The Frances Hotel, figure 70, was constructed in 1930 and named for Mrs. Frances McHenry, wife of a founder of Delta Airlines. Its Art Deco style has a pronounced verticality and linear quality. This early Monroe skyscraper has elaborate window and facade treatment on the first three floors with minimal facade decoration on the hotel room floors above. The building is crowned with elaboration on the facades of the top floor. This floor once contained a ballroom which overlooked the city and the river. Arched windows with elaborate projections above broke the skyline. And above the roof was an enormous red beacon which was visible for miles at night. The beacon no longer is lighted. [Illustration: _Fig. 70. Frances Hotel, Monroe, a 1930 Art Deco building (Bldg. 168)._] The buildings pictured on these and the four preceding pages are examples of the manner in which the designers attempted to create aesthetically pleasing architecture for both the distant and the near-by viewer. Several have interesting rooflines which integrate the built environment with the skyline. They also contain elements which may be viewed from a closer position as a person enters the building; such elements include steps, entry details, and intricate window trim. CONCLUSION.... Ouachita Parish possesses a rich architectural heritage. In time, this heritage spans from the beginnings of Layton Castle in the early 1800’s to the high rise Frances Hotel of the 1930’s—and on to the present. In terms of style, this heritage includes the simple one room houses as well as representatives of Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, Colonial Revival, Classic Revival, California Bungalow, Prairie Style, Tudor Revival, and Art Deco. The life styles and cultures of the inhabitants are reflected and expressed in this architectural heritage. These cultures included that of the small farms west of the river, the plantations east of the river, and the urban culture as seen in the architecture of Monroe and West Monroe. What a rich assortment exists within a 20 mile radius of the center of Ouachita Parish. But this heritage is in danger. As progress continues and prosperity grows, the architectural heritage often diminishes. Older buildings are seen as liabilities and become victims of the wrecking ball. These buildings, whether constructed of log or brick with Romanesque or Gothic details, will not be erected again. Therefore, the visual insights into past cultures which these older buildings represent are lost forever. It is hoped that the publication of this collection of Ouachita Parish’s architectural heritage will make the public more aware of its valuable treasure as evidenced in older architecture. And in turn, it is hoped that this awareness will assist in the preservation of vestiges of our traditional past. F. Lestar Martin