The Paragon Lofts located in the New Orleans Warehouse District is a small complex of larger size units. The units are located on 900 South Peters Street. Most of the 21 condos are spread over the upper 3 floors. Most of the units are 2 bedrooms condos with two baths units and measure over 1500 sq. ft. of living area. There are a few one bedroom units. Everyone likes balconies but this is one of the few complexes in the New Orleans Warehouse District that has them. The 900 S. Peters location puts them in the middle of the Warehouse District, a couple of blocks to Riverwalk and to Harrahs Casino.

All the condos have secure garage parking spaces on the first floor with a secure entrance via elevators to the units on the 2nd and third floors. The penthouses and terrances are on the top floor. The Paragon condos were finished in August of 2000. There has not been a lot of turnover since that time.

The units are upscale with a lot of individual tastes put into each of the units. Its not your typical developers units and the owners did a lot of custom work for their units. The condos have wook floors , stained concrete floors, exposed brick, cypress beams, balconies, and garage parking. The balconies are a real plus as few buildings in the area have them. They have some great city views. The larger units are in the 1700-1800 st. ft. range.

They are professionally managed and the owners have a very quiet complex on a one way street that is rarely ever very busy. You have as many walkers as cars sometimes.

There are currently 3 units in the building for sale. A one bedroom for $345,000, a two bedroom for $519,000 and a penthouse for $629,000. The last sale in the building was for 430k with the 2 previous sales dating back to 2005. The sales price on those units were 700k for a super decked out corner unit and a 575k for another unit that I did not get to see. As the price of the condos goes up I think you have fewer sales as people can afford to keep them longer. None of these are my listings or sales.

There are currently 38 condos in the Warehouse District for more than 500k that are for sale . This number does include several pre-sales. There are 11 units for more than a million. The best of the units are selling but the competition is stiff for the things that people want. Its much more than just the size of the unit in this price range.

The Aurora Methodist Church in Algiers has been hosting volunteer mission groups since right after Hurricane Katrina.  Hundreds of adults and youth have made the church their home for a few nights or even a few weeks while they have helped in the clean up and recovery efforts of the city.

Today, the youth and counselors of Aurora Methodist packed up and headed out to Atlanta for their own mission trip to assist in cleaning, painting and repairing two homes for elderly Georgia residents.  This is how you change the world...

The little guy in the middle is mine and is making his first mission trip.

Wishing all of them a safe journey....

Have you planned your weekend yet? Here are some cool events happening around town.

Summer Reading Bugmobile

Continuing to encourage kids to read all year round, the Summer Reading Bugmobile will be at the children's wing of the West Bank Regional Library in Harvey, LA on Friday at 10:30 am. Space is limited, so get your tickets right away or call the library at 364-2660 for more information.

Gretna Farmer's Market

Saturday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, featuring local produce, art, music and more. Under the Gretna Market on Huey P. Long Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets in Gretna, LA.

Westwego Performing Arts Theatre

The talented kids taking part in the Jefferson Performing Arts Society's West Bank summer camp will be performing the summer musical "Once Upon A Mattress" on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Avenue in Westwego, LA. Visit the JPAS website for more information and tickets.

Beyond The West Bank

The Stars and Stripes Summer continues at the National WWII Museum. The whole family is invited to attend the museum, learn more about WWII and D-Day and kick up their heels with the Palmetto Bug Stompers from 2-4 pm. Swing dance lessons will be held from 1-2 pm so you can learn how to strut your stuff! Discounted admission for Louisiana residents.

Upcoming West Bank Events

Cooking Demonstration

As part of the continuing chef series, Mount Olivet church (530 Pelican Ave. in Algiers Point) will host Chef Ed Moise of Aunt Leni's Cafe on Tuesday, July 22nd at 6 pm. It's a hands on series, with the Chef demonstrating, teaching and providing recipes. The $35 per person cost includes drinks and dining on the great meal the Chef and attendees have prepared.

The Wednesdays on the Point concert series continues for the next few weeks, from 5:30 to 7:30 each Wednesday in Algiers Point. Upcoming scheduled performances are:

• 7/23: Amanda Walker & Jimmy Robinson at Dry Dock Cafe, 133 Delaronde
• 7/30: Ernie Vincent & Marc Stone at Crown and Anchor Pub, 200 Pelican
• 8/06: David & Roselyn at Gulf Pizza, 446 Pelican
• 8/13: Paul Sanchez & Friends at Old Point Bar, 545 Patterson

25th Annual National Night Out Against Crime

August 5th all around the West Bank. The Night Out Against Crime is a chance for neighbors to gather together in support of fighting crime in their area and send a message to criminals that they are not welcome in the neighborhood. Some West Bank communities hold block parties, complete with DJ and dancing in the streets, while others are a little more laid back with a gathering in a centrally located front yard or garage. What is your neighborhood planning for this year? To register your event or for more ideas, visit the National Night Out Against Crime website.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Subscribe to West Bank Living by Email
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• What's My Home Worth? - A Free Online Valuation of your New Orleans West Bank Home

Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

So what did they win?  Well, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, right here on the West Bank of New Orleans, is a 2008 Nick Parent's Pick for one of the Best Museums for Teens.

Located in Algiers Point, just across the river from downtown New Orleans, Mardi Gras World offers a behind the scenes look at the creation of the beautiful floats that roll through the city during Carnival.  Tours are offered daily for both individuals and groups (reservations are required for groups of 10 or more) and include free king cake and coffee for everyone, a movie about the history of Mardi Gras and float building along with a tour of one the most interesting, art filled warehouses in the city.

Besides being the site of float building, Mardi Gras World is also a wonderful place to hold a uniquely New Orleans birthday party, with mask making, costumes to try on and a tour before blowing out the candles on the cake.  It has been the venue of choice for many Carnival Krewe Balls, local banquets and dances and the staff puts on an annual 4th of July party before the fireworks display on the river.

I recently attended the Old Algiers Annual Reunion Dance and had a chance to wander through the work area for my own little private tour even though the artists were off duty for the night.

If you are visiting New Orleans, Mardi Gras World is a quick ferry ride from Canal Street and shuttle service is available from the ferry landing.  For admission information or to book a group tour, visit the Mardi Gras World website and welcome to the West Bank!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Subscribe to West Bank Living by Email
• Featured New Orleans West Bank Homes
• Search All New Orleans West Bank Listings
• What's My Home Worth? - A Free Online Valuation of your New Orleans West Bank Home

Here's the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

I love porches...they are the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the world (or at least your little part of it!) go by.  A good front porch can be hard to find if you live in an area that was built in the 60s or 70s, like many of our West Bank communities were. 

While porches are making a comeback in new construction, my favorites are still the originals that set the standard in our city.  The ones that draw you in and invite you to have a seat and visit...

Take a walk with me through historic Algiers Point, where fabulous porches abound, in all shapes, sizes and decorating styles.

For a list of extraordinary porches and the Algiers Point homes that come with them, feel free to

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Subscribe to West Bank Living by Email
• Featured West Bank Homes
• Search All Listings
• What's My Home Worth?

Here's the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

What are your plans this weekend?  For some ideas, check out these New Orleans area events.

9th Annual Algiers Reunion Dance

This Saturday night at Mardi Gras World, the 9th annual reunion dance will take place in Algiers Point.  Always a fun time and great way to catch up with old friends and neighbors, the dance is open to the public - everyone is welcome to come pass a good time! 

Tickets are only $25 per person, with ice, water, setups and the live music of The Midnight Special band.  BYOL and some party or finger food to share with the rest of your table.  No need to get dressed up....this get together is casual and fun and taking place right here on the West Bank.  For more information or tickets call (504) 450-7460 or (504) 361-0937.

Reading to Rover

Sunday at 2 pm in the children's wing of the West Bank Regional Library in Harvey, LA.  The Visiting Pet Program lets kids of all ages read aloud to some furry, friendly canines who are perfectly happy to let the kids read it "Again!".

It's HOT - Cool Off at Bayou Segnette

Don't forget about the wave pool at Bayou Segnette State Park State Park in Westwego, LA.  It's first-come, first-served with a limit of 100 people, so get there early and stay cool during the long, hot summer.

Beyond the West Bank

As part of the Stars and Stripes Summer, Sunday Swing continues at the WWII National Museum with free swing dance lessons from 1-2 pm and live music from VaVaVoom from 2-4 pm.

Upcoming Events

Wednesdays on the Point

July 16th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm outside of Tout de Suite Cafe on the corner of Alix and Verret Streets in Algiers Point.  Come spend the afternoon and evening hanging with your friends in the Point while listening to the live music of Kirk Joseph and Rick Trolsen and enjoying the local food and drinks available for sale.  This week's event was a blast...I'm definitely going back for more!  See the complete concert series schedule.

Krewe of Choctaw Coronation Party

July 26th, 8:00pm at Timberlane Country Club, the Krewe of Choctaw will announce the 2009 royal court during a cocktail party coronation event.  Tickets are still available at the Krewe website and include an open bar, all you can eat and the chance to rub elbows with some West Bank Carnival royalty.

Make it a great West Bank Weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Featured West Bank Homes for Sale
• Search all West Bank Homes for Sale
• Free, automated neighborhood market report: What's My Home Worth?
• Contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®

Here's the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Picking up where Wednesday in the Square left off downtown, Wednesdays on the Point is proving to be quite a success!

While I missed the first two weeks of performances, we were able to get out to Aunt Leni's Cafe this week for the third installment of the street concerts in Algiers Point. The sidewalk tables were filled and the street was lined with the lawn chairs of the spectators. Like any other function in Algiers, it was filled with familiar faces and lots of great local music, with the entertainment provided this week by the Marc Stone Band (turns out that Westbank Mike, who was also scheduled to perform, is on vacation this week).

With the band playing, the food cooking and the drinks flowing, we were caught up in saying hello to everyone and catching up with friends we had not seen in awhile. Not a bad way to spend a summer evening...

Where but New Orleans will you find a street party on a Wednesday afternoon?

Next weeks event will be held right down the street at Tout de Suite Cafe, on the corner of Alix and Verret Streets, from 5:30 to 8:30pm...hope to see you there!

• New Orleans West Bank homes for sale
• More about West Bank Neighborhoods
• Contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®, Your West Bank Real Estate Specialist

I've written before about Calcasieu Parish's new, beautiful Prien Lake Park.

Recently, the Southwest Louisiana Association of REALTORS held what I hope will be our first annual picnic and Bar B Que at this wonderful facility.

A busy bunch, we REALTORS! We work hard, and sometimes do not take time to play.

We know the value of getting to know each other, but seldom are afforded the opportuntiy to do so.

And, we all need to spend more time with our families!

Armed with this knowledge, the entertainment committee of our local board put together a function that would satisfy each of these issues, including the competitive nature of our members who entered the "Cook Off" contest.

Pictured here is my company, CENTURY 21 Bessette's BBQ rig. As you can see, we took the competition in stride, while showing our support of our LSU Tigers.

Hopeully, board members will be able to spend time in a similar fashion next year. Did I hear someone mention "Crawfish at Prien" for next year?

Regardless, if you are new to the Lake Area, or live here but have not had time to see the park for yourself, it is worth the time. My cautionary comments are that when you arrive, you'll want to take a stroll along Prien Lake. So, take time!

I subscribe to a number of local blogs that are very informative and give me many ideas for blogs of my own and how to tie them into the New Orleans real estate market. New Orleans have several local papaers that feature all local items, both have blogs that churn out ideas daily. This one that I read is a tourist blog that keeps me informed. This is a recent blog giving my readers another resource. on New Orleans Condo trends blog.

"In a national survey, Americans voted online for the most "animated, brilliant, lively and vivacious" city in the United States. The winner--New Orleans! Yellowtail Wines sponsored the survey, and the city will receive its award, given by travel authority Pauline Frommer and Yellowtail, in front of St. Louis Cathedral, behind Jackson Square, on July 1. Welcome, and sparkle on!" Sharon Keating- New Orleans Travel Blog

This is a local travel blog I read weekly. Living here we do not always know what goes on as we are doing our thing which is New Orleans real estate. This is a blog I check into several times a week to see what is happening. Its the positive spots we all need to know. I sell more and more New Orleans second homes that are condos. If you run out of things to do you should check out the blog before you come to town.

The New Orleans French Quarter and the Warehouse District have been hot spots for second homes with people even looking Uptown. The French Quarter is much, much cleaner than it used to be and people are taking more pride in all the areas since Katrina. There are becoming more family attractions than ever before and that is accounting for a lot of the new business. Some of it are people living in the New Orleans Metro area that want to stay close to home and have a place to visit that has a little excitement.

These areas are a great place to entertain and visit on a regular basis. Its easy to get people to accept an invitation. It tends to go against the grain as to what is happening in other real estate markets, but then a lot of things in New Orleans tend to be against the grain. Property taxes were lowered 30% in 2008. Charter schools are the norm. The Hornets are winning, the Saints should be winning and LSU are the college football champions for the 2nd time in 5 years.

Go 4th on the River

Algiers Point, July 4th

A fireworks extravaganza on the river and the best seats in the house are FREE.  Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the levee in Algiers Point or head over to Mardi Gras World, where admission is free after 5:30, a DJ will be spinning tunes and food and drinks will be available for purchase.  At 9:00 pm, the Bone Tone Brass Band will lead a second line parade to the levee for the fireworks display.  Come on out and celebrate Independence Day the West Bank way.  For more information, visit Go 4th on the River.

If you are celebrating the 4th of July at home, please remember that fireworks can be dangerous.  The National Council on Fireworks Safety has some great tips to keep your holiday safe and fun.

West Bank Blood Drive

The Blood Center is hosting Christmas in July, a summer blood drive, along with free cholesterol checks, gifts and family coverage for all donors that will eliminate all processing fees for any donor or their immediate family that receives blood for the next year.  One donation takes less than an hour of your time and can help up to three different people.  Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday noon-5pm at Oakwood Center Mall. 

ZOO Mobile in Algiers Point

Friday at 11am, the ZOOmobile from Audubon Zoo will be at the Algiers Courthouse, 225 Morgan Street in the Point with presentations and animals that the kids can touch and interact with.

Upcoming West Bank Events

Wednesdays at the Point

This weeks event will be held at Aunt Leni's Cafe in Algiers Point from 5:30 to 7pm and features music from Westbank Mike, along with wine and other refreshments for sale.  This is a great break to take in the middle of the week, while you enjoy local artists and  meet up with friends and neighbors all while staying right here on the West Bank.

 Summer Reading Program on the West Bank

Adella, Adella the Storyteller will be at the Carriage House (behind the Algiers Courthouse in the Point) on Tuesday at 11 am.  Get out of the hot sun and encourage those kids to read!

Terrytown Library 680 Heritage Ave in Terrytown, LA

Tuesday, July 8th at 4:00 pm - Family Night.  Stories, crafts for school aged kids and a movie.  What a great way to get out of the house for a family activity during the week.

Wednesday, July 9th at 3:00 pm - Teen Activity.  Make your own Hip Handbag.

Algiers Economic Development Foundation Annual Business Luncheon

This years luncheon will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at English Turn, with guest speaker Robert Cerasoli, the Inspector General for the City of New Orleans.  Tickets are $40 for AEDF members and $45 for non-members.  Reservations are required and can be booked by calling (504) 362-6436 or by emailing pcannon@aedf.biz.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Subscribe to West Bank Living by Email
• Featured New Orleans West Bank Homes
• Search All New Orleans West Bank Listings
• What's My Home Worth? - A Free Online Valuation of your New Orleans West Bank Home

Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.