Do You Know Your Downtown: Where in downtown did dances occur on the rooftop with legendary musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie providing entertainment?
The Calanthean Temple on Texas Avenue was noted for its Roof Top Club. It served as the Court of Calanthe’s headquarters for years. The Temple was built by the non-denominational Black Knights of Pythias (women’s auxiliary) in 1923.
Do You Know Your Downtown: When was the first Rockets Over the Red festival held on the Shreveport riverfront?
The inaugural event took place in 2011 and featured family-fun entertainment including live music, arts & crafts, food, children’s activities and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. The annual event is held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Do You Know Your Downtown: When was the Municipal Auditorium built and what was the original purpose?
The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed between 1926 and 1929. The architect was Samuel G. Weiner III. The property was dedicated to the Soldiers of WWI. It once served as barracks for the troops and housed the early aircraft warning system known as Radar.
Do you know your downtown? What was the name of the property at 330 Marshall when it was constructed?
Beaird Tower at 330 Marshall was originally named Transcontinental Tower.
Do You Know Your Downtown: Where was Malibu Beach Club/Malibu Alley in downtown?
Malibu Beach Club was a popular club on Commerce Street. Opened in the early 90s, the club spanned several levels, each with a distinctive bar and vibe. Malibu Alley was outside in the back of the club. It had a stage and brought in nationally-known bands.
Do You Know Your Downtown: Where is the Elvis Presley statue in downtown Shreveport and who was the artist?
If you don’t know this one, you need to get out more and visit downtown! The Elvis Presley statue – Tribue to Elvis – is located at Municipal Auditorium, 705 Elvis Presley Avenue. The artist was Eric Kaposta of Houston, Texas.
Do You Know Your Downtown: You may drive past this guy daily if you work downtown. Who and where is he?
The face of the roughneck for the “Turning to the Right” sculpture at the northeast corner of Texas Street. The artist was Patrick Miller.
Do You Know Your Downtown: Where was the DDA office located in downtown Shreveport in 1994?
The Downtown Development Authority was housed at the street-level entrance to the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce at 400 Edwards Street for years. DDA moved across Edwards to the 2nd floor of the Louisiana Tower in 1998 and remained at that location until May 2015 when we moved to our current location at 416 Cotton Street!
Do You Know Your Downtown: When did the streetscape project begin in downtown Shreveport and what was the cost of the Texas Street portion?
The project’s Notice to Proceed was issued on September 28, 1992. Work continued into late 1994. The Texas Street portion of the project cost approximately $4.3 million. Project contractor was Roxco, Ltd.
Do You Know Your Downtown: Where was the former Ray Hardware Building on Texas Street and what is located at that location now?
The Ray Hardware Building was located at 208-210-212 Texas Street. The three buildings became one property containing 17,100 sf of office space. It’s now the home of Energy Square.
Do You Know Your Downtown: Where can you get a grant of $2,000 to light your property’s interior windows or the exterior?
…From the DDA. Grants are offered to properties that meet the following criteria:
- Properties must be located within the Downtown Development District (DDD).
- The grant is only awarded for properties that pay ad valorem taxes in the DDD and are current on payment.
- Applicants must be able to document total project costs that the grant amount will apply to if requested to do so by DDA.
- Grant recipients must enter into a Funding/Grant Agreement with the DDA.
- A before and after photo must be provided to the DDA.
- An application must be submitted.
See this link for the application.
Do You Know Your Downtown: What organization offers a 5% low-interest loan program for building improvement in downtown Shreveport?
Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation (DSDC)
The loan program is available to property owners in downtown Shreveport. Loans are capped at $100,000 for 10 years at 5% interest.
DSDC is a private non-profit corporation formed to promote business growth in downtown Shreveport. The board of directors are volunteers. For more information on DSDC, visit: https://downtownshreveport.com/dscd
Do You Know Your Downtown: What was the marketing campaign “A New Face, A New Place” used for in downtown?
The campaign was used to promote the $12.5 million capital improvement known as Streetscape in the early 1990s.
When was the first Geek’d con held in downtown Shreveport?
August 2015 at the Shreveport Convention Center. More than 10,000 people attended.
Do You Know Your Downtown: Where is the public sculptured bronze entitled “Homage to Shreveport located in downtown and who was the artist?
The 14-foot sculpture that cost $30,000 at the time of installation rests on a nine-foot base within the Municipal Plaza area on downtown’s western side. The artist was Frank Hayden of Baton Rouge.
Do You Know Your Downtown: How many square feet of office space exists in downtown Shreveport?
Approximately 2.8 million.
Do You Know Your Downtown:
Who is a prominent figure in Shreveport’s history due to her role as a successful businesswoman and pioneer in the early development of Shreveport and where is she buried?
Mary Bennett Cane (1812-1902) and she is buried in Oakland Cemetery – land that she once owned before selling it to the City of Shreveport in 1847 (Dr. Gary Joiner).
Do you know who can make you sparkle Downtown?
Downtown’s dentist, Dr. Chris Mott, has been located at 631 Milam Street for 38 years and is “committed to achieving the best outcome for your smile.” He provides excellent quality dental care with a focus on ensuring your comfort and oral health. Dr. Mott will keep you smiling!
What four streets in downtown Shreveport take their names from heroes in the war for Texas Independence, fought just prior to Shreveport’s founding?
Fannin, Travis, Milam, and Crockett – At that time, the Texas-Louisiana border was an international boundary. Texas Street takes its name from the fact that it runs along the old Texas Trail, now US Hwy 80. (Contributed by the late Eric J. Brock.)
What company started in downtown Shreveport in 1981 and operated for a period out of a basement and ultimately led to the development of a leader in the video game development industry -id Software.
Softdisk, once located at 606 Common Street. Id Software was formed by 4 Softdisk employees: programmers – John Carmack, John Romero; designer – Tom Hall; and artist Adrian Carmack.
Where was Lynda Sue’s Deli and Diner in downtown Shreveport?
Lynda Sue’s was located in the former Woolworth Building at 518 Texas Street. Tony Pruitt was the manager. He said that when Lynda Sue’s opened, former Woolworth employees would stop in and many of their customers recalled stories of eating at the their counter. The deli featured floats, sodas, ice cream, and daily specials!
Where was a popular destination on Texas Avenue for jazz artists in the 1930s?
The Calanthean Temple. Built in 1923 by an African American women’s organization called the Court of Calanthe, the venue hosted performances by artists including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Jelly Roll Morton. Behind the Temple was the Blue Goose neighborhood which was host to Huddie Ledbetter, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Jesse Baby Face Thomas! (Visit Shreveport Bossier)
What building was built in downtown in the 1920s as a memorial to service members of World War I? And what other distinction does it have?
Shreveport Memorial Municipal Auditorium, 705 Elvis Presley Avenue, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2008. The auditorium, designed by noted architect Samuel Weiner and well-known for its intricate brickwork and lavish interior, was dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1929. This historic performance and meeting venue, described as the finest example of Art Deco construction in the State of Louisiana, has helped launch the careers of some of America’s most beloved entertainers.” (Shreveport Municipal Auditorium) https://shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com/about/history/
The Auditorium is known in the paranormal world as “the most haunted place in our community.” Several ghost hunting productions have investigated with interesting results. Watch here
But don’t let the spirits chase you away from the fabulous upcoming events at the Municipal. Check out the schedule: With this link
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Who Keeps Downtown Clean?
The DDA’s Streetscape Crew works year-round to keep downtown clean and inviting. At the recent Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation conference in downtown Shreveport, several presenters mentioned how impressed they were with downtown because it was so clean! The streetscape crew is a 7-member team. They work 6 days a week, from 6 am – 3 pm weekdays and 6 am – 10 am on the weekends! Rain or shine, you’ll see them on the streets and sidewalks of our city center maintaining everything from trash pickup and pressure washing to seasonal plantings and curb appeal upgrades. Their dedication helps make downtown feel more like home.
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One of the largest art murals in the country is located in downtown Shreveport. Do you know where? And do you know how many sq. ft. it covers?
On the side of the AT&T building, corner of Cotton and Marshall Streets. 25,000 sq. ft.
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What is the oldest building in downtown Shreveport?
525 Spring Street is certainly one of the oldest. The building was constructed in 1866 and “housed Tally’s and Asher’s Banks and in 1877 became the Banking House of E. & B. Jacobs. In 1886, Edward Jacobs received the first banking act charter in Shreveport and changed the name to First National Bank, which it remained until 1903. (LSUS). The building is now home to the Spring Street Historical Museum. Hours are: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is free.
Visit: https://www.lsus.edu/community/spring-street-museum for more information.
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What is the tallest building in downtown Shreveport?
Regions Tower, 333 Texas Street, stands at 365 feet tall and has 25 floors.
For more information about Regions Tower, contact Beth King, Beth King Real Estate LLC, beth@bethkingrealestate.com, 318-453-6066.
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Where can you find the largest Dalmatian in Louisiana?
A 19.5 foot tall white fiberglass sculpture – Art the Dalmatian – is located on the grounds of the Central Artstation – home to the Shreveport Regional Arts Council at 801 Crockett Street in downtown Shreveport. “The sculpture is a tribute to Dalmatians, which are iconic to firefighters, and was designed by William Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg, and Moonbot Studios. Louisiana’s tallest Dalmatian can be illuminated with different colors.” (SRAC).
