“The haunted house gallows, guillotine, cemetery and zombie feast are there,” says Ed Hughens, designer, “but this scary site, La Louisiane House of Voodoo, has a Louisiana-Haitian vibe.” It is situated in a historic building, 1835 Texas Avenue, in a neglected and enticing part of Shreveport: the once-happening West End of Texas Avenue.

Hughens, a veteran carpenter/construction coordinator on movie sets (among them, Apocalypse Rising, 2016, Daisy Does Daisy, 2018) and his co-owner, Robert Miller, of New Orleans, are recycle-minded builders and imaginative users of all neglected materials. Discarded pallets have become caskets, foam slabs have been re-shaped to become grave tops and crosses, an antique dentist’s chair has become an electrocution seat.

Both owners have a background in the movie business (together they have credits on over 100 feature films) and are looking forward to using the House of Voodoo as a site for movie production. “In fact, we currently have 2 movie projects lined up for the site,” says Hughens.

Revitalization of the Texas Avenue corridor is part of their effort. “Aside from the presence of Herby K’s Restaurant on Pierre Avenue, this part of the avenue has long been neglected,” says Hughens.

Across the street from the House of Voodoo is what is probably the most active business in the area: the Swim School, 1838 Texas Ave.

The most recent arrival has arguably created a new buzz for the neighborhood: it is the event city simply called Eleven (1529 Texas Ave). Owned by Giant Construction owner LeMar Fluker, it is an upscale room in an area of considerable potential. Word is that Fluker is soon to open another party center a block away at 1071 Texas Ave, the former Commercial National Bank.

Visitors to the House of Voodoo might soak up the atmosphere from the remaining empty storefronts on the avenue. It may be the last Halloween that the neighborhood looks quite so lonely.

La Louisiane’s House of Voodoo opens October 26, 27, 29, 30, and 31. Tickets are $15.00. A portion of proceeds benefits Families Helping Families. Also available are European Psychic Readings ($10) and a voodoo art gallery.

More information is available on their Page on Facebook.