Curbed Cup 1st round: (5) French Quarter vs. (12) Lower Garden District

The Curbed Cup, our annual award for the neighborhood of the year, is kicking off with 16 neighborhoods vying for the prestigious (fake) trophy. We’ll reveal each of the neighborhoods this week, and polls will be open for 24 hours so you can cast your vote as to which ones should advance. Let the eliminations commence!

French Quarter

While the French Quarter lost in a close battle against Treme last year, it’s coming back for another shot at being the best neighborhood in New Orleans. At the very least, it will always hold the title of being New Orleans’s oldest district.

This neighborhood is known for its booming night life, rampant music and art scene, views of the Mississippi River, and its historic French- and Spanish-inspired architecture. You’ll even find the high-profile home of real estate mogul Sidney Torres IV.

The neighborhood has seen a rise in luxury condominiums. In July, a new condo opened at an old warehouse on Decatur Street. At 918 Conti Street, a developer will open a 16-unit luxury condominium at the former Musee Conti Wax Museum in January of 2018.

On the riverfront, the moonwalk will get new shade trees and wide staircases that lead to the river by Spring of 2018. And the French Quarter will also see the bulk of the riverfront developments happening in New Orleans over the next three years, including a new Canal Street Ferry Terminal and a refreshed Woldenberg Park. You’ll also find the new Riverboat Louis Armstrong docking near the Quarter in mid-2018. And, while we’re still on development, we can’t forget the non-stop construction happening on Bourbon Street.

The French Quarter has the advantage of transportation. The St. Charles, Canal Street, St. Claude—Rampart, and Riverfront streetcars all run though the Quarter. The French Quarter will also hold eight bike-share stations by next year.

Lower Garden District

This past November, Hot Spot Rentals named the Lower Garden District one of the Hottest Neighborhoods in America, scoring the highest in walkability and budget.

This expansive neighborhood is known best for its beautiful mansions and homes, Annunciation and Coliseum squares, pocket parks, and several of locally-owned businesses that line Magazine Street.

On the development side, we have seen plans for creating a 210-unit, mixed-use apartment complex at 1201 Annunciation Street. A new 28-unit condominium, Residence Josephine, opened near the Lower Garden District.

Over the next year, the Lower Garden District will hold five of the city’s upcoming bike-share stations.

Now, the decision is in your hands: Which neighborhood should advance to the next round? Cast your vote in the poll below.