Factors Row
Preservation and adaptive reuse of two structurally vulnerable properties into long-term, luxury vacation rentals
Category
Mixed-Use Multi-Family
Location
New Orleans, LA
Size
79,460 SF
Year
2016
The historic Factors Row Building, originally designed by Lewis Reynolds, was built in 1858 and primarily occupied by cotton merchants. Sitting adjacent is an 1869 office building designed by, and named for, Henry R. Thiberge. The buildings make up the longest continuous grouping of Italianate commercial buildings in New Orleans and, though not the subject, was the physical location where Degas painted the Cotton Exchange.
Despite being rated of highest architectural significance on the National Register of Historic Places, Factors Row had suffered extensive demolition by neglect. As a result, historic restoration efforts were intensive and required coordination between multiple preservation groups.
Over the course of five years, the site of the two historic buildings was revitalized into a mixed-use development with 52 one- and two- bedroom luxury vacation rentals, which encompass most of the renovated space. This includes the rear portion of the first floor which faces the courtyard. The remaining portion of the first floor, with direct street access, is allocated for retail or office spaces.
A minimalist approach was taken in the residential units to showcase original architectural details, measures were taken to retain the historic integrity of the courtyards, and the remaining portion of the first floor was outfitted with retail and office spaces that activate the street. This attention to original architectural elements worked to ensure that the purple rated building was designed to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.