A CREOLE NEIGHBORHOOD

Less than thirty blocks from Canal Street, sandwiched between Faubourg Marigny and the Industrial Canal, is the neighborhood of Bywater. Almost as old as its more well-known neighbors, the area remains a quiet example of New Orleans' past.

Though without blocks of iron balconies that tourists in the Quarter identify as "New Orleans", Bywater contains a great wealth of indigenous nineteenth century architecture. The late Victorian shotgun, or variations thereof, is the most common building type seen, but examples of just about every period are represented. The traditional feature of a working neighborhood are reflected in the mix of fine churches, schools, small businesses, factories, and warehouse structures among the residences. Preservation in Print featured the architecture of Bywater in the August, 1984 issue. Additional information can also be found in the Creole Faubourgs volume of the Friends of the Cabildo's New Orleans Architecture series.

Individuals who appreciate the varied charm of historic New Orleans architecture often find property in other parts of the city priced beyond their budgets. In contrast, the relatively inexpensive cost of a house in Bywater has brought a number of new homeowners. This, of course, means continued renovation/restoration of historic structures and preservation of the neighborhood as a whole. Bywater is a National Historic District, and also a Local Historic District administered by the Historic District Landmarks Commission.

Besides the attraction of its buildings, the area offers several noted restaurants, corner grocery stores, schools and churches. Public transportation or a ten minute drive will bring you to the Central Business District, making Bywater one of the most convenient residential areas for downtown workers. But some of the most enjoyable aspects of living here are experienced in its activities. The Downtown Irish Club's St. Patrick's Day Parade is always fun. Rev. Bernie Shey of Redeemer Lutheran Church and his Bywater Brass Choir brighten the Christmas season with caroling through the streets during Advent. Bywater residents join their neighbors in Faubourg Marigny for a yearly picnic along their common border at Press Street. And then there's the annual Mirliton Festival sponsored by the Bywater Neighborhood Association (BNA).

The festival is only one facet of a broad scope of activities of the Bywater Neighborhood Association. Founded in 1975, it has continually sought to improve the area. From the mundane aspects of clean-up campaigns, to the complicated issues of historic preservation, zoning, and urban planning, the Association has diligently served as the guardian and spokesperson of the neighborhood. When a local television station (now defunct) erected a transmission tower without all the proper review required in an historic district, the BNA pursued the matter all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Positive discussions with the Audubon Institute will possibly bring the development of "Riverfront 2000" into Bywater. This coincides with the effort to extend the Riverfront Streetcar line as far as Poland Avenue. Members of the BNA are kept aware of all the latest developments at the monthly meetings and through the Bywater News published by the Association.

Bywater is indeed one of the city's "hidden" assets. Living here brings even a newcomer closer to understanding what being a New Orleanian is all about. The sounds of ship whistles and church bells; the rich smell of roasting coffee; enjoying a breeze on your gallery while listening to the faint notes of a steamboat's calliope; these are just a glimpse of the neighborhood. Do come soon and take a look for yourself.