(Opelousas, LA) – May is Preservation Month and Opelousas Historic District is excited to announce the completion of an extensive survey of commercial structures within the Opelousas Historic District. The architectural survey resulted in the identification and evaluation of 177 historic age commercial buildings, with 133 buildings recognized as contributing resources toward the Opelousas Historic District Expansion.
The survey is an essential tool for identifying and documenting historic properties throughout the city. Its findings may support potential expansions of existing historic district boundaries by providing data for a new National Register of Historic Places nomination and updates to the federal register. Additionally, the survey has undergone careful review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), further validating its significance and accuracy in documenting our community’s heritage.
Covering approximately 224 acres, the area surveyed is bounded by West Grolee Street to the north, West South and East Jefferson Streets to the South, Oak and South Union Streets to the east and South Liberty to the west.
Commissioned in April 2021 by the Opelousas Historic District, the survey was requested from AT&T Mobility as part of a mitigation measure related to the demolition of a residential structure on Lombard Street and the subsequent installation of a telecommunications tower on that property. Environmental Corporation of America conducted the survey on behalf of AT&T.
This survey data has been integrated into the Historic Preservation Cultural Resources Map located on the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation section of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development website. To view the map and explore the survey results, please visit the following link Opelousas Historic Standing Structures Survey for Commercial Buildings.
For further information, please contact the Opelousas Historic District office at tourism@cityofopelousas.com
Last modified: May 12, 2025
