Shreveport in Caddo Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Shepherd/Blanchard Building

DSU Award

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2025

1. Shepherd/Blanchard Building Marker

Inscription. For Preservation of Historical
Architectural Buildings in
Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana
Presented to
Shepherd Renovation Co
Alvin Childs, Jr. & James B. Nowery
Developers
Downtown Shreveport Unlimited
1989

Shepherd/Blanchard BuildingThe Shepherd Building was built in 1900 and the Blanchard Building was built in 1901. They reflect the commercial architectural style of the early 1900s business boom in Downtown Shreveport.

Erected 1989 by Downtown Shreveport Unlimited.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 32° 30.641′ N, 93° 45.032′ W. Marker is in Shreveport, Louisiana, in Caddo Parish. It is at the intersection of Milam Street and Louisiana Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Milam Street. The marker is mounted directly on the north/front facade of the subject building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 631 Milam Street, Shreveport LA 71101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Louisiana.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Selber Bros (within shouting distance of this marker); Strand Theatre

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Harkey Building (about 300 feet away); Soul Men (about 300 feet away); Justin Gras (about 500 feet away); First United Methodist Church (about 600 feet away); Caddo Parish Courthouse (about 700 feet away); Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shreveport.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Last Confederate Flag (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Regarding Shepherd/Blanchard Building. Contributing property, Shreveport Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 82002760.

From the National Register Nomination prepared by Russell Wright, 6/1980:
The Shreveport Historic District comprises the downtown commercial area of Shreveport, which is largely characterized by early twentieth century buildings. Except for the grid, nothing remains of antebellum Shreveport. The present tightly packed commercial district developed in two stages after the Civil War. Following the war a railroad was built between
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2025

2. Shepherd/Blanchard Building Marker
The marker is on the right side of the north/front entrance between the two historic buildings.
Commerce Street and the Red River which precipitated the construction of two-story brick commercial buildings. At one time most of downtown Shreveport was characterized by commercial buildings of this type.
After the turn-of-the-century boom in the oil and lumber industries, much of the original Victorian townscape was rebuilt on a somewhat more pretentious scale. Most of Louisiana's so-called “old downtown areas” date from this period. Aside from New Orleans, the one in Shreveport is undoubtedly the finest in the state. The size of the historic commercial area (15 blocks) is exceeded only by New Orleans. The Shreveport downtown has colossal order pilasters and columns, ornamental cornices, and cast terra cotta decoration. The district also has the state's only Gothic style skyscraper and the state's only collection of Chicago style skyscrapers.
Contributing properties include:
• Blanchard Building, 627 Milam, a three-story brick structure completed in 1901, Elaborate parapet and central arch.
• Shepherd Building, 629-631 Milam, a three-story brick and limestone commercial structure built in 1900. Round arches and elaborate cornice.

Blanchard (<i>left</i>) and Shepherd (<i>right</i>) Buildings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2025

3. Blanchard (left) and Shepherd (right) Buildings

Blanchard and Shepherd Buildings (<i>northwest elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2025

4. Blanchard and Shepherd Buildings (northwest elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.