Spanish Town, established in 1805 as Baton Rouge's oldest neighborhood, reflects the colorful, changing heritage and development of Louisiana's capital.  The HSTCA was created in 1974 by local residents in order to develop, preserve, and protect the "unique character" of Spanish Town which has been a viable part of Baton Rouge throughout its history.  The HSTCA has been in continuous existence since then and continues to perpetuate the pulse of the neighborhood.  In 1978 the HSTCA was instrumental in having our neighborhood designated as the "Spanish Town Historic District" and recognized as such on the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Register of Historic Places.  Then in 2008 the HSTCA was again instrumental in obtaining designation as the "Spanish Town Local Historical District" with Design Guidelines to maintain, preserve, and enhance the architectural character of Spanish Town.

What BELONGS in Spanish Town Historic District?

A large new apartment complex or seven historic homes?


Preis/Slaughter Development - Capitol Lofts


Rendering #1


Rendering #2


Rendering #3







         Facts:
         Spanish Town Historic District Guidelines
         Demolition/Relocation Ordinance
         History of Preis/Slaughter Development Site
         Background from Save Spanish Town facebook page
         Planning Commission Staff Recommendation on Rezoning (Case 28-09)
         Planning Commission Staff Recommendation on Demolition (Case DP-2-09)
         Contact information for political representatives and media



         Letters to the Advocate Editor:
         Gene Ransome October 26, 2009
         Jeanette Brock August 4, 2009
         David Brown July 24, 2009
         Lynn Schlossberger July 18, 2009
         Shawn O'Brien July 15, 2009
         Jeff Duhe` June 15, 2009

632/634 State Capitol Drive


638 State Capitol Drive


          640 State Capitol Drive                937 North 7th Street               
      

642 State Capitol Drive


939 North 7th Street


927 North 7th Street





         News Stories:
       The Advocate December 2, 2009 - Preis citation withdrawn
       Daily Business Report December 1, 2009 - HPC rescinds preliminary finding against Preis
       WBRZ News Video December 1, 2009 - Developer will not have to repair Spanish Town homes
       The Advocate November 30, 2009 - Accused landowner starts over
       WAFB Tumey's Travels November 23, 2009
       Daily Business Report November 20, 2009 - Poll: Preis should sell Spanish Town properties
       The Advocate November 19, 2009 - Spanish Town appeal nixed
       Daily Business Report November 19, 2009 - Developer drops out of Capitol Lofts; project on hold
       Daily Business Report November 18, 2009 - Zoning committee could vote on Spanish Town houses today
       The Advocate October 22, 2009 - Spanish Town appeal in limbo after meeting
       WAFB News Video October 21, 2009
       Daily Business Report October 20, 2009 - Metro Council to take up Spanish Town issue
       Daily Business Report October 14, 2009 - Historic preservation group has little clout
       Business Report Real Estate Weekly October 6, 2009 - Spanish Town properties getting attention
       The Advocate October 1, 2009 - Preis lists homes in Spanish Town
       Business Report September 21, 2009 - Can it fit?
       The Advocate September 16, 2009 - Editorial Staff - Duany's new take on Spanish Town controversy
       Daily Business Report September 1, 2009 - Spanish Town residents look at new apartment plans
       The Advocate August 31, 2009 - Historic Group lists threatened sites
       The Advocate August 27, 2009 - Planner lauds downtown development
       Business Report August 24, 2009 - The Spanish Town mess
       Daily Business Report August 19, 2009 - Spanish Town houses might be saved by new design
       The Advocate August 13, 2009 - Panel votes to notify owners
       The Advocate August 12, 2009 - Smiley Anders - Build it and they will protest
       The Advocate August 12, 2009 - Enforcing ordinances backed
       The Advocate August 8, 2009 - Developer stops project
       Daily Business Report August 7, 2009 - Historical foundation applauds decision to delay Capitol Lofts
       Daily Business Report August 7, 2009 - Spanish Town development on hold for now
       The Advocate August 7, 2009 - Developer to delay Capitol Lofts presentation
       The Advocate August 6, 2009 - Spanish Town plan opposed
       WAFB News August 5, 2009 - Spanish town battle boils hotter
       WAFB News Video August 5, 2009
       WBRZ News Video / The Advocate August 5, 2009 - Opposition to Spanish Town development
       Daily Business Report August 5, 2009 - Historic foundation, Spanish Town Civic Association hold joint event to oppose development, demolitions
       WRKF News Audio August 3, 2009 - Carolyn Bennett on Jim Engster Show
       Business Report July 31, 2009 - Planning staff recommends demolishing Spanish Town houses, approving development
       The Advocate July 30, 2009 - Capitol Lofts still opposed after makeover
       Business Report July 27, 2009 - Work, live, play, grow
       The Advocate July 21, 2009 - Editorial Staff - Historic area preservation
       The Advocate July 14, 2009 - Board cites guidelines
       The Advocate July 14, 2009 - Capitol Lofts apartments has more units
       Daily Business Report July 14, 2009 - Plans for Capitol Lofts evolve again
       Business Report July 13, 2009 - A lofty plan
       Daily Business Report July 13, 2009 - Historical foundation issues statement on Spanish Town development
       The Advocate July 10, 2009 - Smaller Spanish Town complex offered
       Daily Business Report July 8, 2009 - Spanish Town project to be 67 units, developer says
       The Advocate July 7, 2009 - Spanish Town plan trimmed
       Daily Business Report July 6, 2009 - Smaller Spanish Town development called an 'improvement'
       The Advocate June 23, 2009 - Rezoning hearing delayed to July 22
       WBRZ News Video June 21, 2009
       WAFB News Video June 21, 2009
       Daily Business Report June 19, 2009 - Spanish Town apartments to go before Planning Commission
       WGMB News Video June 17, 2009
       Daily Business Report June 10, 2009 - Spanish Town development pits history against progress
       The Advocate June 10, 2009 - Apartment plan rapped