The neighborhood shops of Maple Street may appear more vivacious and alluring than the neglected spots on Freret. However, a deeper look reveals that while the streets offer similar conveniences, they are perceived differently by the local community. The blocks from 1740 to 1800 on Maple St. are lined with several commercial retailers Shopping, eating, and even washing a load of dirty clothes, are among the activities on this street. Samia Saleem, graphic design junior, said convenience is her reason for liking the street. There are numerous options to pass the time, either sipping an espresso or tanning, while your formerly stinky socks are going through cycles of sanitation.
But from Napoleon Avenue to Nashville Avenue on Freret Street, the scene changes drastically. Buildings are run down, vacant, and some are boarded up. Scattered throughout the street are small businesses, ranging from a nursery to grocery stores, lacking the marketing techniques employed by the shops on Maple. Freret is not the host to trendy upscale boutiques, or hip coffee shops, perhaps making it seem unwelcoming. Mike Ciardi, senior at Loyola, describes the street as “A road to go somewhere. There is nothing much on Freret.”
If accessibility is what makes Maple Street appear more desirable, then Freret has been overlooked, as the streets have similarities. At both locations you will find laundromats, in fact the Maytag Laundromat on Freret has machines that are 25 cents cheaper than those of Babylon Laundry & Washateria on Maple. Maytag Laundromat, however, does not have as many machines, lacks in spaciousness, and doesn’t have the colorful bubbly artwork that Babylon’s has diplayed on its walls.
Clothes shopping can be done at both locations, although stores significantly differ in style and price. While Perossi Clothing on Maple sells Jimmy Choo shoes priced well in the hundreds, at Bloomin’ Deals Thrift Shop on Freret you can get several pairs of shoes with those dollar bills, and unique apparel pieces. Bloomin’ Deals offers a large selection of second hand womenswear clothing. The two streets also supply cheap eats.
On Maple, $5 can get you a fantastic Middle Eastern dish from Babylon Café, while on Freret, Dunbar’s Creole Cooking offers a student lunch special that includes a glass of lemonade, red beans and rice and two pieces of fried chicken. Julia Rendleman, a political science senior and fan of the restaurant, said, “Dunbar’s is New Orleans dining without the high end scale of Commanders or Acme Oyster House, which is for tourists. It is down home, hole-in-the-wall, gotta live here to know about it, cookin.’ “
The indigenous feel makes Freret distinct from Maple Street.
The run down buildings give a sense that time has well nestled itself into the dwellings.
The various murals tell a story that life on this street is more than just for socializing.
The colorful artwork painted on the side of several structures cannot be found on Maple, nor can the history.
The street is noted as a historic preservation by the Neighborhood Housing Service of New Orleans and has the attention of the city, which is promising to give $300,000 to restore the street.
To generate interest, the Neighborhood Housing Service annually produces the Freret Street Festival during late March or early April. The festival celebrates food, art and music. This one-day street bash has several booths selling crafts and various foods, including Cajun and Jamaican.
Rendleman attended the festival and said, “I am glad I went, had a good time. It is a chilled-out street festival, not too crowded.”Bands that have played at the festival include Rebirth Brass Band, Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians and Kermit Ruffins. Maple Street also has a festival, although the celebration and the crowd attracted are different.
A small section of the street near Vera Cruz Restaurant is closed off during Cinco de Mayo. This event tends to attract more college students. The Maple Street Festival is not so much a festival as it is a frat party.
Safety may be a reason why some college students have failed to partake in experiencing Freret. Rendleman admits to feeling safer on Maple, as does Tulane student Taina Deliz.
Deliz, a philosophy major, said, “I used to ride the bus down Freret, and it seems more inner city. It’s the part of town people tell you to stay away from. I feel safer in the environment in Maple.” By appearance it may seem as though Freret may be a hot spot for crime, but Maple is not without it’s problems. Delix said she has witnessed crim first hand while working on Maple. She once saw a woman’s purse snatched as she was on her way to work, proving that Freret doesn’t have a monopoly on Uptown crime.
A woman takes a break before taking her clothes out of the dryer at the Maytag Laundromat on Freret Street. Although it costs less to wash clothes at this location, many students still prefer to use the services of the landromat located on Maple Street. (Gillian Dicker)
Babylon Cafe on Maple Street is known for its Middle Eastern dishes and is well liked by those who frequent Maple Street. (Gillian Dicker)
An older gentleman sits and watches as a woman folds clothes at the laundromat on Maple Street. The Babylon Laundry and Washateria on Maple is popular with locals in the Uptown district. (Gillian Dicker)
