2025 | New Construction + Historic Renovation | 6,400 sq. ft.
Tchoupitoulas Street
Abita Brewing New Orleans
Bringing an established Louisiana brewery in the heart of New Orleans
As regular customers, Studio West was thrilled to be selected as the architect and interior designer responsible for Abita’s second location in New Orleans for the Abita Brewing company. Founded in Abita Springs in 1986, Abita Brewing is a globally recognized beer brand founded and operated in Abita Springs, 43 miles north of New Orleans. In addition to the new brewhouse and tasting room, the new facility will be able to host events and community gatherings to support local projects.
The design of the new tasting room takes color inspiration from many of Abita’s iconic and seasonal brews - a Purple Haze ceiling is complemented by a stained plywood bar inspired by the deep hues of Blueberry Wheat. Wood details throughout nod to the original Abita tasting room in Abita Springs. The thoughtful design is carried through to the building’s exterior, with shaded exterior seating and activity areas positioned at the corner of Tchoupitoulas and First Streets.
Sustainable development through adaptive reuse
As the first craft brewery in the South, Abita chose the Tchoupitoulas corridor in New Orleans Irish Channel neighborhood for its New Orleans brewhouse and tasting room. Studio West worked with Abita and the construction manager for six months to finalize a location for the New Orleans location.
The brewhouse and tasting room is located within an existing metal warehouse that is underutilized. The original slab, walls and roofs were retained, and the exterior envelope enhanced to bring the building to modern energy codes. The resulting building positions Abita Brewing directly along New Orleans’ burgeoning brewery district while retaining and improving the city’s existing building stock.
