What You Can Do
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11 Most Endangered
Vieux Carre Historic District
Year Listed: 1988, 1989
Location: New Orleans , Louisiana
Current Status: Endangered
Threat: Development, Natural Forces
Significance
The Vieux Carre historic district exists on the site of the original French settlement in New Orleans. The area -- traditionally defined by the boundaries of the Mississippi River, Canal and Rampart Streets, and Esplanade Avenue -- includes a compellation of architectural styles from the French Colonial to the present. The Vieux Carre Commission, a city agency enabled by state legislation, has been caring for the area since 1936. However, inappropriate development and infestation with Formosan termites is threatening the integrity of the area.
Updates
The Audubon Insectarium is schedule to open in the Fall of 2007. At the end of August 2005, the majority of New Orleans was flooded due to levee breaches after Hurricane Katrina. The French Quarter was one of the areas to remain substantially dry. Some streets experienced minor flooding, and several buildings experienced significant wind damage. Most of the major landmarks suffered only minor damage and most have since reopened or are scheduled to reopen. The Quarter largely escaped the looting and violence after the storm highlighted by large national and international media outlets; nearly all the fine antique and art shops in the French Quarter were untouched.
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