What Type of Architecture is Found in the French Quarter?

The French Quarter is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the entire country. History here dates back more than three centuries and the architecture is a massive part of the history. From restored Creole cottages to preserved American townhomes, there’s something here for everybody to enjoy.

Three types of architecture dominate the buildings in the French Quarter including, Creole townhouse, shotgun and American townhouse. Here’s what you’ll find as you explore the architecture of the French Quarter.

Architectural History of the French Quarter

The Creole cottages were built between 1790 and 1850, in most cases. These cottages are not the oldest buildings in the neighborhood, however. The Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, which is the oldest bar in the city was built between 1745 and 1750. It’s still not the oldest building. The Old Ursuline Convent is the oldest building, which was built in 1734.

Most of the buildings found throughout the neighborhood cling to the Spanish and French roots. They feature colonial architectural styles from both and Chartres Street is filled with both styles.

The Spanish used very strict building codes throughout the late 18th century, which helped to prevent devastation from fires. This led to many buildings featuring similar styles and elements.

However, most of the 2,900 buildings found throughout the French Quarter are known as second-generation Greek Revival and Creole buildings. Most of the first-generation colonial buildings were destroyed by the great first in 1788 and 1794. The only examples of first-generation Creole architecture in the neighborhood are found in the Madame John’s Legacy and Old Ursuline Convent.

About 25 buildings offer a representation of colonial Spanish and neo-classical styles from the earlier days. Many of the buildings in the French Quarter date to the 1820s. This was a time when American and French architects were working in the area and the neighborhood was growing rapidly. In the 1830s, Greek Revival architecture became popular.

Around 1850, the wrought iron seen in the French Quarter today became very popular. The Pontalba Apartments use a Creole townhouse style and were built in the 1850s. They feature wrought iron balconies. This was also about the time when the St. Louis Cathedral was redesigned, along with the Abildo and The Presbyrte, which feature mansard rooftops.

The Many Types of Buildings in the French Quarter

Spend any amount of time in the French Quarter and you will find a variety of different buildings. However, three still dominate the area: American townhouse, shotgun and Creole townhouse.

American Townhouse

Features of the American townhouse include:

•          Interior stair hall
•          Three stories and narrow
•          Brick or stucco exterior
•          Post-and-lintel openings
•          Facade wall on property line
•          Second floor balcony
•          Greek Revival or Federal details

Shotgun

The shotgun home is found all throughout New Orleans. It was one of the most predominant home styles of the 1840s and the 1920s. The main features include:

•          Doors at both ends
•          One story
•          Narrow porch
•          About 12 feet or less in width
•          Roof apron supported by brackets or ornate columns

This style also comes in a double shotgun (duplex), double-width shotgun, camelback and “North Shore” shotgun. Each is a bit different, but still includes elements of the traditional shotgun home.

Creole Townhouse

Similar to the American townhouse, the Creole townhouse offers the following features:

•          Stucco or brick exterior
•          Facade on the property line
•          Cast-iron balconies
•          Side gables
•          Arc openings
•          Courtyards
•          Thick brick walls
•          Steeply pitched roof with roof dormers and parapets

These three styles of architecture are found all throughout the French Quarter. They are very iconic and most were built after the 1788 great fire.

Canal Street is a bit Different

When you venture to Canal Street, you will be right on the edge of the French Quarter. This street separates the neighborhood from downtown and it’s on the edge of the French/Creole section. This is where the American sector begins.

Canal Street features many different styles of architecture including:

•          Greek Revival
•          Art Deco
•          Art Nouveau
•          Renaissance Colonial
•          Post-Modern
•          Mid-Century
•          And More!

It has plenty of 20th-century modern architecture and many sections have been developed more recently due to hurricane damage.

Many of the more intricate facades once found on Canal Street have been lost, but some do remain. Some are getting elaborate makeovers, such as the Saenger Theatre and the Joy Theater

When it comes to incredible architecture and history, the French Quarter is one of the best places to go. It’s not only one of the most iconic neighborhoods in New Orleans, but also in the entire country.