commercial activity that also characterizes the area. We will then explore the historic location of Newcomb College and the resulting midcentury modern houses that arose following Newcomb’s departure for a new campus farther uptown. We will then see some of the more modest houses in the neighborhood that also exhibit rich architectural character.
The conclusion of the tour will be spent in a visit to the characteristic Lafayette Cemetery #1 in the center of the Garden District. The tombs date from the long history of the neighborhood, and the architectural detail is varied and extensive. Even one of the walls of the cemetery houses tombs, another indication of the unique character of the local environment.
Meet at the corner of First Street and St. Charles Avenue. Fifteen-minute cab ride, or catch the St. Charles streetcare at Poydras & St. Charles Avenue (45 minutes walk/ride).
Max participants: 22
Fee: $40
