Lower Garden District
The Lower Garden District is a distinctive neighborhood located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Functioning as a subdistrict of the Central City/Garden District Area, it blends historical charm with a unique urban character. Defined by the New Orleans City Planning Commission, the neighborhood is bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Felicity, Prytania, Thalia, Magazine, and Julia Streets to the north; the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Crescent City Connection, and the Mississippi River to the east; and 1st Street to the west. Its southern borders include Felicity Street, Magazine Street, Constance Street, Jackson Avenue, Chippewa Street, Soraparu Street, and St. Thomas Street.
Key Facts
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana (District 2).
- Total Area: 1.16 square miles, with 0.95 sq mi of land and 0.21 sq mi of water.
- Elevation: 6 feet (1.8 m) above sea level.
- Population: 4,542 residents (as of 2010 census).
- Notable Landmarks: St. Alphonsus Church and the site of the "Pokemonument."
Geography and Layout
Situated at coordinates 29°56′02″N 90°04′12″W, the Lower Garden District is characterized by its low-lying elevation of 6 feet. The area comprises a total of 1.16 square miles, approximately 18.1% of which is water. The neighborhood is bordered by several key areas: the Central Business District to the north, the Mississippi River to the east, the St. Thomas Development to the south, and the Irish Channel, Garden District, and Central City to the west.
One notable residential feature is the Papillon Apartments, a complex managed by Tulane University specifically for graduate students and their families.
Landmarks and Cultural Curiosities
The district is home to several historical sites, most notably St. Alphonsus Church. However, in recent years, it gained unexpected attention for a piece of modern pop-culture art.
On July 31, 2016, a 5-foot fiberglass sculpture known as the "Pokemonument" was installed in a decommissioned fountain on Terpsichore Street near Coliseum Square. Created by two local artists and coated to resemble bronze, the statue of Pikachu served as a tribute to the game Pokémon Go. Despite being vandalized with a baseball bat shortly after its appearance, the sculpture was repaired before being removed and auctioned for $2,000 to fund the restoration of the park's fountains.
Education and Community
Education in the area is managed through the New Orleans Public Schools and the Recovery School District (RSD). The neighborhood hosts several specialized institutions:
- ReNEW SciTech Academy: Located in the former Laurel Elementary School. Following Hurricane Katrina, the school was operated by the RSD; in 2010, it held a performance score of 45.
- International School of Louisiana: This state-chartered school operates its Camp Street Campus in the former Andrew Jackson Elementary School. Opened in 2000, it was ranked by the Center for Education Reform in 2007 as one of the best charters in the United States.
Demographics and Notable Residents
The population of the Lower Garden District has seen fluctuations over the last two decades. In the 2000 census, the neighborhood had 6,116 residents and a population density of 6,438 per square mile. By the 2010 census, the total population was recorded at 6,363, though other data points indicate a 2010 total of 4,542 residents with a density of 4,800 per square mile.
The neighborhood has been home to various notable figures, including actress Jennifer Coolidge, known for her roles in Legally Blonde and the American Pie series, and Mike Williams, the singer for the band Eyehategod.
Neighborhood Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Planning District | District 2, Central City/Garden District |
| Land Area | 0.95 sq mi (2.5 km) |
| Water Area | 0.21 sq mi (0.54 km) |
| Elevation | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Area Code | 504 |
| Time Zone | CST (UTC-6) / CDT (UTC-5) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the boundaries of the Lower Garden District?
The district is bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Felicity, Prytania, Thalia, Magazine, and Julia Streets to the north; the Mississippi River, Crescent City Connection, and Morial Convention Center to the east; 1st Street to the west; and several streets including Jackson Avenue and St. Thomas Street to the south.
What was the "Pokemonument"?
The Pokemonument was a 5-foot fiberglass Pikachu sculpture installed in 2016 on Terpsichore Street. It was a tribute to Pokémon Go and was eventually auctioned for $2,000 to benefit local park fountain restoration.
Which notable schools are located in the neighborhood?
The neighborhood is home to the ReNEW SciTech Academy (located in the former Laurel Elementary School) and the Camp Street Campus of the International School of Louisiana (located in the former Andrew Jackson Elementary School).
Who are some of the notable residents of the area?
Notable residents have included actress Jennifer Coolidge and musician Mike Williams of the band Eyehategod.
What is the geography of the Lower Garden District?
The neighborhood is a low-lying area with an elevation of 6 feet. It covers 1.16 square miles, consisting of 0.95 square miles of land and 0.21 square miles of water.