Hosted by the ICAA Louisiana Chapter
Join the ICAA Louisiana Chapter for private tours of four historic homes in the Washington Historic District and one historic home on Bayou Carron in Washington, Louisiana accompanied by two preservationist presenters Stephen Ortego and Hallie P. Coreil.
This immersive field program explores the intersections of classical traditions and vernacular building practices in Louisiana’s Bayou Courtableau region, the town of Washington, Louisiana.
Featuring over fifty blocks of historically and architecturally significant homes and buildings from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Washington Historic District is experiencing a renaissance in historic preservation and economic revitalization. You are invited to witness the re-birth of this historic town.
Through walking tours of historic residences and guided discussions, participants will examine how craftsmanship, climate-responsive design, and cultural heritage converge in a unique architectural landscape. The program emphasizes lessons that inform modern practice, including adaptive reuse, sustainability, and preservation ethics.
Stephen Ortego, AIA, Principal – SO studios
Stephen is a Louisiana based Architect whose specialties include historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, new contemporary design for new buildings, and master planning.
Hallie P. Coreil, Preservation Advocate
Hallie graduated from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2011 and has since volunteered significant time for historic preservation efforts alongside her legal practice. She has served on several relevant boards, including the Preservation Alliance of Lafayette, and has published multiple preservation-themed articles, including Law of Place: Louisiana’s Legacy for Historic and Cultural Preservation, Louisiana Bar Journal, April/May 2022, as well as The Essence of Greenwood (Earth and Ether Press, 2022), a historic biography of the iconic Greenwood Plantation in St. Francisville.
This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
Analyze traditional construction methods, materials, and architectural elements used in Louisiana’s historic structures and explain how they contribute to building durability and occupant welfare.
Apply preservation and rehabilitation strategies—including moisture control, code compliance, and material conservation—to improve the health and safety of historic properties.
Evaluate adaptive reuse projects as a means to enhance community well-being, promote sustainability, and meet contemporary building performance standards.
Integrate vernacular design strategies such as raised foundations, passive cooling, and durable local materials into current practice to create resilient, climate-responsive designs.
Identify legal frameworks, incentives, and ethical considerations guiding the protection of cultural heritage while complying with modern building codes and regulations.