Articles Tagged "Historic homes"

If you're looking to update your kitchen but think it would be costly and time-consuming, it may be easier than you think. There are several budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen that will not take long to achieve. They'll help quickly transform the room, so it's more attractive and pleasant to work in.

Our Realtors® suggest the following kitchen updates that won't break the bank:

• Add a Rug 
  Bring in a rug from another room to give your kitchen a nice dose of color, pattern, and texture. Neutral colors in just one or two variations create a subtle look, while using more colors in more vibrant hues creates a bolder look. This update couldn't be easier, and if you'd like a change, you can always choose another rug from your home or buy one.
  
  
• Paint Your Cabinets
  Giving your kitchen cabinets a new coat of paint gives them a fresh, clean look. Remove the hardware (making sure to number them, so you'll know where everything goes) and clean and sand the cabinets' surfaces. Use two or three coats of self-priming paint, and if you'd like some variation, paint your upper and lower cabinets in contrasting colors.
  
  
• Add Character With Artwork
  Use a poster, painting, or photo to add some color and character to your kitchen. This can be achieved with a large single piece, or you can add some smaller pieces on open shelves or above the kitchen cabinets.
  
  
• Update Your Backsplash
  A dated, dingy tile backsplash can be easily addressed to help modernize and brighten your kitchen. Tile can be painted a bright color and then sealed. Or you can also use peel-and-stick tiles, which can be applied over your existing tile. It's simple to install and can help give your kitchen a more expensive appearance.
  
  
• Swap Out Your Hardware
  Your kitchen hardware may be showing its age, so why not replace it for an easy update? Metal and glass are two popular options, but if you choose metal, use just one finish for everything. You can find a wide variety at a home improvement store, but if you want something more unique, try looking for handles, knobs, and pulls at a flea market.
  
  
• Install New Lighting Fixtures
  New lighting fixtures can make your kitchen more attractive as well as more functional. Swap out your older lighting for brighter hanging lights in an interesting shape, size, and/or style to add more personality to your kitchen. You can also add lower hanging lights, sconces, and other types of lighting to brighten up dark areas of your kitchen, making meal prep easier.
  
  
• Hang New Window Treatments
  A fresh window treatment can add style to your kitchen for under $100. Consider woven shades that can, if you'd like, be layered with drapery panels. Don't cover too much of the window, however, since you'll still want to let natural light shine in.
  
  
• Add Molding
  If your kitchen lacks molding, adding it can add architectural interest to the room. It doesn't have to be complicated or fussy-looking since a simple piece of molding with a single shape, and single depth will achieve what you're looking for.

Contact us if you're ready to find a new home and would like to see Lafayette homes for sale and visit Lafayette open houses. Our firm is the top real estate company in the Gulf South, and we have over a century of proven results. We'd be happy to help you find your new home in the area! 

NOLA's vibrant history is showcased in a wonderful assortment of local museums. While these museums are great to visit during any season, August is New Orleans Museum Month. Throughout this month, if you're a museum member at one of the participating museums you get free admission to all the other local institutions participating in the month-long event.

Join our real estate agents in celebrating New Orleans Museum Month. While the list of participating museums still has yet to be revealed, let's take a look at some of the area's museums to prepare for August.

• Contemporary Arts Center - 900 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  Art spans a wide variety of disciplines, from painting and sculpture to music and dance. Contemporary Arts Center transforms a historic 30,000-square-foot warehouse into a showcase for modern art. The calendar features a wide range of events, programs, and activities with a focus on local and regional artists. CAC is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday.
  
  
• Longue Vue House and Gardens - 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans, LA 70124
  Once the family home of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue House and Gardens stands as a fascinating testament to the civic and cultural history of New Orleans during the 20th century. With features such as central air conditioning, a photography dark room, and a below-grade basement, the house was ahead of its time. Noted garden designer Ellen Shipman curated each section of the grounds to provide a unique experience. Twilight at Longue Vue is a series of open-air concerts held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month during daylight savings time. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  
  
• Lousiana Children's Museum - 15 Henry Thomas Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124
  Solve the kids' summer complaint of, "There's nothing to do!" with an entertaining trip to the Louisiana Children's Museum, conveniently located just minutes from New Orleans homes for sale. Interactive exhibits such as "Dig Into Nature," "Follow that Food," and "Move with the River" might make you wish you were a kid again. Thanks to steel drums, a binocular station, and other activities in the museum's "backyard," there's plenty of outdoor time as well. Themed weekly and monthly programs include Story Time, Plant and Play, and Community Kindness Project. Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Southern Food & Beverage Museum - 1504 Oretha C. Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113
  Eating is a topic that's near and dear to just about everyone's heart. The Southern Food & Beverage Museum is a stellar tribute to the unique culinary heritage of New Orleans and the South. SoFAB features an exhibit for each of the Southern states, along with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and a sub-museum dedicated to the history of the American cocktail. SoFAB is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  
  
• New Orleans Jazz Museum - 400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116
  Jazz is deeply embedded in the city's DNA. Another NOLA trademark, the historic Old U.S. Mint, now houses the New Orleans Jazz Museum. In addition to rotating exhibits such as "Drumsville: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat," the museum hosts multiple concerts and festivals throughout the year. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Tour New Orleans homes for sale and start charting the course of your own history. Contact us at Latter & Blum to learn more.

The key to a functional, inviting kitchen is organizing it well. A well-organized kitchen will be an enjoyable space, whether you're cooking, snacking, entertaining, or just hosting a no-frills evening at home with your family. Do you feel like your kitchen is a cluttered and intimidating place to cook or relax in? Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for making this space more organized.

1. Tackle Problem Areas
   What areas of your kitchen seem like they lack organization the most? For many people, frequently used areas like junk drawers, countertop clutter, and the pantry pose the biggest problems. You may also find while you're cooking that it's hard to locate and access the pots, utensils, or small appliances you need. Once you determine what needs your attention the most, you can start there.
   
   
2. Purge What You Don't Need
   Before you get started, go through your cupboards and ruthlessly get rid of any food that's expired, small appliances you rarely use, and dishes or equipment you don't need. It's easy to forget what's in the dark recesses of your cabinets. But if you don't even remember what's in there, chances are you don't need it.
   
   
3. Make a Plan for Traffic Flow
   For your kitchen's organization to make sense, it should prioritize anything that you access more frequently. For instance, many people choose to keep glasses near the sink, spices and cooking oil near the stove, and pots and pans under or above counter spaces that are frequently used for food prep.
   
   
4. Prioritize Frequently Used Items
   Similar to thinking of the traffic flow in your kitchen, make sure that your most often used items are easy to access. For instance, even if you don't keep your coffee machine on the counter, if you use it daily, it should be kept someplace easy to access, such as in an appliance garage or a cabinet near where you plug it in.
   
   
5. Utilize Storage Bins
   Don't forget the power of corralling smaller items in a bin. For instance, clear, stackable storage bins for the fridge and pantry make it easier to organize and find small items like spices and kids' snacks. Fabric or plastic bins or woven baskets enable you to organize in style in readily visible places like open shelves or on top of the fridge.
   
   
6. Make Items Accessible
   If your cupboards are full of deep, dark recesses that are difficult to access, or if you forget what you have hidden back there, consider upgrading your cupboards. Modern pull-out cabinet drawers enable you to utilize all of the cupboard space available to you while making the "back of the cupboard" items easy to access.
   
   
7. Invest in Custom Storage
   Things like coffee makers, crockpots, and stand mixers make our lives easier, but they also cause a lot of countertop clutter. Consider investing in custom cabinetry such as appliance garages and pop-up appliance shelves to keep them out of sight when you don't need them but still readily accessible when you do.
   
   
8. Add More Storage
   Walking through Alexandria homes for sale, you'll notice some creative solutions for kitchen storage. Pot racks, magnetic knife strips, and open shelving on available walls all provide ways to add additional storage.

Have you outgrown your current home and its kitchen? The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house because of how much waking time you spend there. If you're ready to upgrade your home, contact us today, and we'll help you get your search started.

The area around New Orleans is one of America's most beautiful and historically significant sites, and the nearby city of Gretna is no exception. This quiet community is close to many of our New Orleans homes for sale and features many interesting sights for amateur historians to enjoy. Here are a few of the most noteworthy Gretna locations you can visit to experience this city's history.  

• The Gretna Historical Society Museum - 209 Lafayette St, Gretna, LA 70053
  The Gretna Historical Society Museum features a multitude of exhibits illustrating the district's rich historical roots. Perhaps the most notable of these is the David Crockett Fire House, the oldest continuously active volunteer fire company complete with a horse-drawn steam pumper. Visitors can also stop by the Kitty Strele Creole Cottage, a preserved family home furnished in the style of the 1800s. 
  
  
• Gretna City Hall - 740 2nd St, Gretna, LA 70053
  Gretna's City Hall is much more than a simple civic building. Built in 1907, this striking structure was designed in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. It was originally used as the city's courthouse until 1958 before being renovated and reopened to the public almost a decade later. It now features a vast collection of local mementos on the first floor and a restored turn-of-the-century aesthetic on the second floor. It appears on the National Register of Historic Places and even offers drop-in walking tours for small groups.
  
  
• The Gretna Farmer's Market - 740 2nd Street, Gretna, LA 70053
  The Gretna Farmer's Market is a longstanding local tradition with an enduring place in the city's history. This community market is open every Saturday between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM, rain or shine. You'll find countless crates of fresh local produce and artisan goods here every week, and local crafts are also available during the market's Art Walk on the second Saturday of each month.
  
  
• The German-American Cultural Center and Museum - 519 Huey P Long Ave, Gretna, LA 70053
  Gretna's German-American Cultural Center and Museum features exhibits on the German immigrant experience in Louisiana from the 1720s through today, including their work and pastimes. The building also has a genealogy and research room where visitors can receive access to church records and other valuable sources of information that would be hard to come by in other settings. 
  
  
• St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gardens -  610 6th St, Gretna, LA 70053
  The St. Joseph Catholic Church is one of Louisiana's oldest places of worship. The church was built in 1857 in the distinctive Spanish Baroque style, and thanks to diligent maintenance from the local community, it is still in excellent condition. Its looming bell tower and lush gardens make this building impossible to miss from any angle, and is a striking example of the time period's architecture.  

Make Gretna Your Home Today

Gretna's deep historical roots make it a great place to live, work, and play. Contact us today to learn more from our real estate agents about our current roster of New Orleans properties. Or visit one of our New Orleans open houses to get a better look at your favorites. 

Lake Charles is a truly one-of-a-kind place to call home. In 2007 the Cultural Districts program was formed with a goal to encourage economic growth and tourism to these historic areas. Let our real estate agents be your tour guide to these unique Cultural Districts in Lake Charles! 

Nellie Lutcher Cultural District

Named for the legendary R&B and jazz singer who was born in Lake Charles in 1912, the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District encapsulates a vibrant area. It's the newest Cultural District in the city, having been given its official designation by the state of Louisiana in 2016, and is walkable from many Lake Charles homes for sale. 

The Nellie Lutcher Cultural District spans Ryan Street and Enterprise Boulevard to the east and west and between 7th Street and Railroad Avenue to the north and south. Landmarks in this district include: 

• ACTS Theatre - 1 Reid St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Located in a building that once served as a silent movie house, the Artists Civic Theatre and Studio (ACTS) is a vital component of Lake Charles art and culture. ACTS was founded in 1969 and continues to produce stage productions every season. 

Charlestown Cultural District

Charles Sallier, one of the earliest settlers in Calcasieu Parrish, built his home on the shore of the lake that now bears his name in 1800. The settlement that grew around his homestead became known as "Charles Town" until the name was officially changed to Lake Charles in 1867. 

Those early settlements around the shoreline of Lake Charles are now included within the Charlestown Cultural District, which also encompasses the Downtown Ryan Street corridor and Lakeshore Drive from the I-10 bridge to Bord du Lac Drive. Some of this district's most significant landmarks include: 

• 1911 Historic City Hall - 1001 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Once Lake Charles city hall, the 1911 Historic City Hall building was renovated and reopened in 2004 as an arts and culture center. 
  
  
• Calcasieu Marine National Bank - 104 W Pujo St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  With its three-story limestone edifice and neoclassical architecture, the building that houses the Calcasieu Marine National Bank was built in 1928 by the noted New Orleans architects of Favrot and Livaudais

Cottage Shops Cultural District

The unique Cottage Shops Cultural District was established in 2010. Compact and easily walkable, the Cottage Shops Cultural District is centered around Hodges Street between Alamo and 12th Streets and is home to some of Lake Charles' best locally-owned shops and eateries. Some of the special places found in this district include: 

• Agave Tamale - 521 Alamo St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Louisiana-style hot tamales are their own thing, and you'll get the best in town at Agave Tamale, a cozy takeout spot nestled in a historic building on Alamo Street. 
  
  
• Crave - 2801 Ryan St #100, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Gourmet specialty food and gift baskets are the main attraction at Crave, a local favorite for delicacies ranging from wine and spirits to hot sauces, chocolates, olive oils, and balsamic. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Lake Charles. When it comes to finding your dream home in Louisiana, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

Is there anything more comforting than a beautiful home decorated for the holidays? The New Orleans area has many homes that are architectural wonders, especially when decorated for the holiday season. Our real estate agents highly recommend these holiday home tours in the New Orleans area. Grab a friend or two, and prepare for a memorable, festive day.

• Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tour: Locations Throughout NOLA
  The Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans is dedicated to the historic architecture and culture throughout the city. Their annual Holiday Home Tour is a favorite and Latter & Blum is sponsoring one of the spectacular homes that will be featured. This year, the format will be a little different. Instead of touring the interior of homes, participants will get to admire 5 decorated landscapes and 2 private gardens. The featured homes are spread out through the French Quarter, Uptown, and Faubourg St. John.
  
  The PRC Holiday Home Tour is scheduled for December 11 - 12, 2021. Tickets can be purchased online for $40 (non-members) or $35 (members).
  
  
• Patio Planters Holiday Home Tour: Locations Throughout the French Quarter
  Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre is presenting their holiday home tour on December 19th, 2021. The tour will feature four homes in the French Quarter. Each is uniquely decorated with holiday decor that suits its architectural style.
  
  The Patio Planters Holiday Home Tour is a self-guided walking tour, so you can stroll along at your own pace. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free.
  
  
• Cabildo Creole Christmas Holiday Home Tour: Locations Throughout the French Quarter
  Celebrate New Orleans' Creole heritage at this holiday home tour in the French Quarter. The tour begins at the 1850 House Museum Store and takes you to five decorated homes. When you're finished touring the homes, be sure to browse the decor and furnishings for sale inside the store.
  
  Organized by Friends of the Cabildo, the Creole Christmas Holiday Home Tour is scheduled for December 28 - 29, 2021. Tickets are $40 for adults, $25 for students, and $25 for members.
  
  
• Holiday Tree Lighting, Courtyard, and Home Tour: 826 Saint Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70116
  This holiday event is suitable for all ages and includes a tree lighting ceremony to get you in the festive spirit. You'll also enjoy a tour of a Greek revival home dating back to 1844, which has been decorated for the holidays. 
  
  The Holiday Tree Lighting, Courtyard, and Home Tour are scheduled for December 4th, 2021, between 5 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are available for $40 per adult and $20 per child.
  
  
• Free Tours By Foot Holiday Tour: Locations Throughout the French Quarter
  If you're looking at New Orleans homes for sale, this tour is easy to schedule around your visits. A tour guide will lead you through the French Quarter, sharing interesting tidbits about history and holidays along the way. You'll walk through Jackson Square and past the St. Louis Cathedral. Of course, you'll also tour the Gallier House and Beauregard Keyes House.
  
  Register for the Free Tours By Foot Holiday Tour online. You'll meet your guide and the rest of the group on the steps of St. Louis Cathedral. Tours are available at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Payment is not required, but donations are appreciated.

Homes throughout the city of New Orleans really come alive when decorated for the holidays. Join one of these tours, and see them for yourself this year. If you're thinking of moving to New Orleans, don't hesitate to contact us. Our helpful real estate agents can guide you through the process.

Historic homes offer a step back in time to an era where houses had huge front porches, hand-carved details, and picturesque features. They have cozy rooms filled with charm and character, but they're not for everyone. Purchasing a historic home often comes with upkeep, maintenance, and repairs that can put a dent in your bank account.

Historic homes are not ordinary financial investments in the real estate market. At Latter & Blum, our real estate agents know that historic homes are also emotional investments. When searching for New Orleans homes for sale, clients want to invest in historic properties because they're buying a piece of history. We help them to understand some important factors before they invest.

What is a Historic Home?

In the United States, old homes don't automatically qualify to be historic homes. Since historic homes are placed on the National Register of Historic Places, they must be at least 50 years old and meet certain criteria determined and monitored by the National Park Service. To qualify, homes must meet one out of four criteria:

• Connection to significant historical events

• Connection to lives of significant people

• Representation of a historic style or master craftsman

• Provision of important historical information

Currently, there are more than 26,000 homes and buildings listed on the National Register. States and municipalities can also designate historical districts, many found in areas of New Orleans.

If a home is located within a historic district, owners are restricted to making certain changes to the property. Districts with historic properties must preserve certain features, so permits are required before any work can occur on the home's exterior. In some cases, ordinary homes located in historic districts may face certain renovation restrictions as well.

Purchasing a Historic Home

Before purchasing a historic home or a home in a historic district, you should know the advantages and disadvantages. You should be prepared to deal with special circumstances that may impact your lifestyle and budget.

Advantages

1. A Good Return on Your Investment
   Buyers looking for historic properties are willing to spend a significant amount on their investment. In many areas of New Orleans, homes in historic districts are in demand, and buyers are spending big money to live in historic homes.
2. Financial Assistance for Renovations
   Many historic homes provide loans or grants to first-time homebuyers for renovation costs. Available through the State Historic Preservation Office in Louisiana, homebuyers in New Orleans can get special assistance through the state for home renovations.
3. Community Preservation
   Homeowners who live in historic districts join together to form groups that maintain the history, character, and culture of the district. 

Disadvantages

1. Strict Regulations
   In some historic districts, properties are closely monitored and reviewed for historic appeal and compatible architectural features. Some restrictions can be even more confining than restrictions by homeowners' associations. If you're interested in a historic home, do your research on restrictions.
2. Costly Renovations
   Homeowners in historic districts are required to get permits for any additions, alterations, and renovations. If you're required to use authentic materials, you may be looking at costly products that put a dent in your renovation budget.
3. Difficult Financing
   In some cases, it can be more difficult to schedule an appraisal and get through the loan process. Lenders and insurance companies sometimes back away from historic homes because renovations and upgrades can be very costly.

If you're interested in buying or selling a New Orleans home, contact us for more information and help with properties in the area.

After a year of uncertainty and wide-swinging emotions, the arrival of New Year's Eve means all sorts of good things: Celebration, Closure, the distinctive Clink of Champagne glasses. Although it's been hard to find a silver lining this year, if there's one good thing that's come from being quarantined, it's the fact that we are being forced to slow down, reflect and get reacquainted with our homes. With that in mind, Latter & Blum Realtors share the hottest home decorating trends to ring in the New Year.

High Style Accessories
For living rooms, we are seeing comfortable, plush seating with rich tones and layered styling. Thanks to all of the virtual meetings while working from home, your home background is now more important than ever and accessorizing and styling are finally getting the credit they deserve. We see accessorizing becoming bolder, more artful and more personal in 2021. 
– Cindy Bailey, Latter & Blum Realtor 

Multifunctional Spaces
Workspaces have drastically changed this year and more people are opting to take back wasted space in their home offices. A closet can easily be combined with an office, since both spaces are able to disappear behind doors when not in use. A flexible workspace and fashion-forward decor help to blend these two functions seamlessly into a space that is both inspiring and productive.
– Erynn Patania, Latter & Blum Realtor

Biophilia
Biophilia first hit the headlines back in 2018 and is one trend that's here to stay, especially when more people are inclined to stay home in 2021. Propelled by the sustainable living movement, homeowners have been upping their eco-credentials by filling their homes with an eclectic assortment of trailers, climbers and bloomers. From macramé pot holders to vertical gardens, biophilia is one trend that's here to stay. If you don't have time for watering, go faux.
– Lisa Thomas, Latter & Blum Realtor

Bold Colors Mixed With Neutrals
While neutral tones are still popular, bold colors are on the rise in 2021. In fact, Pantone Color chose not just one but two colors of the year for 2021 – the neutral "Ultimate Grey" paired with a lovely yellow called "Illuminating". This marriage of bold and neutral colors conveys a message of strength, warmth and hopefulness that is uplifting during these times.
– Vickie Karamales, Latter & Blum Realtor

Wellness Spaces
Let's be honest, it's been a rough year, and we could all use a little light relief from the stresses of 2020. Little wonder then that one of this year's top trends is wellness spaces – rooms designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. From soothing neutral palettes to cozy bouclé blankets, this trend has got you covered even in the most stressful of times.
– Team Right Side, Latter & Blum 

Looking to buy or sell a home in 2021? Visit www.latter-blum.com for all your real estate needs.

Brigitte Fredy has made a name for herself in the New Orleans residential market over the last 30+ years, and it's clear to see why. With her passion and dedication to her career, she has built an expansive network of happy clients and earned herself Top of the Latter for decades – Latter & Blum's most prestigious award presented annually to the top-producing real estate agents across all markets.

Born in Paris, France – Brigitte has always had an eye for beautiful architecture, which naturally led her to specialize in historic properties in downtown, uptown and the French Quarter of New Orleans. Licensed in 1983, Brigitte started off her real estate career with Latter & Blum and is still with the company to this day as one of the top-producing agents. From helping clients buy their first home, second home and even third home, more of Brigitte's wide-ranging specialties include home staging, luxury condos and investment properties. Trilingual in English, French and Spanish, Brigitte's background and decades of expertise in historical properties allows her to help prospective home buyers and sellers from all walks of life. 

With all of her success, Brigitte didn't get where she is today on accident. She credits her hard work, patience and flexibility as the key to her success and what helped shape her into the top-producing real estate agent she is today. Offering advice to new real estate agents, Brigitte says it's important to start as early as you can, being a successful Realtor requires a lot of time, energy and work. Her favorite part of the job? Having the flexibility to create her own work schedule, which in turn creates a good balance in her life.

When Brigitte isn't basking in the thrill of navigating a successful real estate transaction, you can probably find her cooking some delicious cuisine in her downtown condo, exercising or entertaining clients and friends. She also owns an apartment in Paris, perks of all her hard work and dedication.

In the market for a home in New Orleans? Contact Brigitte for all your real estate needs.

There's history on every corner in Louisiana. Much of that history converges on the magnificent corners of the Louisiana State Capitol Building. When the building was first envisioned in 1928, it was the physical manifestation of the state's spirit. Today, it remains one of the most beautiful and storied buildings in the country, and there are seven facts about the structure that our REALTORS® think you just might be interested in knowing.

1. The Tallest Capitol Building in the United States. 
   Towering high at 450 feet, the 34 floors of the building were completed in 1932. From the observation deck at 350 feet in the air, you can see a significant part of the state and catch some of the most exquisite views in the south at sunrise and sunset.
2. Huey Long Brought it to Life. 
   The building was born from the grand visions of the state's most famous politician; and, Governor Long made the construction of the building a central plank on his platform. He remained intensely proud of the completion of the building long after he was elected to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. After he was assassinated in the building in 1935, Senator Long was buried on the building's grounds, and the statue place above his grove looks towards the building so he can admire it for eternity.
3. It is a National Landmark. 
   The Louisiana State Capitol Building is listed as a National Historic Landmark. In fact, you can even take a virtual tour of the building. Taking your family for a trip through time in the building is an excellent opportunity to drop in and wander the halls of history. It's a place where you can admire the artwork and learn more about the fabulous, interesting, and sometimes quirky history of our state.
4. From Design to Construction Took Just 36 Days. 
   That's fast by even the fastest standards. However, Governor Long was adamant that construction shouldn't miss a beat, and he wanted that building up just as quickly as they could erect the scaffolding. George A. Fuller Company from Washington, D.C. did the construction. It took just over 18 months for the dust to clear and the building to celebrate its grand opening on May 16, 1932.
5. One of the Finest Art Deco Structures in the World. 
   The building was completed in Art Deco style with a hint of highly simplified classicism thrown in for good measure. Of all the buildings of that era, the Louisiana State Capitol reflects the hope, simplicity, and elegance of our state at the time. And, while design tastes have evolved and changed, that spirit is still very much alive in Baton Rouge's residents.
6. Memorial Hall is Perfect for History Lovers. 
   Memorial Hall is 124 feet long and 40 feet wide. It's filled with relief maps of the state, artwork depicting famous men and women, and more than a few hints at the myriad of flora and fauna in the state.
7. It's Not Used Everyday. 
   Legislators only meet for 120 days a year. The rest of the time, they're back in their parish with their constituents. 

Contact us for more fun facts about life and living in Baton Rouge. It's our pleasure to tell you more and show you some of the Baton Rouge homes for sale that fit your budget and desired lifestyle. 

There's nothing quite like the beauty of a Victorian-style home! Many people fall in love with these homes for their one-of-a-kind details and charm. 

Do you have your eye on a stunning Victorian-style house among the Baton Rouge homes for sale? Here are some helpful remodeling and decorating tips to update a Victorian home incorporating your taste while maintaining its original beauty and charm. 

1. Don't Rush It
   No matter how excited you are about getting started, hold off on major renovations until you've lived in the home for at least a year. Take some time to see how you feel about the design elements after being around them day-to-day.
   
   
2. Revisit the Past
   Do some research into your home's background as well as general style conventions around Baton Rouge during the time the house was built. Having historical context helps you make more informed decisions.
   
   
3. "First, Do No Harm" 
   Moldings, trim, brackets, staircase banisters, and other elements of Victorian homes reflect an incredible level of craftsmanship deserving respect. Consider repairing rather than replacing these details whenever possible. Each altered feature takes the home further away from what spoke to you in the first place. Should you end up removing any pieces, store them carefully.
   
   
4. Understand What's Permanent and What Isn't
   Alterations such as paint, fabrics, stains, carpeting, and window treatments are cosmetic and easy to remove or modify. Think twice before tearing out a staircase or making other structural changes that are impossible to restore.
   
   
5. Prioritize the Practical Side
   You may be chomping at the bit to update the kitchen or add some luxury to the master bedroom, but aesthetic changes can wait. The first order of business is repairing current problem areas and preventing future damage.
   
   
6. Lighten Up
   Victorian homes often include wood and dark colors creating an interior ambiance bordering on oppressive. Adding a coat of paint in white or another light neutral shade opens everything up without eliminating molding and other attractive details.
   
   
7. Wide Open Spaces
   Avoid a claustrophobic feel by widening doorways and other narrow passages. Sometimes doorways can even be created where they previously didn't exist. This step also extends sightlines, making the home appear larger.
   
   
8. Repurpose Rooms
   The original owners of Victorian homes had different lifestyles from those of today, which means room usage wasn't the same. For example, a Victorian home may have a small, cramped bathroom and a spacious, formal dining room. Instead of tearing rooms apart to suit your purposes, think about how to repurpose them.
   
   
9. To Add or Not to Add?
   As your family grows or you undergo other life changes, you may come to a point where your lovely Victorian home isn't large enough. If you do build an addition, make the design compatible with the home's architecture. Be sure not to disturb the integrity of the original house in case a future owner wants to remove the addition.
   
   
10. Choose the Right Help
    Review portfolios and references of architects, contractors, interior designers, or other professionals you might hire. Check to see if they have experience working with Victorians and other historic home styles.
    
    
11. Plan for Contingencies
    Working on older homes carries a greater possibility of running into unexpected snags. Build a cushion into the schedule and budget to absorb any delays and cost overruns.

Whether you dream of a classic Victorian or more modern home, our REALTORS® can help you! Contact us to get started!

Baton Rouge is a place where you will find history around every corner, and that's especially true when you're exploring the city's historic downtown. As you travel through downtown Baton Rouge, you'll have the opportunity to visit historic businesses, tour historic buildings, view beautiful residential structures from a wide variety of eras, and experience the history of the city first-hand.

The Tessier Building, located in downtown Baton Rouge, is one of the city's oldest existing structures, and a great example of the history you'll find throughout the city. Our real estate agents have the details on what to know about the historic Tessier Building in downtown Baton Rouge.

Experience Louisiana's Past at the Historic Tessier Building

The Attraction: The Tessier Building
Location: 342 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, LA 70801

Learn More about the Historic Tessier Building in Baton Rouge

The Tessier Building is among the oldest structures still standing in Baton Rouge and ranks as the oldest structure in the city's downtown area. The earliest recorded date for construction of the building is in 1820, though it's possible that part of the building was constructed as early as 1762. Built in the Colonial style, the Tessier Building is a shining example of the history of residential structures in Baton Rouge.

Judge Charles Tessier of Baton Rouge purchased the property in 1820 and soon set out to expand it from its original size by adding another building. The property was mostly used for residential purposes during this time, and Tessier owned the building until his passing in 1854. It is the only remaining example in Baton Rouge of the urban townhouse style that was once extremely popular in the city.

Around the turn of the 20^th century, part of the Tessier Building was zoned for commercial use. The property was purchased by local lawyer Jules Landry in 1958, and she converted the building into a lawyer's office, as well as an art and antique gallery. The outside of the structure remains true to its original form, and today the Tessier Building is privately owned. The building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978 and remains an excellent example of the historic architecture you'll find in Baton Rouge.

The Story of Judge Charles R. Tessier, the Man Behind the Tessier Building

Every historical structure has a story, and the story of the Tessier Building starts with Judge Charles R. Tessier, who purchased the building in 1820. Charles Tessier was a well-known citizen in his era, serving as the first judge in Baton Rouge after his time in the military under Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. Tessier was also the commander of the Baton Rouge militia, and the First Worshipful Master of the L'Etoile Flamboyante Masonic Lodge in Baton Rouge. It is fitting that one of the oldest remaining structures in Baton Rouge was owned for so long by someone who made such a profound impact on the city.

Are you searching for Baton Rouge homes for sale, so that you can enjoy all of the history and culture that Louisiana has to offer? We can help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Baton Rouge area.

In Baton Rouge, you don't have to look far to find spectacular historic architecture. Our real estate agents are proud to call Baton Rouge home, and we think you will be too.  From Magnolia Mound Plantation to Louisiana's State Capitol, the buildings of Baton Rouge represent countless cultures spanning hundreds of years of history. Still, few structures hold more significance or inspire greater awe than St. Joseph Cathedral. 

All About St. Joseph Cathedral

Nestled in the heart of Downtown a stone's throw from some of our most beautiful, historical Baton Rouge homes for sale, St. Joseph Cathedral is as integral to the city today as it was the day it first opened its doors. A place for all to gather in times of celebration and times of loss, the cathedral's past is interwoven with the history of the city itself to the point that today the two are inseparable.

St. Joseph Through the Years

Designated the mother church of the Diocese of Baton Rouge by Pope John XXIII in 1961, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1990, St. Joseph Cathedral casts a long shadow across the city. It's the oldest church in Baton Rouge, and certainly the most historically significant. St. Joseph Cathedral was built between 1853 and 1856 on the site previously occupied by the smaller St. Joseph Church, which had been built in 1792. At that time it was known as the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores, before the Louisiana Purchase of 1903 brought Baton Rouge into the United States, and English became the more widely accepted language. 

A Link to the Past

St Joseph Cathedral survived Union bombardments during the Civil War, and despite postwar repairs and a handful of renovations over the years, still looks much like it did in 1856. Its Victorian Gothic architecture appears perhaps even more spectacular now than it did then, and additions in the early 20th century – beautiful stained glass windows from Germany, mosaic stations of the cross from Italy – have only added to the building's grandeur. 

Experiencing St. Joseph Cathedral

Truly a special place, St. Joseph Cathedral is open to all. Whether you're visiting for Sunday mass (8:30 am and 10:30 am every week), attending any number of special events, or simply visiting during off-hours to experience the splendid architecture, St. Joseph Cathedral is ever welcoming. And if you're new to Baton Rouge, it's an essential stop in your tour of Downtown. Other historic sites, including the current and former State Capitol buildings, the Old Bogan Fire Station, the State Library of Louisiana, and the LSU Museum of Art are all mere blocks away. 

Contact us today to learn more about the history and culture of this vibrant place, and get started on the road to home ownership in this beautiful city on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.

Louisiana's colorful past is unmatched by most of the other 49 states. Much of its history and tradition has centered around Baton Rouge, which became the state's capital in 1849. 

The Louisiana State Capitol Building is both a literal and symbolic embodiment of significant events and influences that shaped the 18th state admitted to the Union. Our real estate agents share the factors that make the State Capitol Building such a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

The First State Capitol Building

What we recognize today as the State Capitol Building is not the original structure. When the designation of state capital was transferred from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, the city donated a $20,000 parcel of land for construction of a State Capitol Building.

The Old Statehouse, designed in the Gothic Revival architectural style, stood on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. In 1973 the building received National Historic Landmark designation. It has since been restored and serves as the home of the Museum of Political History.

As wear and tear took its toll on the Old State Capital Building, plans for a replacement were drawn up in the 1920s but never came to fruition. During his successful 1928 run for governor, Huey P. Long made construction of a new Capitol Building a major part of his platform.

A Proud Monument for Louisiana

Long's vision became a reality, and the Louisiana State Capitol Building was officially dedicated as part of the inauguration ceremony of new Governor Oscar K. Allen. Ironically, Long was unable to witness his triumph in person as he was in Washington, D.C. serving as a U.S. senator.

The 450-foot tall, 34-story State Capitol Building is truly an impressive sight befitting the seat of Louisiana government. In addition to being the tallest landmark in Baton Rouge, the structure is the tallest State Capitol Building in the United States.

Blending Form and Function

The State Capitol Building is one of the leading examples of the distinctive and influential Art Deco style seen in many other famous skyscrapers of the 1920s and 1930s, such as New York's Chrysler Building and Detroit's Guardian Building. 

Notable features of the building's design include:

• Groups of sculptures on the tower's exterior that depict important people and events in Louisiana history
• A majestic 49-step staircase leading to the front entrance with names of the states engraved in each
• Statues representing Louisiana's pioneers and settlers lining the sides of the staircase
• A cupola with windows on all four sides, buttressed by four stone eagles
• A 23-foot lantern, symbolizing Louisiana's "higher aspirations," atop the building

Visitors flock to the viewing platform on the 27th floor to take in sweeping views of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River. The building is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except for major holidays. Admission is free.

A Sad Note

Tragically, Huey P. Long's story came to an end at the building that was such an indelible part of his legacy. At the conclusion of a legislative session in 1935, Long was assassinated by local physician Dr. Carl Weiss. 

After Long's death on September 10, he was buried on the grounds of State Capitol Park. In 1940, a bronze statue of the politician was erected to mark the site.

Baton Rouge is an ideal place to create your own family traditions. Our agents are ready to show you Baton Rouge homes for sale that match your wish list. Contact us today to get your home search started.