About Lake Charles' Margaret Place

Margaret Place is generally considered the oldest recorded subdivision in Calcasieu Parish and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2012.

In the mid-90's, under the leadership of then Mayor Willie Mount, and with the assistance of the Calcasieu Historical Society, a city Historic District was created.

Margaret Place follows the same guidelines as its model, the Charpentier Historic District. These guideliness help to protect the integrity of these valuable historic areas, insuring the enjoyment of the richness and character of both districts for years to come.

Calcasieu Preservationist A.C. Boudier conducts walking tours of both districts.

The boundaries for Margaret Place Historical District are Griffith Coulee, Shell Beach Drive, Pithon Coulee, and the North side of South Ryan.

The proximity of Margaret Place to the ever-improving, ever-growing downtown coupled with the ability to access I-210 from Lake Street, or I-10 from downtown are locational "perks" equaled only by the fact that it is within 5 minutes of the Prien Lake Mall. Children enrolled at ICCS Elementary School walk to school on the sidewalks of the tree-lined streets.

A website, MargaretPlace.org, is in process that will feature photos and general history for the public as well as a password protected section for property owners.

Even considering the outer street boundaries of Shell Beach Drive and South Ryan, there are less than 100 homes. Square footage is as varied as the styles with the smallest homes estimated at 1,500 square feet and several with well over 4000. There are several brick homes, but most are wood frame on piers with several offering classic "Lake Charles Columns," such as are exhibited on the home shown above. Located on the corner of Wilson and Griffith, this home and several other Margaret Place homes are listed as landmarks. See photos and learn more on the MargaretPlace.org site.