FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact James McAlister504-671-8826 or 504-451-8883

The Coliseum Square Association

Proudly Presents The 33rd Annual House TourSunday, March 20, 200511:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Five beautiful homes will open their doors exclusively for this annual event, including the former home of local architect James Freret. Guided tours will begin at 11:00 a.m. from Coliseum Square Park (located at Coliseum and Euterpe Streets). It is a beautiful urban park designed by 19th century surveyor and architect Barthelemy Lafon. Tours will depart from the square every 15 minutes until 3:00 p.m.

A wonderful addition to this year’s tour will be music performed in Felicity United Methodist Church located at the corner of Felicity and Chestnut Streets. This late-Gothic style church boasts a 19th century Hook and Hastings pipe organ, which was restored in 1975 with the help of the association. Members of the New Orleans Chapter of the Organ Historic Society will be performing for our tour guests.

Also at Felicity, Dr. Connie Rodriguez, Associate Professor of Classical Studies, Loyola University will be delivering a lecture about the man responsible for the layout and names of the streets in the Lower Garden District – Barthelemy Lafon. Dr. Rodriguez’ lecture will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Felicity Church. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The Coliseum Square Association will be donating a portion of the 2005 tour proceeds to the restoration of the statue of New Orleans educator Sophie B. Wright. The beautiful bronze statue by Enrique Alferez recently fell victim to a graffiti attack.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15.00 at all Rue de la Course Coffee Shops or online at www.coliseumsquare.org. Tour day tickets are $18.00.