Downtown Lafayette
An unforgettable place to visit, live, work, and play.
It’s the place where hundreds of businesses and organizations—small and large—contribute to creating a vibrant community. Culture and arts, dining and nightlife, business and development all work together to form an unforgettable place to visit, live, work, and play.
Downtown Lafayette is home to many restaurants, local watering holes, banks, museums, theaters, civic buildings, and organizations like the Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited. These two organizations work together to keep downtown thriving, safe, and beautiful.
Downtown Lafayette Unlimited
Downtown Lafayette Unlimited is a private, non-profit corporation formed in November, 1983. It aims to create cohesion amongst Downtown business leaders, advocate for their success, and market the district’s assets. DLU strives to provide the private sector leadership and coordination needed for revitalization efforts, working hand in hand with the Downtown Development Authority to build a strong public-private partnership in downtown improvements. Membership is comprised of individuals and businesses from across Lafayette.
Downtown Development Authority
The Downtown Development Authority’s mission is the physical, economic, and cultural development of the downtown district— preserving and enhancing its important place as the heart of Lafayette and Acadiana.
DDA works directly with business owners and developers to facilitate projects that bring lasting benefit to the Downtown district. The board and staff provide resources and networking capabilities to encourage sustainable growth and act as a liaison with city government.
BOARD | STAFF | DDA PROJECTS
More About Downtown
History
The city of Lafayette (originally called Vermilionville) was founded in the 1820s with 156 lots built around the Cathedral of Saint John. That first grid of streets would form the heart of what is now Downtown Lafayette.
Downtown Cultural District
Downtown Lafayette is a state designated cultural district with an abundance of galleries, artist studios, and craft shops, in addition to 5 museums, a regional arts center, and numerous public murals.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Fun times in Downtown are only a sunset away. With over 1,400 live venue performances per year, events like Downtown Alive!, and countless other events happening, there’s no shortage of ways to keep yourself entertained without having to leave Downtown.
Food & Drinks
With over 30 restaurants and bars in the district, Downtown is Lafayette’s hotspot for fine dining, cocktails, and sharing meals and memories with friends and family.
