News | History | Issues | Contact Us | Home
History of Tulane University Square
For over 70 years, the U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company of Virginia operated a molasses factory on the site of University Square. The defunct distillery was razed in the early 70’s to make way for the Uptown Square Shopping Center. The retail center was home to many locally owned businesses. However, Uptown Square struggled financially and many shops closed their doors. In 1997, Uptown Square was sold to Episcopal Housing for Seniors, which constructed Lambeth House, a high-rise retirement community on one-half of the site. In 2001, Episcopal Housing Services sold the other half to Tulane University.
Currently, Tulane’s operations at Uptown Square include 80,000 square feet of occupied space, including:
- Commercial/Retail Space
- Tulane administrative offices
- Tulane Medical Clinic
- Green Market Storage (donated)
- Audubon Montessori (donated)
- 470 parking spaces
 The "Molasses Factory” operated just a few feet away from homes at the corner of Leake Avenue and Broadway. |
 U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company of Virginia, built 1906. |