Description:
In a city as old as New Orleans, the integration of a new building into the existing, historic urban fabric presents a myriad of challenges. Such was the case when Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. commissioned Manning Architects to design a new, 450-room luxury hotel adjacent to its casino on a narrow, historically-protected block lined with two and three-story, 19th century townhouses and commercial buildings. Manning Architects’ design solution addressed both its client’s need for a modern hotel tower and the unique architectural history of this area of New Orleans.
The resulting design is evocative of the period following the Louisiana Purchase in 1804 through the late 19th century, an era when New Orleans’ population surged with an influx of migrants from the Northeast. The facades of several existing mid-19th century buildings on the site were either carefully restored or faithfully replicated to create the lower floors. Manning Architects’ bold design carried the 26-story hotel tower down to the sidewalk to interact directly with the city. Fine, massive materials and detailing were used along with reclaimed materials from the existing buildings to enhance the hotel’s design and create a sense of architectural continuity. Closing Fulton Street to vehicular traffic also permitted the creation of an adjacent pedestrian mall.
Project Type:
Hospitality
(Design Architects: Marnell Corrao Associates - Las Vegas, Nevada)
Program:
26 Story Tower, 450 Hotel Keys
Amenities
Restaurant
Project Responsibilities for Hotel Tower:
Job Captain (Design Development - Construction/Bidding Documents Hotel Tower portion)
Consultant Coordination: Architectural, Structural, MEP, Security and Interior Design
Architectural Representative for Junior Suite Unit Mock-up Construction
Assisted with Construction Administration tasks, including observation and administrative