Last Saturday, I embarked on an insightful Poydras Tour, a fantastic offering from the New Orleans Architecture Foundation. Leading the way was Shannon French, a knowledgeable local architect and NOAF board member, whose passion for the subject was truly infectious. His well-researched presentation and engaging delivery made for an enriching experience, highlighting the architectural gems and stories embedded within the Poydras Corridor, including a fascinating look at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Our tour commenced at Harrah’s Casino at 9:30 am, where Shannon provided a compelling introduction to the history of Poydras Corridor. He explained how this significant street, dating back to 1788 and the era of the Great Fire, was named in honor of Julien Poydras, a notable figure in the U.S. House of Representatives during Louisiana’s territorial period. Originally conceived as a 74-foot wide street, it was later expanded to an impressive 132 feet. This meticulously planned two-hour tour explored numerous buildings and landmarks, offering a comprehensive view of the city’s architectural evolution, with particular attention to structures near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Standing near Harrah’s, it was impossible not to reflect on the Rivergate Convention Center, formerly located on this very site. Designed by Curtis and Davis, the same architects who contributed to the Superdome’s design, the Rivergate was distinguished by its pressed concrete roof featuring barrel vaults. Unfortunately, this architectural landmark was demolished in 1995 to pave the way for Harrah’s Casino.
Moving along Poydras Street, our next stop was Plaza d’Italia. This Post Modern monument, conceived by Charles Moore and Perez Architects in 1978, showcases a fountain and colonnades reminiscent of a Roman Temple. Interestingly, the materials used in its construction haven’t proven ideal for New Orleans’ climate, leading to several renovations throughout its 40-year history. During our visit, the structure was undergoing maintenance, slightly obscuring our full view. However, we learned about an upcoming operatic performance scheduled to take place there next month.
A short walk down Lafayette Street led us to Lafayette Square. This vibrant park is framed by buildings from different eras, from Gallier Hall, a neoclassical masterpiece that once housed city government and was dedicated in 1853, to the F. Edward Hebert building, an International style design with Art Deco elements completed in 1939. Lafayette Square serves as the dynamic heart of the Central Business District, hosting numerous events like the popular Wednesdays at the Square concert series and the visually stunning Luna Fete.
Leaving behind the historical architecture momentarily, we turned our attention to more contemporary marvels, most notably the pavilion of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Built in 1975, the Superdome holds the title of the largest fixed domed structure globally. Shannon provided fascinating insights into its construction and significance, as well as discussing neighboring structures like the Benson Tower. For those particularly interested in the Mercedes Superdome Tours, this segment of the Poydras tour offers a valuable perspective on this iconic building’s place in the city’s architectural landscape.
Continuing our exploration down Poydras Street, Shannon detailed the skyscrapers that emerged during New Orleans’ oil boom in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The names of these buildings – the Exxon Building and the Gulf Oil Building – stand as testaments to that prosperous period. Our tour concluded at One Shell Square, named after the Shell Oil Company. While it’s slated to be renamed the Whitney Hancock Bank Building, much like the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is still often referred to by locals as the Louisiana Superdome, its original name, One Shell Square will likely endure in local parlance as the name for Louisiana’s tallest building.
While my personal architectural interests lean towards older structures from the mid-1700s to the early 1900s, this Poydras tour, with its insights into newer buildings and especially the Mercedes-Benz Superdome area, provided a captivating morning of learning about the more recent additions to our city’s skyline. It’s a fantastic way to understand the evolution of New Orleans architecture, bridging the gap between historical styles and modern designs, with the Superdome as a key highlight.
I highly recommend checking out this and other events organized by the New Orleans Architecture Foundation. This summer, they are collaborating with the Preservation Resource Center for a special summer event series called Mid Mod Nola. You can find their event calendar here.
