The Saint Hotel
Adaptive reuse of the historic Audubon Building into a 166-room boutique hotel along bustling Canal Street.
Category
Hospitality
Commercial
Adaptive Reuse + Modernization
Size 153,500 SF
Location New Orleans, LA
Year 2011
Built in 1912, this eight-story Beaux-Arts style building was originally designed as a hotel but reconfigured for mixed-use retail and office space early in construction. Over time, the ground floor facade was altered by previous owners in an attempt to modernize the building. Last occupied in 2002, the property was set to return as a hotel but Hurricane Katrina in 2005 halted progress and the building was vacant until 2009. When the building was finally sold, all that remained in the interior was the shell of the original structure.
The revitalization into The Saint Hotel entailed the restoration of the original exterior façade, including windows with new openings, in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to utilize Historic Tax Credits.
Outcome
The adaptive reuse of the Audubon Building into The Saint Hotel brings the architectural heritage of Canal Street back to life, preserving a piece of New Orleans history while contributing to the city’s economic growth. By restoring its original Beaux-Arts façade and reintroducing it as a hotel, this project has created a vibrant space that serves both guests and the local community. The design integrates historic character with modern amenities, enhancing guest experience with preserved architectural details like exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and historically accurate murals that celebrate the building’s past.
The meticulous restoration of historic elements, in line with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, not only secured tax credits but also ensured that this culturally significant structure remained a landmark. This preservation effort fosters a sense of continuity and pride, enriching Canal Street’s urban landscape. Additionally, The Saint Hotel revitalizes the surrounding area, drawing in tourists and supporting local businesses, while offering community event spaces and hospitality jobs. Through this thoughtful design, the project seamlessly balances historical reverence with contemporary functionality, benefiting both the client and the broader New Orleans community.
Replicated from historic photographs, the original Canal Street ground floor façade and portions of the Burgundy façade were reconstructed. Alterations to the building over the years resulted in the partial removal of several historic elements. To apply for tax credits, conform to current buildings codes, and meet construction budget constraints, TPA studied and introduced several solutions:
- Restoring the terra cotta rustication was addressed using stucco over CMU with glazing to mimic the original terra cotta tile work.
- New missile impact-resistant aluminum windows were used to replace the openings on the upper floors. Custom profile dyes were incorporated into stock windows to match the original sill profile as well as the brick mold surrounding each opening. The lamb’s tongue profile below the upper window sash was also replicated.
- Missing ground floor openings were replaced with standard storefront windows. Where missing, fiberglass reproductions of the originals were used to replace the decorative cast iron trim around the ground floor openings.
The original Canal Street canopy suffered a fatal collapse in 1937. Once again referencing historical photographs, metal panels and trim were used for the fascia and ceiling. Due to budget constraints, the canopy was restored only along the three central bays. Though not original to the building, a canopy was also added to the Burgundy façade for the hotel’s vehicular entrance.