The beautiful and historic Freetown - Porto Rico neighborhood of downtown Lafayette has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the first time a historic district has been recognized in 31 years, and Freetown was recognized due to efforts by the Sustainable Development Lab of UL Lafayette's School of Architecture and Design. The area encompasses about 20 blocks, along Johnston, Cypress, Lamar, and Jefferson streets, and was named by Louisiana Governor Mouton in 1840, after his slaves were granted property.

This is not the first neighborhood to be recognized in Lafayette - the first was the Sterling Grove Historic District, which was placed on the Register in 1984. This honor for Freetown - Porto Rico could also help out with moving forward on the proposed I-49 corridor, which will run through Lafayette. Over 600 buildings encompass the historic area, and tax credits are given to those who are older than 50 years, so this is a pretty big deal for the area!

Congrats, and be sure to drive through and see all the beauty in this very humble and historic neighborhood near downtown Lafayette.

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