2018 & 2024 | Historic Renovation + Addition | 14,200 sq. ft.
1001 Poydras Street
Copper Vine
In 2018, Studio West was asked to design Copper Vine, a new neighborhood restaurant and sustainable wine bar in a 140-year-old property once home to Maylie’s, one of New Orleans’ most iconic and long-running restaurants which operated from 1876 until closing in 1986. The design emphasizes the contrast of old and new, to preserve the historic character of the building and embrace the memory of the original restaurant, while creating a new neighborhood wine bar with indoor and outdoor dining.
In 2024, Studio West refreshed the existing restaurant spaces and expanded Copper Vine to build a new state-of-the-art kitchen, create additional seating, and private dining rooms. A new glass and plaster exterior addition was constructed as part of this new phase of work. The new addition opens onto the iconic courtyard, creating a new garden room at the first floor and new private dining room with private balcony overlooking the courtyard. A new interior dining room with stunning arched mirrors and millwork offers another interior experience for dining in the restaurant.
A wine bar located in a historic landmark with a long restaurant history
When the adjacent roadway was expanded in the 1950’s, part of the Maylie’s restaurant was demolished and replaced with a lifeless concrete and brick patio at corner of the busy intersection. Studio West, in collaboration with Spackman Mossop Michaels, removed concrete and brick to add a new structural steel trellis veiled with hanging planter baskets and a lush perimeter garden, reclaiming the prominent corner and creating a shaded and inviting outdoor dining space. Establishing a new entry for Copper Vine through the garden was essential in the design and branding of the restaurant, inviting guests to relax in a modern New Orleans courtyard and creating an outdoor living room.
Placemaking in a car-centered urban environment
Prior to renovation, the interior historic fabric was hidden by beer signs and bad millwork. Studio West’s design removed the non-historic elements and restored the original wood and marble bar as the heart of the dining room. Interventions of mirror, cherry wood tap handles, and copper accents enrich the bar. Inspired by New Orleans’ vibrant arts culture, Studio West selected and sourced a mix of vintage and new interior furnishings and artwork, including paintings, collages and photography showcasing New Orleans artists.
