What's Up Downtown April 16, 2010
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| | Fischer's Jewelry Store Undergoing Major Upper Floor
Facade Improvement and Renovation Project
Fischer's Jewelry, the family-owned jewelry store at the corner of Canal and South Rampart Streets is utilizing a DDD incentive program to complete a major renovation of their historic property. The DDD's Facade Improvement Matching Grant Program, which provides up to $20,000 in matching funds for eligible projects, has assisted the property owners in removing an artificial aluminum panel facade that was installed on the building in the mid 1960's. The project also includes the removal of four advertising billboards that had been affixed to the storefront since approximately the same time. Once completed, the property's upper floors will feature authentic wooden windows and a freshly painted facade. The Reiner's building, which is connected to Fischer's Jewelry, is also a part of the renovation and will be available for lease upon completion of the renovation. "This improvement project is consistent with the goals we have for Canal Street, and consistent with the Canal Street Development Strategy outlined by the DDD and the Canal Street Development Corporation in 2000," says DDD Retail Attraction Specialist Ryan Bordenave. "We are seeing more and more interest from Canal Street property owners in the Facade Improvement Matching Grant Program, and specifically for upper floor redevelopment. That, in turn, attracts more upscale retail to this historic shopping district." |
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| Claiborne Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project
Will Add Life to Busy Thoroughfare
The heavily trafficked blocks on Claiborne Avenue between Cleveland Avenue and Gravier Street are getting a facelift, thanks to the Federal Highway Administration and the Department of Transportation and Development's Enhancement Program. The project, which began in early February, will include the placement of new brick pavers, street lighting, decorative fencing, tree planting, and new handicapped ramps, curbs, and gutters. Intermittent lane closures may affect commuters and pedestrians while construction is being completed. For more information, contact Alison Catarella-Michel at acmichel@urbansystems.com.
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| | Launch Fest: A Fun Conference for Serious Entrepreneurs
In furtherance of its partnership with the local creative sector and tech community, the DDD is sponsoring Launch Fest, promoted by its organizers as "A fun conference for serious entrepreneurs." The conference will feature three days of half-day sessions between the two weekends of Jazz Fest, April 24-29. Topics will include social entrepreneurship, straight-talk with local entrepreneurs, and a pitch session for company funding. In the spirit of Jazz Fest, Launch Fest will include four nights of social events, music, and networking. Launch Fest is free and open to the public. For more information, stop by the DDD hospitality tent in Lafayette Square during Wednesday at the Square on April 21, or visit www.launchfest.net. |
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| | Poey[farre] A District Market Begins Construction
in Warehouse District Construction of a full-service grocery store has begun in Downtown's Warehouse District. Named "Poey[farre] A District Market," the business will allow Downtown residents and workers who need to "make groceries" the convenience of doing so in their own neighborhood. Poey[farre] owners say their goal is to carry the products that locals value, and are asking that people submit their "grocery lists" to help them best stock their shelves. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late spring or early summer. For more information, or to upload your grocery list, visit www.poeyfarremarket.com.
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| | Good News Bites! IHOP on Canal Street is nearing completion of a facade improvement project that will include new signage, new outdoor lighting, and new awnings that are similar in style to the historic building's early design.
The Transportation Revolution, located at 901 Julia Street, has received three awards from Ducati North America for Best Showroom, Best Marketing Dealer, and Best Multi-Line dealer.
New Orleans-based development company Historic Restoration, Inc. (HRI Properties) , is one of three finalists for the upcoming Practitioner's Showcase: Best 2009 Bond Deal competition, sponsored by the Council of Development Finance Agencies. The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation has announced that the 4th annual New Orleans Seafood Festival will take place on Downtown's Fulton Square and Fulton Street, across from Harrah's Hotel and Casino, for the third consecutive year. Festival-goers will be able to enjoy cuisine from their favorite local restaurants, music from top local bands, and cooking demonstrations from the best local chefs. The festival takes place Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12. |
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| Here's a Little Bit More of What's Up Downtown This Month... Jane's Walk
What: Jane's Walk is a series of free neighborhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating a space for cities to discover themselves. Join the DDD's Ryan Bordenave for a tour of Canal Street with an emphasis on the history of the street and the DDD's efforts to attract new retailers.
When: Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Meet "Under the Clock" at 819 Canal Street
Economic Outlook & Real Estate Forecast Seminar
What: Hosted by the UNO College of Business, this seminar will include a presentation on the Regional and Statewide Economic Outlook by Donald Pierson, Jr., Assistant Secretary and Chief Business Development Officer for Louisiana Economic Development, and Sidney Seymour, Chief Examiner for the Louisiana office of Financial Institutions.
When: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: New Orleans Marriott Convention Center, 859 Convention Center Boulevard Spirituality in the City
What: Annual interfaith series promoting dialogue and understanding on topics of spirituality. May 4th's topic is "Women in Islam," featuring guest speaker Jenny Yanez of the Jefferson Muslim Association.
When: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception
A Tribute to Louis Prima
What: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Louis Prima with a special performance by his daughter, Lena Prima
When: April 16, 2010, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Where: The Roosevelt Hotel, Blue Room
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| 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.
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