Articles
New Orleans
Published August 29, 2001
New Orleans district emerges from neglect
By Judy Colbert, Expedia.com Contributor
In New Orleans, there's even more of a European connection than the fine Continental cuisine and the French Quarter these days, with a museum dedicated to the Allied invasion of Normandy—called Operation Overlord—and the revitalization of buildings in the Lower Garden District—called Operation Comeback.
Gold and marble under the grit
As you enter the National D-Day museum, you're visually transported to the Normandy beaches. This one-of-a-kind collection is located in the Big Easy because local businessman Andrew Higgins developed the LCVP ("landing craft vehicle personnel"), and his factory produced 30,000 of the craft in less than four years, making the Normandy invasion possible. This museum is dedicated to Higgins, to the people who produced the boats, and to other industries that created the machinery necessary for victory.
After you visit the D-Day museum, step outside and enter the new Soho, a 6-mile stretch of Creole cottages and businesses along Magazine Street that have been renovated into trendy, eclectic, and exciting boutiques, antiques, galleries, studios, coffee houses, and restaurants.
Then, wander around the Lower Garden District and look at the buildings constructed as early as the 1930s. Many of these had fallen on seriously hard times just a few decades ago, but are now being revitalized through commercial investment and the work of Preservation Resource Center.
Commercial establishments also are getting a face-lift, as with the notable Pontchartrain Hotel. Renovators of the Café Pontchartrain uncovered hand-painted medallions of animals, birds, and ships on the 16-foot high ceiling, reminiscent of similar works in Southern France, all hidden above a dropped ceiling. Under the flooring they found dazzling terrazzo marble floor with gold specks and an inlay of bronze around each tile. Venetian glass windows also were uncovered, and the ceiling, floor, and windows have now been restored.
Planning a trip
The D-Day Museum is located at 945 Magazine St. (main entrance on Howard Avenue/Andrew Higgins Drive). Tel. +1 (504) 527-6012. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and students with ID.
For a walking tour past many of the 100-plus buildings revitalized through Operation Comeback, check with the PRC, 923 Tchoupitoulas St. Tel. +1 (504) 581-7032.
The Café Pontchartrain is now called the Pontchartrain Bistro and Wine Bar; it's open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 2031 St. Charles Ave. Tel. 1 (800) 777-5193.