Poydras Hospitality Development

The Poydras Hospitality Development is the latest renovation and addition to a family of projects on the 1000 block of Poydras Street in downtown New Orleans, for which Studio West has served as architect since 2018. Our design for this project began with a challenge: how do you take three successful hospitality concepts and expand them without losing the spirit that made them successful concepts in the first place? The renovation and additions double the square footage of the existing buildings and add two new concepts to the property. Together, the project occupies almost half a city block. In addition to expanding Vintage Rock Club and Copper Vine, the new three-story construction adds an 11-room inn behind Copper Vine, third-floor Rooftop Restaurant addition over the existing buildings, and offices for the operator in another addition.

Five concepts, one building

Unifying the buildings into one property included building a new structure on top of and adjacent to existing buildings, which was structurally and technically challenging. The interior architecture was thoughtfully designed to accommodate multiple phases of construction, bridging over the existing buildings with a new construction addition. Studio West’s design is a cohesive assemblage of existing and new construction, representative of the unique identity of each brand concept, that breaks down the mass of the half-city block project. The interiors of the building are carefully stitched together to reflect the unique nature of each of the hospitality concepts to guests. These hospitality spaces are supported by a functional common back-of-house area at the ground floor.

Three historic structures, united

The property was renovated and expanded over the course of 20 months, keeping all three existing restaurants and bars operating during construction. During design, Studio West developed a phasing plan with the Owner that would allow construction to proceed with minimal disruption to each concept. A fast-paced three week shut-down was coordinated to renovate the existing dining rooms in the middle of construction. Studio West provided Architectural Design, Interior Design, Furnishing Selection and Procurement for the project.