Downtown Hammond’s Railroad Park Stage honors first Downtown Development District Director, Marguerite Walter
The revitalization of Downtown Hammond would be incomplete without the legacy of Marguerite Walter. As the first Director of the Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD), she played a pivotal role in nurturing the early stages of the district’s resurgence. In recognition of her lasting impact, the Railroad Park Stage has been officially named the Marguerite Walter Stage.
A native of Oklahoma City and a graduate of the University of Dallas, Marguerite moved to Hammond in 1970 when her husband, James Walter, took a position as an English professor at Southeastern Louisiana University. At that time, downtown Hammond was in a state of decline, with vacant storefronts lining Thomas Street, their windows boarded up, and "For Rent" signs the only visible adornment.
“Marguerite fell in love with downtown, and together we opened our design firm, Johnson Walter Designs, in 1978, on the second floor of the Toggery Shop. That was when she began envisioning a brighter future for our community,” recalls Susan Seale, a lifelong friend and business partner of Marguerite.
Alongside a dedicated group of early revitalization advocates —including Tom Anderson, Paul Murphy, James Nelson, Michael Holly, and others—Marguerite helped establish the Hammond Historic District in 1978, laying the groundwork for preserving and restoring the city’s historic structures. This effort paved the way for the creation of Hammond’s Main Street Program in 1984, a downtown redevelopment initiative aimed at breathing new life into the historic core.
The establishment of the Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD) in 1986, a political subdivision and taxing authority formed by the Louisiana Legislature, became a cornerstone of the community’s efforts to redevelop downtown. As the DDD’s first Director, Marguerite emerged as a central force in this movement, leading the charge to establish the DDD as an entity to further downtown’s revitalization.
Over the course of her 11-year tenure as DDD Director and Main Street Manager, Marguerite’s early efforts focused on improving residential life. Many of downtown Hammond’s historic buildings were originally designed with retail space on the ground floor and apartments above. Marguerite worked with property owners to transform these upper levels into modern studios and apartments, including the Morgan & Lindsey Apartments. This infusion of new residents breathed life into the downtown area, spurring the growth of local businesses—from restaurants and coffee shops to clothing stores and entertainment venues—while increasing demand for essential services such as pharmacies and cleaners.
One of Marguerite’s most significant achievements was rescuing the Columbia Theatre. This iconic venue, which had once hosted vaudeville acts and silent films in the 1920s, had fallen into disrepair and was slated for demolition by the 1980s. Marguerite, however, saw its potential. Joining forces with Harriet Vogt (Director of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Fanfare), Senator John Hainkel, and developers Michael Holly and Jeffrey Smith, Marguerite led the effort to save and restore the theater. Thanks to her persistence, the Columbia Theatre was given a new lease on life, once again becoming a cultural touchstone for the community.
Beyond her work as a catalyst for physical revitalization, Marguerite built lasting relationships with business owners and residents, always advocating for improvements in infrastructure. Her efforts to ensure adequate lighting, beautification, and gateway entrances made downtown a safer, more inviting place for residents and visitors alike. She also organized a variety of events, including Hot August Night and spontaneous art shows, which helped foster a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere in the heart of Hammond.
Marguerite’s dedication to Hammond’s revitalization continued even after her tenure as DDD Director. She remained a committed civic leader, serving on the Hammond Historic District Commission and supporting efforts to preserve the city’s charm and character.
To honor her profound legacy, the public is invited to join the city of Hammond for a special dedication ceremony on Friday, March 7th at 2 PM in Railroad Park (106 NW Railroad Ave). Serving as a hub for local performances at Farmers Markets and Downtown Development District events, the Marguerite Walter Stage will stand as a permanent reminder of her vision, dedication, and enduring influence. Marguerite herself will be present at the ceremony, where speakers will reflect on her transformative work and share why Hammond—then and now—was, and remains, worth the effort. Join us as we celebrate a true visionary whose work continues to inspire and shape the heart of our downtown.
A special thank you to Cristy Womack and susan seale, two great friends of Marguerite, for helping us to write this blog post.