New Orleans adds new asset after
recent conversion of boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo.
New Orleans welcomed its newest hotel addition earlier this year with the grand opening of Hotel Indigo-French Quarter. You may recognize the building. This 10-story, 143-key IHG boutique hotel is the conversion of the historic Royal St. Charles Hotel that DonahueFavret completed more than two decades ago.
Already familiar with the building, our team was contracted to complete both preconstruction and
construction services for the conversion that, in addition to guest rooms, would bring a complete
overhaul to the public spaces and associated infrastructure.
We’ve seen several new and upcoming hotel opportunities within our region these past two quarters. This growth locally, albeit slow, points to a seemingly larger trend occurring nationally. A recent article from Hotel Business shares the outcomes of research conducted by CBRE that points to stronger-than-expected occupancy and RevPAR (revenue per available room) numbers in the fourth quarter of last year. Contributing factors include “below-average supply growth, strong domestic leisure trends, the resumption of inbound international travel, and a predicted return to office later this year.” Even despite inflationary pressures, travel and occupancy are trending upwards.
Locally, New Orleans can attribute its optimism in market recovery, in part, from the return of large events – Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Final Four, and French Quarter Fest to name a few. In fact, attendance for Jazz & Heritage Fest this year was the highest it’s been since pre-Katrina. British Airways has resumed their flights into MSY, further signaling confidence in the market among international travelers.
Recently, NOLA.com ran a feature story titled "Good to be Back" on the return of events and visitors to the Big Easy, citing that the Convention Center is expecting 100 events this year, nearing pre- pandemic levels. Kelly Shultz, senior vice president of communications for New Orleans & Co., goes on to cite that the return of convention business reflects a much broader rebound in New Orleans, saying "from our standpoint we have had a good year... we’re certainly better than we’ve been, but we’re not quite at those pre-pandemic levels."
As for Hotel Indigo, the new boutique hotel is a welcomed addition to the city. Despite several challenges during construction, including having to navigate the Omicron variant, the final product artfully incorporates materials and fixtures that were inspired by the character of the Vieux Carre itself.
Brass finishes throughout the hotel were chosen specifically to mimic instruments of the musicians for which the city is known. Many other finishes were custom fabricated to achieve a similar outcome. Bathroom vanities, backbar shelving, and sliding assemblies in the lobby are all custom. Haunt blue paint in the guest bathrooms remind guests of a traditional southern porch ceiling mixed with modern hexagonal porcelain tiles to bring the guest back to present day New Orleans. The three- dimensional parasol art installation that meanders across the lounge wall and behind the reception desk carries the spirited nature of New Orleans directly to the forefront. Additional whimsical Mardi Gras details are brought in through the art package and signage to keep guests always looking for that next clandestine New Orleans reference.
In total, the conversion of Hotel Indigo-French Quarter took only 9 months to complete, including complete façade renovation, waterproofing, painting the first-floor storefront, and a new roof.
Noteworthy Projects & Recent Completions
Wellness, A Community Center, Multi-Family, & Higher Education
Ronald McDonald House Expansion
Our team is currently renovating two historic buildings on the Children’s Hospital campus, creating an all new expanded 17,000 SF, 22- bed facility with a home-like environment that supports a community of healing.
Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center Expansion
This expansion of the original 252,000 SF Wellness Center will feature 12 tennis courts, 12 sand volleyball courts, a multi-purpose field, an 8-lane track (all built to NCAA standards), as well as a pavilion, restrooms, concession area, and a spray park.
Franklin Foundation Hospital Wellness Center
This 63,000 SF wellness facility will include outpatient medical clinics, cardio and physical rehab, fitness and exercise studios, exercise and lap pools, outpatient mental health, meeting areas, coffee bar/café, short-term childcare, and support services.
Aldi Shopping Center, Slidell
At approximately 12,000 SF, this former Toys R Us was recently purchased by German- based discount grocery chain, Aldi, and celebrated its grand opening in June.
Kyser Hall, Northwestern State University
Our Preconstruction Team continues its hard work on Kyser Hall at Northwestern State University, currently in the Design Development phase.
Driving FORE Charity
back for another round
Mark your calendars! Save the date!
Fresh off the heels of last year's resounding success, we're thrilled to announce that our second annual #DrivingFORECharity golf tournament is set once again for this fall.
More details and sponsorship opportunities coming soon!
