Most of you know this building as the Austin’s Restaurant building. The September 14, 1889 Ouachita Telegraph has the following article:
A contract we learn has been entered into by the Merchant’s and Farmer’s Bank and Mr. H.C. Voss, the well known contractor, for the erection of a handsome two story building on the lot at the northwest corner of Grand and DeSiard streets. The building will have a frontage of over one hundred feet and will be built on the most approved style of architecture, and besides being a valuable acquisition to the city’s business interests will be an ornament to that portion of the city.
Later state newspapers stated it opened it’s doors on February 1, 1890. The estimated cost of the building was $12,000.
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 