Ouachita Parish possesses a rich architectural heritage. In time, this
heritage spans from the beginnings of Layton Castle in the early 1800’s
to the high rise Frances Hotel of the 1930’s—and on to the present. In
terms of style, this heritage includes the simple one room houses as
well as representatives of Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival,
Colonial Revival, Classic Revival, California Bungalow, Prairie Style,
Tudor Revival, and Art Deco.
The life styles and cultures of the inhabitants are reflected and
expressed in this architectural heritage. These cultures included that
of the small farms west of the river, the plantations east of the river,
and the urban culture as seen in the architecture of Monroe and West
Monroe. What a rich assortment exists within a 20 mile radius of the
center of Ouachita Parish.
But this heritage is in danger. As progress continues and prosperity
grows, the architectural heritage often diminishes. Older buildings are
seen as liabilities and become victims of the wrecking ball. These
buildings, whether constructed of log or brick with Romanesque or Gothic
details, will not be erected again. Therefore, the visual insights into
past cultures which these older buildings represent are lost forever.
It is hoped that the publication of this collection of Ouachita Parish’s
architectural heritage will make the public more aware of its valuable
treasure as evidenced in older architecture. And in turn, it is hoped
that this awareness will assist in the preservation of vestiges of our
traditional past.