City of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Historic District
The downtown "Carpentier District" pronounced 'shar pah t yeah' encases a twenty (20) block area of homes dating back to the late 1800's and 1900's. The district contains some of the finest restored architecture in Louisiana and was included on the National Historic Register in 1990. Because there weren't any practicing architects the area until the early 1900's, the homes in the district acquired their individual characteristics from the carpenters who built them. These carpenters expressed their artistry and tried to out build one another with their use of elaborate fretwork and Victorian decoration. The City honors these carpenters by naming the historic district "Charpentier," french for carpenter.
All the homes are privately owned, however entry to some may be arranged through the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.456.7952.
Residents living in the "Charpentier, Downtown Development District (or Charlestown Cultural District) or Margaret Place Historic Districts"should familiarize themselves with the draft design guidelines accessible at the following links. 
News & Notices
- Downtown at Sundown Plans Announced
Published: Monday, April 09, 2012
Downtown at Sundown Plans Announced The City of Lake Charles announces plans for the annual Downtown at Sundown concert series. On four consecutive Fridays from 6-9 p.m., the event will feature a variety of music from local and regional bands as we... - Charlestown Cultural District Draft Design Guidelines
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012
Draft design guidelines developed by the State's consultant to be presented at 2/29/12 stakeholder meeting - Margaret Place Historic District Design Guidelines
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012
Draft design guidelines developed by the State's consultant to be presented at 2/29/12 stakeholder meeting
More | 
Contact Us
326 Pujo Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Lake Charles, LA 70601
- Telephone Number: 337-491-1429
- Staff Directory
Department Home
Copyright 2012