Imagine growing up in a home where backyard touch football games featured three future sports icons, and a simple front lawn shaped modern NFL history.
For sports fans, history buffs, and architecture lovers alike, the cooper manning house—officially recognized as the historic D’Arcy-Manning House—is a piece of living sports lore.
Located at 1420 First Street at the corner of Chestnut Street in New Orleans’ historic Garden District, this stunning 19th-century property is where Cooper Manning and his superstar brothers, Peyton and Eli, spent their childhoods.
Today, Cooper Manning lives in New Orleans, Louisiana, full-time with his family, but their historic childhood estate stands as one of the most photographed and celebrated landmark properties in the Big Easy.
The Architectural History of the Cooper Manning House Starts in 1850 for James D’Arcy
The mansion was originally constructed around 1850 for prominent hatter James D’Arcy with design footprints credited to architect Henry Howard.
Long before it became known globally as the iconic cooper manning house, the estate held deep roots in Louisiana history.
The D’Arcys originally had Howard build a smaller home on the site in 1844, but in 1850 they moved that structure to the rear of the lot to clear space for the construction of this grand Greek Revival and Italianate-style main mansion. The property features an elegant side-hall floor plan, towering classical columns, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautiful double galleries.
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback patriarch Elisha “Archie” Manning III and his wife Olivia officially acquired the estate in 1982 from the LeBreton family. They undertook a meticulous restoration of the property to transition it into a functional family home, preserving its mid-19th-century Antebellum charm while raising the next generation of football royalty.
After calling the estate home for nearly four decades, Archie and Olivia sold the property in recent years, though it remains forever linked to their family legacy.
Key Features of the 1420 First Street Estate Highlight a Historic Football Training Ground
The property’s most notable features are its historic front lawn, the custom “Champion” gate, and its prime historic neighborhood location. These elements tell the visual story of the property:
- The Iconic Front Lawn: The famous patch of grass that served as the original training ground where Cooper, Peyton, Eli, and later their children, played legendary pickup football games.
- The “Champion” Gate: A subtle design detail on the property’s vintage iron fencing features the word “Champion”—a fitting title for the dynasty that grew up behind it.
- Prime Garden District Location: Nestled in an upscale, oak-lined neighborhood just blocks away from other famous landmarks, including the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and the former home of novelist Anne Rice.
Where Does Cooper Manning Live Now? He Lives in New Orleans, Louisiana
Cooper Manning lives full-time in New Orleans, Louisiana, with his family and owns a secondary weekend vacation home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
While Peyton eventually moved out west to Denver and Eli settled in New Jersey, Cooper Manning stayed fiercely true to his Louisiana roots. Cooper is a highly successful commercial real estate executive serving as the Senior Managing Director of Investor Relations at AJ Capital Partners.
He helps guide institutional growth for major real estate portfolios, residing full-time in the city with his wife, Ellen Heidingsfelder.
Before a diagnosis of spinal stenosis cut his playing days short, Cooper was an All-Statewide receiver at nearby Isidore Newman School. He raised his three children—May, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, and Heid—right in the city, where they all attended his high school alma mater. His roots run deep here.
Outside of his real estate ventures, Cooper remains heavily involved in the community and the annual Manning Passing Academy.
Can You Visit the Mansion Today? Only From the Public Sidewalk
The inside of the house is closed to the public, but visitors can safely view and photograph the exterior from the public sidewalk.
While the home is no longer owned by the Manning family, it remains a private residence strictly closed to indoor tours. However, because it is widely famous as the childhood cooper manning house, it remains a mandatory stop on walking, biking, and jogging tours of the Garden District.
Visitor Guide: The house is easily accessible via a short walk from the historic St. Charles Streetcar Line (exit at the First Street stop). Visitors are always welcome to safely admire its stunning architectural facade, historic iron gates, and rich athletic legacy. Out of respect for the current residents and their neighbors, visitors should always remain on the public sidewalk and keep noise levels down while taking photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions Offer Quick Clarity on the Property
These answers provide immediate clarity regarding the ownership, current value, and accessibility of the estate. See below for specific answers to the most common queries:
Did Cooper Manning buy the house at 1420 First Street?
No, Cooper Manning did not buy the property. The mansion was purchased by his parents, Archie and Olivia Manning, in 1982, and it served as the childhood home for Cooper, Peyton, and Eli.
How much is the Manning house in New Orleans worth today?
While purchased in 1982, real estate valuation models estimate the current market value of 1420 First Street to be between $2.0 million and $2.8 million due to historical appreciation in the premium Garden District tier.
Can you tour the inside of the Manning house in New Orleans?
No, the interior of the home is not open to the public. It remains a private residence, though the exterior is visible from the public sidewalk.
Where does Cooper Manning live today?
Cooper Manning lives full-time in New Orleans, Louisiana, with his family and owns a secondary weekend vacation home along the coast in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
