Arts District of New Orleans Real Estate and Community Info

Known as both the SoHo of the South and the Warehouse District, the Arts District is a neighborhood in New Orleans. This neighborhood is known, of course, for its art galleries, but it is also a thriving residential and commercial district. Its historic architecture, great retail and dining opportunities and its ideal location have revitalized this once industrial area.

History

During the 19th century, the Arts District was primarily used to store grain, coffee, and produce. It was only in the 1970s, when the district’s transformation began to occur, that the Contemporary Arts Center opened. Since then, an array of art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants has moved into the neighborhood.

Shopping and Dining

The Arts District offers distinctive retail and dining experiences. Its eclectic atmosphere reflects the Crescent City’s vivacious reputation. The Arts District includes clusters of commercial areas within and around the area. Fulton Street Square is a pedestrian mall across from Harrah’s Casino and has a number of popular hangouts, including Grand Isle, Gordon Biersch Brewery, and Ernst Café. The nearby Riverwalk Marketplace offers brand-name shopping, including Ann Taylor and The Gap, as well as Jazzin’ On the River, Louisiana Lagniappe Market & Gallery, and Café du Monde. The French Quarter is also within walking distance. In addition, the original Emeril’s is located here, as well as Rio Mar, Rock-n-Sake, and Howlin’ Wolf.

Parks and Recreation

The aforementioned Contemporary Arts Center showcases art, music, theater, and dance. On Julia Street, there is a first Saturday evening gallery hop. The Louisiana Children’s Museum offers educational and interactive programs and exhibits. Louisiana’s Civil War Museum is one of the largest repositories for Confederacy-related artifacts. The National World War II Museum has been designated by the U.S. Congress as the country’s official WWII museum. An affiliate of The Smithsonian Institute, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art showcases works from 15 southern states. The D.C. Preservation Resource Center is a museum and historic home dedicated to preserving the Big Easy’s architecture.

Living

The Arts District real estate comprises condos, converted from warehouse and factory uses, which date back to the early 19th century. Warehouse District Condos is located near the Mississippi River, and consist of high ceilings, large windows, and exposed beams. Many have great views of the skyline and the river. Federal Fiber Mill Condos was designed in 1904 by Favrot and Livaudals. Once producing rope for ships, it was used as a pavilion in the 1984 World’s Fair and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places, which is not uncommon for Arts District real estate. Federal Fiber Mill Condos have 140 units with a variety of floor plans. Cotton Mill Condominiums have units that range from around 700 square feet to around 1260 square feet; there are 17 penthouses as well. Many units have high ceilings, cypress beams with iron connected, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms. The prices at Cotton Mill range from around $140,000 to over $500,000. There is a 25,000 square foot courtyard, pool, and social center. Other condos in the Arts District real estate market include Henderson Condos and Bakery Condos. The former consist of 60 units and 3 stories, near the Riverwalk and casino. Bakery Condos include 66 units in 4 stories near the Convention Center, and start at just over $100,000.

Schools, Health, Transportation

The Arts District is home to The International High School of New Orleans, the state’s only open enrollment public school to offer French and Spanish immersion programs and college preparatory curriculum. The school is free to all Louisiana students. Orleans Parish School Board include the following schools: Benjamin Franklin Elementary and High Schools, Bethune Elementary, Harte Elementary, Audubon Charter School, Einstein Charter School, Mahalia Jackson Elementary School, McMain Secondary School, Karr High School, New Orleans Charter Science and Math School, Lusher Elementary & Hgih School, Moton Elementary, Lake Forest Elementary Charter, and Warren Easton High School.

Area hospitals include LSU Medical Center and Ochsner Baptist Medical Center. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) provides public transportation. The airports are New Orleans Lakefront Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The major roads are Route 90 and Pontchartrain Expressway (10).

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at (985) 307-1058 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.