What's Up Downtown

April 17, 2009

Proven Entrepreneurs Find Home Downtown:
The I.P. to House New Orleans Entrepreneurial Community

For 25 years, 643 Magazine Street housed one of New Orleans’ most prestigious law firms, McGlinchey Stafford. This spring, the 85,000 square foot building will become home to entrepreneurial companies and individuals representing the economic future of New Orleans.

The I.P., short for Intellectual Property, was developed by Brian Gibbs in collaboration with GNO, Inc. and The Idea Village. “The I.P. represents an opportunity to proactively contribute to the economic development and growth of New Orleans,” says Gibbs. “The companies who now call the I.P. home represent the innovative thinking our city must embrace in order to build a vibrant new economy for future generations.”

“There is a nascent creative professional movement in the Greater New Orleans region, and the I.P. Building is going to be its physical and symbolic center,” says Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO, Inc.  “With top-tier firms like TurboSquid, iSeatz, Carrollton Technologies, Couhig Partners and The Idea Village, the I.P. creates critical mass, and will both help these companies thrive, and attract new ventures to our region.”

The Downtown Development District shares the goal to expand the technology industry in the area and foster growth in Industries of the Mind such as biosciences, digital media, and arts-based businesses. "The DDD is pleased to partner with developers like Brian Gibbs, Idea Village, GNO, Inc., the City, State, and others to transform this region into one of the world's most attractive destinations.  On behalf of the DDD staff and Board of Commissioners, I want to congratulate all of the parties on this significant accomplishment and we look forward to continuing to attract and retain Industries of the Mind in Downtown New Orleans," said DDD President & CEO Kurt Weigle.

“We are creating a physical manifestation of the entrepreneurial community that is taking root in New Orleans,” describes Tim Williamson, co-founder and CEO of The Idea Village.   “New Orleans has become a vibrant center of innovation and the I.P. will become the magnet for the entrepreneurial talent that is transforming our community.”

For more information on the I.P., contact Kelly Parenton at (504) 428-8789. 

DDD Hosts State and Local Legislators at Annual Luncheon;
U.S. Economic Development Administration Gives Remarks

On Friday, April 17, the Downtown Development District held its second annual Legislative Luncheon for state and local politicians in appreciation of past legislative support and to present its current projects Downtown.  DDD President & CEO Kurt Weigle introduced the DDD's legislative agenda for the 2009 legislative session, and a representative from the U.S. Economic Development Administration gave remarks on their recent investment in place-based economic development in Downtown New Orleans. 

The event was held at Calcasieu at Cochon Restaurant in Downtown's Warehouse Arts District. 

Louisiana Cancer Research Center Breaks Ground on Tulane Avenue

Construction on the Louisiana Cancer Research Center officially began on Wednesday with a ceremony at the Tulane Avenue and South Claiborne Street location. A massive piling was signed by the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium (LCRC), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center and Xavier University, along with state and local dignitaries and several cancer survivors.

The research center is located in what is known as the Greater New Orleans Biosciences Development District, an area that will also include the BioInnovation Center on Canal Street, the LSU/Medical Center of Louisiana-New Orleans, and the new VA Medical Center, a teaching and research medical complex that will serve both Tulane and LSU medical schools. 

Iconic Downtown Retailer Meyer The Hatter Wins National Award

Sam Meyer, third-generation co-owner of Meyer The Hatter, was recently named Headwear Retailer of the Year by the Headwear Association.  The honor was announced at the Headwear Association's annual dinner in New York City at Tavern on the Green restaurant. 

Meyer and his family traveled to New York City to accept the award, which is now proudly on display in the store's show window.  

Sam Meyer started working at his family's hat store in 1946 after serving three years in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.  He worked six days a week with his brother William providing New Orleanians with quality hats and caps from around the world.  William retired from the business in 2005.  Sam, 84 years old, is still working five days a week. 

Meyer The Hatter has been located Downtown in the 100 block of St. Charles Avenue since 1894. 

Fan Up New Orleans!
Support Your Hornets Through the Playoffs!

Beginning this Friday, and every Friday through the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Hornets fans are encouraged to show their support for the team by wearing Hornets gear to work, school, and around town in celebration of "Fan Up Friday." 

During the Playoffs, be sure to stick around after the game and enjoy Downtown's hip restaurants and bars!

For more information, visit www.hornets.com.  

April/May 2009 Condo and Apartment of the Month:
1201 Canal Condos and Apartments

The former Krauss department store downtown at 1201 Canal Street has been completely transformed into the KFK Group's newest residential development, 1201 Canal, a $70 million project that has been a major catalyst for development along Canal Street.  The beautifully restored historic landmark one block from the French Quarter features 111 upscale condominiums, 122 luxury apartments, 25,000 square feet of street-front retail space, and boasts impressive hotel-style amenities such as 24-hour complimentary valet parking, concierge services, stainless steel rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Downtown skyline, state-of-the-art fitness center, wireless internet lounge, business center, rooftop dog walk, and much more.

Over 65 luxury apartments (occupying the historic front building) have been leased to date in just the first three months of availability, with prices starting at $1250 per month for one-bedroom units up to $5500 per month for the flagship four-bedroom on the corner of Canal and Basin.  Current special lease incentives for the remaining available apartments include a $1,000 move-in bonus and free local moving service.  For more information on 1201 Canal Apartments, visit www.1201CANALapartments.com.

With soaring ceilings, huge windows, and spectacular views of the French Quarter, the 111 condominiums and penthouses (occupying the warehouse-style rear building) continue to sell at a strong, steady pace, with a limited number of units and floor plans still available for purchase.  For more information on 1201 Canal Condominiums, visit www.1201CANAL.com. 

Famed Roosevelt Hotel Launches New Website and Blog
Designed for Both Yesterday and Today

The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Collection hotel, has launched both a Web site and a blog designed to bring the landmark property, currently undergoing a $145 million historic renovation, back to life once again as it approaches its June 2009 opening. 

The Web site at www.therooseveltneworleans.com provides an opportunity for visitors to book guest rooms and suites, obtain information about meeting and event rooms, plan weddings and receptions, explore the return of the legendary Blue Room and Sazerac Bar, and read about the Guerlain Spa, dining and entertainment, and the hotel's rich history. 

In addition, the hotel has launched a blog that allows readers to follow the hotel's historic restoration, preview its rebirth, share their experiences and memories at hotel, and make the kinds of emotional connections that will help re-introduce The Roosevelt New Orleans as the Gulf South's premier grand-hotel destination.  The hotel's blog site can be reached at www.therooseveltneworleans.com/blog.  

Windsor Court Now Serving Lunch Buffet in Le Salon

The Windsor Court Hotel has introduced a new lunch buffet in the opulent, comfortable setting of Le Salon overlooking the lush courtyard and the comings and goings of the hotel's elegant lobby.

Surrounded by greenery and flowering plants, guests can help themselves at their own pace and enjoy a quick lunch or linger and savor a relaxing meal with friends or colleagues, choosing from a delectable display of signature dishes and seasonal creations including a Gumbo of the Day, salads, antipasto and a carving station. 

Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  For more information, visit www. windsorcourthotel.com. 

DOWNTOWN CALENDAR

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL
WHAT: Festival
WHERE: Various locations throughout the French Quarter
WHEN: April 17-19
COST: Free and open to the public

GEORGE MCGOVERN AT NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
WHAT: Distinguished senator and WWII veteran gives presentation, "Wars Past and Present"
WHERE: National World War II Museum
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 2 p.m.
COST: Free

21st ANNUAL BIG EASY AWARDS
WHAT: Music awards and live entertainment from Harrah's and The Gambit
WHERE: Harrah's Theatre
WHEN: Sunday, April 19, 7-10 p.m.
COST: $100

ARTIST CO-OP INFORMATION SESSION & OPEN HOUSE
WHAT: Info session for upcoming artist co-op at Riverwalk Marketplace
WHERE: Riverwalk Marketplace
WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 2-5 p.m.
COST: Free

ADVANCING TRANSPARENCY & TRUST IN GOVERNMENT
WHAT:  Auburn Center for Governmental Services National Conference
WHERE: Hotel Monteleone
WHEN: April 27-28
COST: Visit www.auburn.edu/governmentalexcellence

For more information on any of the articles featured in What's Up Downtown, or to submit an item for consideration,
contact Lauren Hotard at lhotard[at]neworleansdowntown.com.