This story appeared in the March issue of PRC’s Preservation in Print magazine. Interested in getting more preservation stories like this delivered to your door nine times a year? Become a member of the PRC for a subscription!
A colorful corbel. A classic shutter. A perfect porch. A sagging stoop. What do you love about your favorite New Orleans building?
Write a love note to your favorite building in 150 words or less. Inspired by the New York Times’ Tiny Love Stories, the PRC is launching the NOLA Love Notes series about the city’s historic architecture. Is your favorite building a place that catches your eye when you pass it each day on your way to work? Did you spot it outside of a car window and wonder about its history? Did you have a dream about living in that house, on that corner, in that bedroom, upstairs, with the dormer window, with the treetop view?
Tell us about the captivating places that inspire you, and PRC will republish the best NOLA Love Notes on our social media and in our magazine, Preservation in Print. If possible, please include a photo of the spot that has stolen your heart. A panel of judges will pick their favorite NOLA Love Notes and winners will receive valuable prizes.
So tell us, what made you fall in love with New Orleans architecture?
Submit your entry to prc@prcno.org, deadline for entry is October 31.
My Shotgun home
NOLA Love Note
By Desiree McSwain
I met a boy from this happy city,
Kind, sweet, and oh so pretty!
He shared with me his love for the Dome,
And now we live together in his shotgun home.
When you in walk in the front door,
You can see a whole lot more.
All the way through from beginning to end,
A dad’s eye view of his daughter’s boyfriend.
You have to admit, the old design makes sense,
When there was no AC, the heat was intense.
Then suddenly, a breeze would cool you down,
Just for a sweet second in this hot sweaty town.
Let us not forget about my favorite part,
The porch of course, it’s a work of art.
I read my book and drink my tea,
Say hello to my neighbor who looks for his key.
And yes I know my room has no doors,
But I love the high ceilings and hardwood floors.
My shotgun home, you are truly unique,
So I promise to take care of you like an old antique!
