Hidden gem on the bayou
Published 7:00 pm Sunday, November 17, 2019
Plenty of beautifully landscaped green spaces, including the park shown in this photo, help set Walnut Grove apart from other neighborhoods.
Walnut Grove, one of Lake Charles’ most graceful and serene communities, is in the heart of the city, yet it feels worlds away. Minutes from downtown and major thoroughfares, it manages to remain set apart, peaceful, quiet – truly a hidden gem.
“The first thing I noticed about Walnut Grove was the style of the architecture,” said Gena Pool, Walnut Grove resident for the past year-and-half. “It was like being in a different city.”
Walnut Grove is a block from Shell Beach Drive on West Sallier Street between the Port of Lake Charles and Lake Street.
Pool considered purchasing an older home in one of the city’s historical districts along with the cost of refurbishing it. After she toured Walnut Grove, she realized building a home exactly like she wanted in an area she loved was a better plan.
A hallmark of the community is the architecture, yet each property is distinct.
As part of the architecture of Walnut Grove, Pool noticed the “charming street lamps” rather than overhead streetlights. Lighting is just one example of the attention to detail — and infrastructure — that sets Walnut Grove apart.
Not apparent until one compares the streets of Walnut Grove during a heavy rain with other areas, the development’s drainage and other infrastructure are engineered to quickly move water away from the property.
Sidewalks connect spaces and residents. Streets are designed to be traffic calming, safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and children
Empty nesters love the tranquil atmosphere and less lawn to maintain. Grandparents and parents appreciate the traffic calming street design, The Great Lawn, parks and nature trail. Soon an area will be developed for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Green spaces are also part of the attraction. Residents enjoy the Great Lawn, a venue for occasional outdoor events and activities; walking path, lushly landscaped park/playground and boardwalk through the only remaining marshland on Contraband Bayou. A boat canal is in the works, to provide boat access for waterfront lots and give residents easy access to kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and many other water activities Southwest Louisiana is so famous for.
Site preparation, including electrical and plumbing tie-ins please building contractors and eliminate some of the preliminary house pad work, labor and expense.
Residents are free to choose the real estate agent and builder of their choice, according to Candace Scroggs, Walnut Grove vice president and long-time resident.
“We’re happy to work with local real estate agents and can add additional footage to accommodate specific house plans,” Scroggs said.
Residents are free to choose the real estate agent and builder of their choice. Additional footage can be added to lots to accommodate certain house plans.
“Quaint” is the word Andrea Diedrich uses to describe Walnut Grove. She’s called this community home since 2014.
“My husband and I sit on the porch and neighbors stroll by,” Diedrich said. “Some walk by and wave. Some stop to say hello. The neighborhood just has the feel of yesteryear, the way it used to be. Children walk by on their way to the park, which is simply beautiful year round and especially now with the leaves changing colors and the Bird of Paradise in bloom.”
Each home design has its own distinct character, according to Diedrich.
“Houses are not on top of each other, and I love walking through the neighborhood, especially through the open air Majestic Hall,” she said.
Majestic Hall is the 1,700 square-foot event space available exclusively to residents and merchants of Walnut Grove for weddings and parties, and to the general public for business meetings and luncheons. In addition, residents and merchants may utilize the Great Lawn that fronts the boardwalk and estuary for outdoor gatherings and events.
“The statue in front of Majestic Hall sets a certain tone, I think. It’s a memorial to the owner’s father and to me it says that this is a community that honors family and tradition,” Diedrich added.
Walnut Grove is charming and nostalgic. The layout helps connect neighbors with neighbors, and residents with businesses. Commercial space reflects the overall built-over-time traditional look and historical feel. Residents are steps away from postal, financial, medical and wellness services.
Walnut Grove offers postal, financial, medical and wellness services within the neighborhood, just a short walk from home. Calla is a favorite dining spot for Walnut Grove, and other Lake Charles residents have found its food worth the drive.
Calla, a regional favorite restaurant, is located in Walnut Grove, and known for true farm-to-table fare and craft cocktails. Work is currently underway to add a formal dress boutique and medical day spa to the community.
By 2023, Walnut Grove residents will benefit from improved access as part of Calcasieu Parish’s first bridge with a pedestrian and bike path. The DOTD, Port of Lake Charles, and City of Lake Charles are finalizing engineering plans for the Nelson Road extension project, which will connect South Lake Charles with downtown and the lakefront.
Walnut Grove will remain set apart, peaceful and quiet. For empty nesters looking to build a custom home for a more carefree lifestyle and young families who want to spend as much of their time together as possible in today’s busy world, Walnut Grove is an ideal setting. This unique community, built on lasting values and principles, invites those who share those same values and principles to see for themselves why the residents of Walnut Grove are proud to call it home.