Lakeview

History of Lakeview

Lakeview was primarily swamp in the early 1800s, like much of the Greater New Orleans area. French explorers first established an outpost where Bayou St. John meets Lake Pontchartrain. Later the Spanish built a fort (some of the remnants are still standing) to protect the city’s rear entrance. The Spanish then sold the land to Alexander Milne. Milne built the New Basin Canal, which separated east and west Lakeview. It ran between what is now known as Pontchartrain and West End Boulevards. He also developed the land there and called it Milneburg.

In the mid 1800s, the land around West End (originally called New Lake End) and Spanish Fort became a resort area, complete with restaurants, music, and rides. Over time, the area was further developed, highlighting Lake Pontchartrain.

Lakeview boomed at the end of World War II. Developers answered the call of returning veterans by building more homes as well as stores and churches.

Fast forward to 2005, when Lakeview was devastated by the failure of the 17th Street Canal, which flooded much of the area following Hurricane Katrina. For a time, it looked as though Lakeview would not recover from the damage of the storm. However, due to a higher-than-average rate of home ownership (over 70%), the area came back quickly. In two short years, houses were repaired or rebuilt and businesses returned to the area. Today, Lakeview is a thriving, vibrant neighborhood.

Architecture then and now

The architecture of Lakeview has two distinct iterations: its original development, and the rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. In the early 1900s, small bungalows and ranch-style homes were in style. This combination of architecture and well-planned community make it unique.

After Katrina, Lakeview residents either renovated their damaged homes or tore them down and rebuilt. Developers also began to invest in the area. Several years later, the look of Lakeview became bigger and more upscale than before. Multi-story homes, some on two lots and raised several feet, share the street with smaller, original homes.

Lakeview’s architecture is some of the most interesting and varied in New Orleans. It’s a suburb, yet because of its cottages, ranch style houses, and bungalows, Lakeview still has the look of an earlier time. Also, this neighborhood is one of the few in the city with back alleys, which function as utility roads for people to access the backs of their houses or tuck away trash pick up. In addition, there are wide streets and ample places to park in Lakeview.

Features of Lakeview

The Lake

Lake Pontchartrain is the “lake” in Lakeview. A fishing and boating paradise, the 630 square mile brackish estuary, connects New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico via the Rigolets and Lake Borgne. Lake Pontchartrain is the only spot in New Orleans where activities, restaurants, and events focus on the lake lifestyle. Condominiums with boat slips rim the southern side of the lake and restaurants sit on the water--the perfect place for catching an afternoon breeze or evening sunset. The lake area is ideal for outdoor activities. Boats and kayaks can be taken out for the day and paddleboards are perfect to explore the edge of the lake. Expansive grassy areas across from the water are great spots for picnics or impromptu volleyball games. Along the lakefront, you can spot the Mardi Gras fountain built in 1962 by Blaine Kern, Mr. Mardi Gras himself.

The park

Lakeview shares City Park with the Mid City neighborhood. The 1300-acre park is the 20th most visited park in the United States. This urban green space has languid old oak and cypress trees and charming stone bridges over small bayous. A walking or bike path goes around the perimeter of the park, which makes it easy to spend time there and head down Harrison Avenue for a bite or a drink when you’re finished. New tennis courts, horseback riding, and golf are just a few of the activities City Park has to offer Lakeview residents.

Lakeview’s little-known spots make it such a unique part of New Orleans. Along with the lake and City Park, it’s home to both the New Orleans Yacht Club and the Southern Yacht Club, so it’s an ideal place for those who love to sail. And it has its very own lighthouse—the New Canal Lighthouse, which was established in 1838.

The Shops

Lakeview has a little bit of everything as far as shops go. But you won’t find any big box stores here. You’ll be able to get what you need from small grocery shops, drugstores, and boutique shops in Lakeview. Here are a few of the shops in this neighborhood: