The Pontchartrain Hotel
Renovating a 1920s apartment building into a full-service, 14-story hotel with coveted 21st Century amenities and revamped guest-rooms.
Category
Hospitality
Commercial
Adaptive Reuse + Modernization
Size 108,000 SF
Location New Orleans, LA
Year 2016
Built in 1927 as a luxury apartment building in the Moorish/Spanish revival style, The Pontchartrain Hotel figures prominently in the mythology of 20th century New Orleans. In the 1940s, it was converted to an apartment-hotel, and many units featured customized millwork installed by residents. Most recently, it was utilized as high-end residences for the independent, senior tenant.
The present-day iteration of the Pontchartrain Hotel consists of 106 guest rooms and extended stay sprawls. The most recent renovation aimed to restore the building to its former level of elegance while appealing to the modern traveler and meeting the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation.
Outcome
The Pontchartrain Hotel's renovation offers a sophisticated blend of historic charm and modern functionality, providing value that resonates deeply with both guests and the community. By honoring the building’s original Moorish/Spanish revival design and incorporating 21st-century amenities, the project preserves New Orleans' architectural heritage while meeting contemporary hospitality standards. For guests, the thoughtful restoration of unique elements—such as the Silver Whistle Café’s Moorish ceiling and the Bayou Bar’s murals—provides a memorable connection to local history within a luxurious, updated setting.
The community benefits from the renewed access to beloved spaces, like the reimagined Caribbean Room (now Jack Rose) and the vibrant rooftop venue, Hot Tin, which offer unique venues for social engagement and cultural appreciation. The design enhances the local economy by attracting travelers while offering locals an elevated destination that celebrates the city’s legacy. Overall, the renovation achieves a harmonious balance between historic preservation and modern appeal, fostering a space where New Orleans’ cultural essence continues to thrive.
Units were converted back into guest rooms and the entry sequence was adjusted to create distinct entry sequences for both hotel guests and patrons visiting the four bar and restaurant options. An original terrazzo floor was discovered during demolition and served as inspiration for the color scheme and texture of lobby columns. To serve as an arrival focal point, the reception area was repositioned to align with the main entrance. The interior decor mirrors the city’s indigenous, tropical color schemes while incorporating touches of European flair.
A reconfiguration of the ground floor circulation allowed direct entry from the street to each of the three ground level eateries. The restaurant, formerly the Caribbean Room – a well-beloved and nostalgic dining space for generations of New Orleanians – and now home to Jack Rose, was given a special entry sequence distinct from the hotel lobby entry.
The “Garden Room” was converted into an exterior courtyard, softening the transition from the street and restoring the existing cast-iron railing and gate. The new renovation carefully integrates the “Fountain Room” and “Founders’ Room” as appropriate extensions of the restaurant. The existing kitchen has been refurbished to support contemporary culinary practice and a reinterpreted menu.
The Silver Whistle Café retained the sole remnants of the building’s original painted ceilings in the Moorish motif. The ceiling was restored, and the café outfitted with modern equipment. The lounge-style Bayou Bar retained original murals depicting Louisiana bayou landscapes. These murals were restored, and a new bar and shelving were constructed.
At the roof level, an existing residential penthouse was converted into “Hot Tin,” a rooftop bar, taking advantage of the expansive views of Downtown New Orleans.
Historical Photographs
Awards
AIA New OrleansHonorable Mention, 2018
Louisiana Landmarks SocietyExcellence in Historic Preservation, 2017
ABC New Orleans/Bayou ChapterExcellence in Construction Award, 2016
Eater New OrleansDesign of the Year, 2016
MICHELIN Guide HotelsOne MICHELIN Key · A very special stay, 2024