Campaign of the Month: October 2017
Blood & Bourbon
Lakeview
Lakeview is an affluent neighborhood snug against the south side of Lake Pontchartrain. Unlike much of New Orleans, whites predominate the area and have since the area began its serious development in the post-WWII years. For most of the Big Easy’s history, Lakeview was nothing but undeveloped swampland. The advent of modern drainage systems in the early 20th century saw the area slowly start to develop. Large scale-residential development did not happen until after World War II, with the predominant housing style being bungalows.
While New Orleans became a majority-African American city around 1980, by the 1990s, Lakeview was one of the only almost entirely white neighborhoods remaining in New Orleans. Lakeview was originally mostly middle class, but in the last couple decades of the 20th century it became a magnet for money. Larger, newly constructed houses replaced more modest postwar homes as increasing numbers of upper- and upper-middle class families moved to the former swampland. The Southern New Orleans Yacht Club was founded around this time.
Hurricane Katrina changed everything, at least temporarily. Lakeview suffered once of the worst levee breaks in New Orleans, with up to 14 feet of water rushing through the streets and causing massive damage. Older residents who didn’t leave their homes were forced into attics. Rescuers didn’t find all of them alive. Yachts that weren’t put into storage were found having crashed through houses like wrecking balls.
Lakeview was one of the first neighborhoods rebuilt after the floodwaters receded. Within several years, the neighborhood stood as if nothing had touched it. While other parts of New Orleans have been far slower to rebuilt, or simply haven’t at all, Lakeview stands as proof that enough money can do anything.
Kindred Residents
No known Kindred claims domain over Lakeview. The upscale suburb is a poor hunting ground; people here notice when neighbors act strangely. Disappearances are closely investigated and violent crime is all but nonexistent. While the wealth and influence of the resident families is of interest, most Kindred choose to focus their attention on these families’ workplaces than their personal homes.
Locations
1639 Lakeshore Drive
Personal residence of Matthew Malveaux and Vera Malveaux, built in 1986. Over 12,000 square feet large and valued at $3.1 million, it is one of the most palatial houses in the New Orleans metro area. It’s even entertained two prior U.S. presidents (Henry Marshall following the ‘88 RNC convention and Jim Marshall following 2008’s Hurricane Gustav). Ever since Matthew’s and Vera’s six children left the nest, with Virginia being the last to depart in 2015, it’s sat largely empty: Matthew has little desire to spend time with his wife, while Vera doesn’t like feeling alone in the enormous house. The two mostly still use it to host fundraisers and other social functions.
Blue Crab Restaurant
(7900 Lakeshore Dr.)
Recently-opened waterfront eatery that specializes in seafood, from oysters on the half shell to grilled catfish.
Mount Carmel Academy
(7027 Milne Blvd.)
Private all-girls Catholic school for grades 8-12, founded in 1833. It was the first school in New Orleans to re-open after Hurricane Katrina. Tuition is $10,275 a year, behind the Ursuline Academy and McGehee School, but it’s still considered a good school for the city’s elite (or those who would join them) to send their daughters.
Southern Yacht Club
(105 N Roadway St.)
Yachters’ club with an in-house restaurant. Employees are treated notoriously poorly by the management.
The Velvet Cactus
(6300 Argonne Blvd.)
Local chain serving Mexican-inspired dishes & cocktails in an art-filled venue.
by:
False_Epiphany