Marigny is greatly admired for, among other reasons, a kaleidoscope of eccentricities. A maze of angled streets forms triangles, pentagons and squares. Addresses and streets sometimes jump sequence and beguile with name changes mid-block. It is populated by a lively mix of entertainment venues, artist studios, bars, distinctive restaurants, light industrial fabricators, music houses, cafés, salons, coffee shops and creative artisans. Good hangouts each. Home also to both a nationally acclaimed creative arts institute and soon to open new waterfront, it is a community in the best sense - folks who share a keen sense of connectedness and belonging. Neighbors who look out for neighbors.
This building is too. Located where it is, next to a power plant and among the larger light-industrial properties nearest the river, it relates primarily to the majestic riverfront and to the grand boulevard, yet remains laced throughout with the joyful quality of life so evident in Marigny. Like the most memorable haunts in Ray Oldenburg's landmark book Great Good Place, the small shops and cafes here tap into the timeless desire for human connection. Each a natural interaction. And together the Holy Grail of city living - where experience is shared, friendships formed and epiphany moments enjoyed.
• A 30’ wide, landscaped pedestrian alley, including a water element and ecumenical sanctuary inspired by Tadao Ando’s poetic meditation spaces. Simple materials. Elegantly hand-crafted bargeboard benches. Casablanca Lillies. Animated by sunlight, at one moment each day. Pure. Essence. No ornament.
• A neighborhood restaurant up the alley, inspired by Freeman’s on Freeman’s Alley just off the Bowery at Rivington / http://www.freemansrestaurant.com/Restaurant.html as well as Maurepas, Satsuma, Sylvain and Mariza.
• An Urban Earth flower shop, opening onto and bringing an aromatic splash of life to the sidewalk, lobby and landscaped alley.
• Artisan entrepreneur Seema Sudan's textile design and knitting operation, relocating remarkably from China to New O.
• Cinq å Sept, an intimate candlelit watering hole in the lobby, which brings evening life to the windows and streetscape. A simple, sensual bohemian space, it will include worn throw-rugs, an original Banksy salvaged from an eclectic mix of furnishings. The space opens on to the public alley, encouraging airy cross ventilation and the flow of people among spaces.
• Johnny the Toad, a small performance-art space, a bit like Marvimon. or Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre. New Orleans lacks an understated place to experience up-and-coming singer-songwriters, poets and other gifted emerging talents.
• A yoga studio
• A sustainable rooftop garden
• Connecting it all, like Marigny, are residents. Neighbors who live in 73 lofts, ranging from 01 – 03 bedrooms, 850 – 1900 square feet and $1100 - $3500.
• 74 parking spaces, a more than 1:1 residential parking ratio, as well as designated scooter and bicycle spaces.
Important Explanatory Note
Building a second level of parking in the rear building is expensive but enables us to (01) create the rich mix of retail which wraps the Elysian Fields side of the property and (02) restore the older warehouse in the center of the property for uses that are far more appealing than parking.