The Calanthean Temple

Opened in 1923, the Calanthean Temple was built by a Black women’s fraternal organization, the Grand Court Order of Calanthe, under leadership from womens’ rights activist Cora M. Allen. Designed by Shreveport architect Edward Neild (who later spearheaded the remodeling of the White House for President Truman and designed the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library), the four-story structure’s most prominent feature is a rooftop garden that once hosted frequent concerts from the likes of Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway. The Calanthean Temple housed offices of Black physicians, lawyers, and other professionals. It was also the first home of Freeman & Harris Café, a celebrated, Black-owned restaurant that operated for more than 70 years in Shreveport and popularized a unique preparation of stuffed shrimp.

Vacant since the 1950s, the Calanthean Temple was recently purchased by new owners who have announced plans to restore the building in keeping with its original architectural drawings. The Calanthean Temple is located within a half-mile of Shreveport Common destinations including Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, Church of the Holy Cross, and Central ArtSTATION.  

Photos by the Downtown Development Authority