** Each month at the Downtown Artwalk, the DDA’s Liz Swaine gives a short ‘History in 5’ talk about a place, space or event in downtown Shreveport. This is followed by an opportunity to ‘Sketch the City’ with AIA Architect Mischa Farrell. These talks and architectural sketch sessions are popular, free and open to all, […]
The now freestanding building in Shreveport Common looks like a typical abandoned structure, probably taken as an old financial institution or hardware store by passersby. Its deteriorating halls and gaping rectangles where the windows once warded off rain and wind call to the loneliness of vacancy.
One of Shreveport’s most treasured buildings, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, has been home to a number of famous performances over the years. But none as notable as the “Louisiana Hayride.” It’s been nearly 70 years since the “Hayride” made its debut, bringing to life the sounds of the South on the radio and, years later, […]
In the early 1900s, commerce in Shreveport was focused around downtown. The city center developed rapidly and the buildings that sprang up housed any number of important (and maybe not so) businesses. The Ardis Building—then Ardis-Johnson Building, and today the Johnson Building—was Shreveport’s third major office building and one of the largest skyscrapers dotting […]
At the corner of Milam and Louisiana streets sits a gem of a building whose roots once ran deep throughout the city. To see it today, you’d never believe that Saenger Drug was a hugely successful and influential pharmacy—as well as home to a popular soda fountain. But did you know the fate of the […]
From a small town apothecary to one of the most successful drug wholesalers, the Morris Dickson pharmaceutical building on Travis St. is one of the most iconic to grace the downtown cityscape. Founded in 1841, this historic building practically grew up with Shreveport and is one of the city’s first established businesses that is still […]
Edward Jacobs: The Ghostly Banker of Shreveport? Meet Edward Jacobs, the founder of one of the wealthiest financial institutions of Shreveport during his time. First National Bank of Shreveport flourished at its former downtown location, conducting business with many prominent community members. Jacobs journeyed from Pomerania with very little to create the successful company near […]
From Virtue to Violence: Leonidas Polk’s Convergence of God and War Louisiana’s religious sector stems partially from Leonidas Polk’s work of spreading biblical teachings across the state, including making contributions to Episcopalians in Shreveport. Years later, Polk joined the ranks of the Army of the Confederate States of America, fighting the Union to preserve slavery […]
Help us to eliminate it by reporting fraud by following the links below.
© Copyright 2023 by Downtown Development Authority
