NEW ORLEANS | Project/Development Thread

[sguil1]

Times-Picayune clock tower has date with wrecking ball; New Orleans skyline will lose iconic feature





For 51 years it has stood, serving as both a monument to local journalism and a towering New Orleans landmark passed daily by tens of thousands of motorists zooming into and out of the city’s Central Business District.

But soon, the old Times-Picayune clock tower will join D.H. Holmes, the Rivergate, K&B ice cream and the legions of other things that exist only in the memories of nostalgic locals.

Peter Aamodt, a developer with MCC Real Estate — one of the property’s owners — said Monday he expects wrecking crews to topple the tower within the next two weeks. Whether anyone will witness its demise is a subject of internal debate, he said.

"We've had a million requests to come see it torn down, but we've also had an impassioned plea from the contractor (Durr Heavy Construction) to not have anyone see it torn down," he said.

Aamodt said there is a superstition in the contracting community about crowds witnessing demolitions on the grounds that "if it can go wrong, it will go wrong." Filming an after-dark teardown with a drone is an option being discussed, he said.

The tower is the last part of the former Times-Picayune building at 3800 Howard Ave. that is still standing, the rest having been slowly demolished to make way for a high-tech Drive Shack golfing facility expected to open in late 2020. The project’s developers have said they have no plans to preserve any part the tower.

https://www.nola.com/news/article_ec...dc9c8edb3.html

[sguil1]

Future of Condor flights between New Orleans, Germany up in air after Thomas Cook collapse

Didn't realize the link between the two. Article makes it sound somewhat promising for condor to continue...



The future of Germany-based airline Condor, which started flights to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport three years ago, is up in the air after the collapse of its 178-year-old parent company Thomas Cook Group over the weekend.

Condor's chief executive, Ralf Teckentrup, said in a statement Monday that the airline had been profitable despite its parent company's difficulties, adding that he is seeking a short-term financial bailout from the German federal government so that it can keep going as an independent company.

The airline operated as normal through Monday, a day after Thomas Cook, which describes itself as the world's oldest travel company, ran out of financial road when it failed to reach a deal with its Chinese owners, Fosun International, as well as bankers and other creditors that had been keeping it afloat.

On Monday, the travel company scrambled to try to bring home more than 500,000 passengers who were stranded around the world even as its 21,000 employees learned they would soon be losing their jobs.

The British government had declined to bail out Thomas Cook.

Condor, which employs 4,900, appears to have better prospects. It has already secured the backing of the provincial government of Hesse, which contains its home base of Frankfurt. The German federal government has a history of bailing out its airlines. For example, it supported Air Berlin two years ago when it was abandoned by its backers Etihad, the Abu Dhabi government-owned carrier.

Erin Burns, a spokeswoman for Louis Armstrong airport, said Condor had informed them that its flights would be operating normally this week, but "we have not yet received confirmation about next season," she said.

https://www.nola.com/news/business/a...ff8c1092a.html

[sguil1]

Technology firm Accruent opens downtown New Orleans office, says it's on track for 350 jobs

Accruent, an Austin, Texas-based technology firm, has opened its New Orleans office on the sixth floor of 400 Poydras Tower in the Central Business District that it says will ultimately house up to 350 new employees.

The company signed a 10-year lease for the 23,000 square foot downtown office in December.

Accruent said it has already hired more than 70 employees and is ramping up to reach full employment in New Orleans in 2020.

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the business will result in 338 indirect jobs.

Accruent provides software and information technology products for real estate, construction, development and facilities management of clients in retail, corporate, consumer goods, higher education, food and beverage and other sectors. Founded in 1995, it now serves a range of industries in more than 150 countries.

https://www.nola.com/news/business/a...9efe27986.html


Also an article on neworleanscitybusiness but paywall...

https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/b...-of-employees/

[ericlrush1]

Developer Mike Wampold has acquired the historic Whitney Bank Building on St. Charles Street near Canal Street in the heart of downtown New Orleans.

In a deal that closed Monday, Wampold, through a recently created LLC, Watermark Orleans, acquired the building and six other nearby structures from Hancock Whitney Bank for a sale price that was recorded as $10 and “other valuable considerations,” according to documents filed with the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court.

Wampold could not be reached for comment.

According to public records, the size of the transaction will add some 500,000 square feet to Wampold’s robust portfolio, which includes hotels, condos, multifamily developments and office buildings throughout multiple states.

But the centerpiece of the deal is the roughly 300,000-square-foot, 14-story building at 228 St. Charles St. that served as the headquarters and main branch of Whitney Bank for more than a century.

Even after Gulfport-based Hancock Bank acquired Whitney in 2011, the 109-year-old building, with its iconic Whitney Bank clock, continued to serve as regional headquarters for Hancock Whitney. It has been vacant since 2018, however, when the bank relocated to the nearby 51-story One Shell Square building on Poydras Street, which has since been renamed the Hancock Whitney Center.

Though the name of Wampold’s LLC that acquired the buildings—Watermark Orleans—might suggest the developer plans to redevelop at least some of the property into hotel space, it is unclear what he has planned at this time.

In recent years, however, older buildings in that part of New Orleans’ traditional Central Business District have increasingly been redeveloped into hotels and high-end condos, while newer office towers have continued to attract top-dollar tenants to their office space.

In a statement, Hancock Whitney CEO John Hairston says, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Wampold Companies to acquire our historic facilities in the New Orleans CBD. It will be a pleasure, from just one block away, to see the grand old bank buildings renovated into a property the city and entire region can be proud of.”

https://www.businessreport.com/newsl...wn-new-orleans

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by sguil1

Future of Condor flights between New Orleans, Germany up in air after Thomas Cook collapse

Didn't realize the link between the two. Article makes it sound somewhat promising for condor to continue...



The future of Germany-based airline Condor, which started flights to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport three years ago, is up in the air after the collapse of its 178-year-old parent company Thomas Cook Group over the weekend.

Condor's chief executive, Ralf Teckentrup, said in a statement Monday that the airline had been profitable despite its parent company's difficulties, adding that he is seeking a short-term financial bailout from the German federal government so that it can keep going as an independent company.

The airline operated as normal through Monday, a day after Thomas Cook, which describes itself as the world's oldest travel company, ran out of financial road when it failed to reach a deal with its Chinese owners, Fosun International, as well as bankers and other creditors that had been keeping it afloat.

On Monday, the travel company scrambled to try to bring home more than 500,000 passengers who were stranded around the world even as its 21,000 employees learned they would soon be losing their jobs.

The British government had declined to bail out Thomas Cook.

Condor, which employs 4,900, appears to have better prospects. It has already secured the backing of the provincial government of Hesse, which contains its home base of Frankfurt. The German federal government has a history of bailing out its airlines. For example, it supported Air Berlin two years ago when it was abandoned by its backers Etihad, the Abu Dhabi government-owned carrier.

Erin Burns, a spokeswoman for Louis Armstrong airport, said Condor had informed them that its flights would be operating normally this week, but "we have not yet received confirmation about next season," she said.

https://www.nola.com/news/business/a...ff8c1092a.html

I think if they do fold we will see another low cost carrier enter the market like Norwegian or someone else... but condor has been profitable so maybe Lufthansa buys it.. fingers crossed because I would like to use the airline next summer ... ashame thomas cook took so much down with it

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by ericlrush1

Developer Mike Wampold has acquired the historic Whitney Bank Building on St. Charles Street near Canal Street in the heart of downtown New Orleans.

In a deal that closed Monday, Wampold, through a recently created LLC, Watermark Orleans, acquired the building and six other nearby structures from Hancock Whitney Bank for a sale price that was recorded as $10 and “other valuable considerations,” according to documents filed with the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court.

Wampold could not be reached for comment.

According to public records, the size of the transaction will add some 500,000 square feet to Wampold’s robust portfolio, which includes hotels, condos, multifamily developments and office buildings throughout multiple states.

But the centerpiece of the deal is the roughly 300,000-square-foot, 14-story building at 228 St. Charles St. that served as the headquarters and main branch of Whitney Bank for more than a century.

Even after Gulfport-based Hancock Bank acquired Whitney in 2011, the 109-year-old building, with its iconic Whitney Bank clock, continued to serve as regional headquarters for Hancock Whitney. It has been vacant since 2018, however, when the bank relocated to the nearby 51-story One Shell Square building on Poydras Street, which has since been renamed the Hancock Whitney Center.

Though the name of Wampold’s LLC that acquired the buildings—Watermark Orleans—might suggest the developer plans to redevelop at least some of the property into hotel space, it is unclear what he has planned at this time.

In recent years, however, older buildings in that part of New Orleans’ traditional Central Business District have increasingly been redeveloped into hotels and high-end condos, while newer office towers have continued to attract top-dollar tenants to their office space.

In a statement, Hancock Whitney CEO John Hairston says, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Wampold Companies to acquire our historic facilities in the New Orleans CBD. It will be a pleasure, from just one block away, to see the grand old bank buildings renovated into a property the city and entire region can be proud of.”

https://www.businessreport.com/newsl...wn-new-orleans

I was reading the Convention Centers agenda for tomorrow and their was this little nugget about a lawyer they want to retain and some work hes been doing


Possible Fairmont Hotel New Orleans
WHEREAS, Mr. Erlichman has experience in representing public authorities in connection
with headquarter convention hotel projects as well as other complex energy, infrastructure and publicprivate partnerships, and Sidley has experience in hotel, infrastructure and public-private partnership
transactions similar to the experience needed for the Hotel Project. For example:
 Accor/Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: Represented in various matters pertaining to
Hotels & Resorts with the negotiation of a hotel management agreement and
technical services agreement, and related documentation in connection with the
development of a 200-key Fairmont-branded hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.

I can definitely see a Fairmont anchoring that property

[tennis1400]

2700 Tulane Ave·Renovation (Non-Structural) · Ref Code:LVELFV
Download (9) Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Renovation (Non-Structural)
Applicant:
Mancil Thad
Status:
Application Submitted
Date Filed:
9/17/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
Window Replacement and exterior Masonry repair and cleaning of existing Criminal District Courts Building for the City of New Orleans.







https://www.nola.gov/nola/media/Mayo...e-Analysis.pdf



Hard Rock Hotel:













1012 Canal:






Residence Inn :

[tennis1400]

[tennis1400]

713 Julia St, 753 St Charles Ave, 757 St Charles Ave, 759 St Charles A·Conditional Use · Project #19-1761 · Ref Code:12RXSR
Download (7) Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Conditional Use
Applicant:
St Charlesllc 757
Status:
Application Submitted
Date Filed:
9/4/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
Conditional use to allow a hotel in a CBD-5 District






3600 St Claude Ave·Renovation (Non-Structural) · Ref Code:QBWB7H
Download (4) Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Renovation (Non-Structural)
Applicant:
Rhonda Findley
Status:
Application Review
Date Filed:
9/24/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
Non structural renovation of a mixed used space. Scope of work includes reopening existing hole for window installation. NO PLUMBING HVAC OR ELECTRICAL. NO USE OR OCCUPANCY


djsnola
1200 Poydras St·Renovation (Non-Structural) · Ref Code:F7DARA
Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Renovation (Non-Structural)
Applicant:
Lanco Construction Inc.
Status:
Application Submitted
Date Filed:
9/24/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
Interior build out of an entertainment venue.




djsnola
300 Jourdan Rd·Renovation (Non-Structural) · Ref Code:YUN3GA
Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Renovation (Non-Structural)
Applicant:
Diane Hickman
Status:
Application Submitted
Date Filed:
9/24/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW OFFICES IN EXISTING WAREHOUSE AREA. EXTERIOR WORK LIMITED TO NEW EXIT DOOR AND WINDOWS IN EXISTING EXTERIOR WALL AND LANDING AT DOOR. ARCHITECTURAL: CONSTRUCT NEW INTERIOR OFFICES IN A PORTION OF THE EXISTING WAREHOUSE. MECHANICAL: NEW HVAC SPLIT PACKAGE UNITS. DESIGN BUILD BY HVAC CONTRACTOR, SEE ATTACHED MECHANICAL WORK ESTIMATE. ELECTRICAL: INSTALL NEW LIGHTING AND POWER OUTLETS, CONNECT TO EXISTING PANELS. INSTALL NEW EXIT LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY LIGHTS (BATTERY BACKUP POWERED) TO EXISTING CIRCUITS AS PER NEC, CONNECT POWER FOR NEW A/C UNITS, SEE ATTACHED ELECTRICAL WORK ESTIMATE. PLUMBING : NO PLUMBING WORK AT ALL IN THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT. NO SITE WORK.


djsnola
5300 Tchoupitoulas St Ste F-4·Renovation (Non-Structural)

· Ref Code:CVFMEH

Download (5)
Print Summary
Add to Watch List
Type:Renovation (Non-Structural)Applicant:Barry ScaironoStatus:Application ReviewDate Filed:9/24/2019Closed:NoDescription:

Interior Build-Out for a Dental Office as per plans.

[SlidellWx]

Originally Posted by sguil1

Technology firm Accruent opens downtown New Orleans office, says it's on track for 350 jobs

Accruent, an Austin, Texas-based technology firm, has opened its New Orleans office on the sixth floor of 400 Poydras Tower in the Central Business District that it says will ultimately house up to 350 new employees.

The company signed a 10-year lease for the 23,000 square foot downtown office in December.

Accruent said it has already hired more than 70 employees and is ramping up to reach full employment in New Orleans in 2020.

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the business will result in 338 indirect jobs.

Accruent provides software and information technology products for real estate, construction, development and facilities management of clients in retail, corporate, consumer goods, higher education, food and beverage and other sectors. Founded in 1995, it now serves a range of industries in more than 150 countries.

https://www.nola.com/news/business/a...9efe27986.html


Also an article on neworleanscitybusiness but paywall...

https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/b...-of-employees/

I guess most of the employees will be working remotely. There is no physical way to fit 350 employees into 23,000 square feet of space. Especially when factoring in things like break rooms, conference rooms, etc. Either that, or they will be adding more office space as they grow in the next year.

[tennis1400]

I think its more like a work share than a regular office ? Does seem a bit small for that many workers. Ill keep an eye out for permits. I do know thag most tech firms operate differently than traditional office tenants. So it may be alot work remotely portions of the week and only need to be in the office a certain amount of time.

[tennis1400]

This weekend the fence separating #TheNewMSY and the airfield was removed and all terminal doors were secured. Gate fits begin today. Aircraft will be towed into gates to ensure that all painted lines on the ramp for aircraft operations are in the correct positions.









HMSHost is holding interviews for positions at #TheNewMSY today and tomorrow at the Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport hotel. #MSYKREWE #bepartoftheKREWE

[tennis1400]

Tulane Ave Construction:


































MAYOR CANTRELL CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING FOR MID-CITY GROUP A ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Mid City Final


NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today celebrated the breaking of ground for the $6.56 million Mid-City Group A road-work improvement project.

"The needs are great in our city. We have been very much concerned about flooding in areas of Mid-City that we're seeing due to increased rainfall but at the same time the need for drainage improvements and overall infrastructure in Mid-City, and of course across the City of New Orleans," said Mayor Cantrell.

The scope of the project, which features $600,000 worth of waterline replacements by the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), also includes:

Approximately 193 blocks and 52 streets
Patching the roadway with asphalt or concrete
Repairing damaged curbs and gutters
Repairing damaged sidewalks and driveway aprons
Installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps at intersections
Replacing/repairing damaged underground water, sewer and/or drainage lines
Hard Rock Construction, LLC and Infinity Engineering Consultants will serve as the contractors on the project.

Mayor Cantrell was joined by Deputy CAO for Infrastructure Ramsey Green and SWBNO Executive Director Ghassan Korban. Green also underscored the importance of green infrastructure work currently underway.

"We're using the best science and expertise to build projects that hold water and relieve pressure on our drainage system," said Deputy CAO Green. "Not too far from here, the $7 million Hagan Lafitte Project is well underway and includes upsized drainage as well as underground storage tanks beneath Easton Park that will hold 1.2 million gallons of water."

Also, Green noted, the City recently received FEMA approval on the City Park Storm Water Improvements that include a system of new weirs that, when complete, will store up to 49 million gallons of storm water. Construction also is underway on the $15 million Pontilly Storm Water network, which includes bioswales, pervious surfacing and features that will hold 8.9 million gallons of water.

The work is part of the Joint Infrastructure Recovery Response (JIRR) Program, which is implementing an unprecedented $2.2 billion Capital Improvement Program to restore New Orleans' aging infrastructure. The City has now completed nine projects in the JIRR Program worth about $25 million, and has 12 projects under construction worth another $80 million. There will be approximately $40 million in projects kicking off in the next 90 days.

To learn more, visit www.roadworknola.gov.

# # #

[sguil1]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cha...235436597.html

The Latest: Condor promised funds after Thomas Cook collapse

German airline Condor says it has been promised 380 million euros ($419 million) from the German government and the state of Hesse to meet its cash needs for six months in the wake of the collapse of parent company Thomas Cook.

[broadmoor]

Originally Posted by SlidellWx

Yes to an Alamo Drafthouse. A full service theater is much needed in the city.

I don't think it's unreasonable to believe AMC may open one of their full dining locations at the very least - they're known to open urban/downtown locations, and they've just spent a ton of money reconfiguring a lot of their theaters to include full menus, full bars, and assigned seating.

[broadmoor]

Originally Posted by sguil1

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cha...235436597.html

The Latest: Condor promised funds after Thomas Cook collapse

German airline Condor says it has been promised 380 million euros ($419 million) from the German government and the state of Hesse to meet its cash needs for six months in the wake of the collapse of parent company Thomas Cook.

Similar news, but seems to be a longer article: Condor's Future Secured With New Bridge Loan

[Boryenka]

https://www.nola.com/news/courts/art...3619becbf.html

Latest on the probe into Safety and Permits. I'm not at all surprised that Chan is involved but I'm wondering if it goes any higher. Zach doesn't seem like the type to get himself caught up in this, but I guess you never know. In any event, I hope they keep pushing forward with the investigation. The department has been corrupt for years.

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by Boryenka

https://www.nola.com/news/courts/art...3619becbf.html

Latest on the probe into Safety and Permits. I'm not at all surprised that Chan is involved but I'm wondering if it goes any higher. Zach doesn't seem like the type to get himself caught up in this, but I guess you never know. In any event, I hope they keep pushing forward with the investigation. The department has been corrupt for years.

Guess time will tell on that... good to see the corruption being weeded out.. would be nice if this probe focuses a bit on some neighboring parishes as well... either way, corruption needs to go and its good to see being handled.

[tennis1400]

Get inside look at Storyland's makeover: New playscapes, rehabbed favorites in New Orleans City Park



https://www.nola.com/multimedia/phot...yhf18M3gOBmk#8






Our office recently toured the soon the be Four Seasons (formerly the World Trade Center in downtown New Orleans). Many thanks to project Architect Raymond Armant for arranging the trip - What a fantastic restoration and renovation (in progress) to this iconic building!



https://www.facebook.com/TrapolinPee...9749455782165/




Panoramic view, Edna Karr High School, from today’s AIA Construction Tour. Thanks to the AIA New Orleans for organizing the event, and to Core Construction for joining us…and of course to all who came to visit! We hope you all enjoyed it.

[tennis1400]

1635 N Roman St, 1641 N Roman St, 1804 St Bernard Ave, 1812 Onzaga St·Design Review · Project #DR172-19 · Ref Code:1F11KX
Download (4) Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Design Review
Applicant:
Vance A Vaucresson
Status:
Completeness Review
Date Filed:
9/18/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
Renovation of corner store to two apartments and a restaurant located in an EC Enhancement Corridor Design Overlay District and an SBA St. Bernard Overlay District.





















623 Canal St·Demolition · Ref Code:86SLXZ
Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Demolition
Applicant:
DOMINIC ORLANDO
Status:
Application Submitted
Date Filed:
9/24/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
Removing the existing rooftop billboard.

Applicant:
DOMINIC ORLANDO
Contractors:
TWO FEATHERS ENTRP INC
Expires:
3/24/2020 7:34:11 PM
Division:
SP
Subdivision:
Central Business District
Council District:
C
Area:
0
Next Status:
Application Review
Next Status Date:
9/27/2019 7:34:12 PM
Next Inspection:
Inspection Date:
Next Inspector:
Total Fees:
330.00
Unpaid Fees:
330.00
Final Date:
Days Open:
0
Days Issued:
0
Filing Date:
9/24/2019 7:34:12 PM
Lead Staff:

623 Canal St·Dumpster/Construction Zone · Ref Code:5HH53L
Print Summary Submit Add to Watch List
Type:
Dumpster/Construction Zone
Applicant:
DOMINIC ORLANDO
Status:
Application Submitted
Date Filed:
9/24/2019
Closed:
No
Description:
Crane Placement and Debris Removal.








Lots of steel going up at the new North Terminal at the MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport!!! #Construction #PEC #theNewMSY

September 18 at 5:03 PM ·