What is Julia Street Row known for?

Also known as the "Thirteen Sisters," Julia Street Row consists of three-and-a-half-story red brick row houses built in 1832-1833. It is one of only two such surviving rows of identical townhouses from that era in the district.

What is the architectural style of the houses?

The row houses are side-hall houses featuring Federal-style fanlights and entrance doors set between Ionic columns.

Who designed and built Julia Street Row?

The houses were designed by architects A. T. Wood and James H. Dakin and were built by the New Orleans Building Company.

What is the current use of the buildings?

Following a wave of renovations triggered in the 1980s, the buildings now feature commercial spaces on the ground floor with residential units above.

Are there any famous people associated with this location?

Architect Henry Hobson Richardson lived at 640 Julia Street as a child from 1838 to 1841.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Julia Street Row in New Orleans

Julia Street Row

Known as the 'Thirteen Sisters,' this rare survivor of 1830s urban planning features stunning red brick row houses with Federal-style fanlights in the heart of the Warehouse Arts District.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What to know

The Julia Street Row, affectionately known as the 'Thirteen Sisters,' consists of three-and-a-half-story red brick row houses built between 1832 and 1833. Designed by architects A. T. Wood and James H. Dakin, these structures were constructed by the New Orleans Building Company. They represent a rare architectural survival; while identical townhouse rows were a major feature of the district in the 1830s, only two such rows remain today. Architecturally, these side-hall houses are distinguished by their entrance doors, which are set between Ionic columns and topped with Federal-style fanlights. The row's history reflects the shifting fortunes of the city. Originally built for the affluent, the houses declined into tenements and boardinghouses by 1900 as the wealthy migrated toward uptown suburbs. A turning point for the site occurred in 1976 when the Preservation Resource Center purchased 604 Julia. Their renovation of the property in the 1980s triggered a wider wave of restoration across the block. Today, the buildings have been repurposed, typically featuring commercial spaces on the ground floor with residential units above. The row is now a cornerstone of the Warehouse Arts District, an area that originated as a 19th-century industrial hub for storing coffee, grain, and produce shipped through the Port of New Orleans. This industrial past has evolved into a thriving arts destination, with the street now nicknamed 'Gallery Row.'

Visitor tips

Visit Gallery 600 Julia between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, to see New Orleans-themed art.
Plan your visit for the first Saturday night of August to experience the famous White Linen Night event.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area is a dense network of galleries and historic sites.
Look for the specific architectural detail of the Ionic columns framing the doorways.

Nearby context

Located in the Warehouse Arts District, Julia Street Row is situated on a street nicknamed 'Gallery Row' due to its high concentration of art galleries. The neighborhood blends 19th-century industrial port history—evidenced by nearby former warehouses—with modern upscale revitalization and hospitality amenities.