Nine decades after it was originally built to service the city’s needs, the historic headquarters of the former New Orleans Public Service Inc. (NOPSI) will re-open its doors on July 6 as the new, luxury NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans – a Salamander Hotel.
Located in the vibrant Central Business District, the nine-story brick building was originally constructed in 1927 by New Orleans’ former utility company and transit operator. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, NOPSI Hotel now features 217 refined guestrooms –including 76 suites – a lively and regionally inspired restaurant, 14,000 square feet of architecturally significant indoor and outdoor meeting space, and a sophisticated rooftop pool and bar.
Dedicated to providing an authentic experience inspired by the rich history of the destination it proudly again serves, the newly re-imagined NOPSI Hotel has undergone a meticulous restoration, returning each space of the grand dame to its original splendor including the building’s street facades, cast iron rails and stone panels. Inside the sweeping lobby, guests will discover faithfully renovated vaulted ceilings, graceful arches, ornamental columns, brass grills and stone terrazzo flooring.
Within a short walk of The French Quarter, The Warehouse District and The Garden District, NOPSI Hotel is located near Lafayette Square and close to major attractions like the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the World War II Museum. Thousands of manhole covers still bear the NOPSI name, which inspired the hotel’s unique logo, adding a sense of nostalgia to a walk down many of The Crescent City’s streets.
The property’s owner is Building and Land Technology (BLT), a leading national real estate investor and developer, while the hotel’s architect of record and general contractor is Woodward Design + Build from New Orleans. NOPSI Hotel is managed by acclaimed luxury hotel company Salamander Hotels & Resorts, founded by Sheila Johnson.
“At NOPSI Hotel, service is more than just a word, it’s part of the building’s fabric and complements Salamander’s authentic approach to hospitality,” says Johnson, who is also one of America’s top entrepreneurs and the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television. “NOPSI Hotel will become known as one of the finest city hotels in America, and we look forward to reflecting the unique spirit of New Orleans.”
The hotel’s classically designed guest rooms range in size from 350 to 800 square feet, and feature refined furnishings and local artwork. Guest bathrooms incorporate a soothing spa-like tile design and oversized, luxurious showers. The ninth floor features the expansive Power Suite as well as four Spa Suites with spacious terraces that can be utilized for an extraordinary in-room Salamander Spa experience.
The hotel, which is the first luxury property to open in New Orleans in a generation, is led by General Manager Ellen LeMaire, a Louisiana native.
“We are thrilled to bring NOPSI Hotel to life in this spectacular and grand landmark,” said LeMaire. “Many residents have fond memories of visiting NOPSI, and we understand and appreciate the great responsibility that comes with opening this historic building. To preserve and bring those remembrances back to life, our dynamic team of service professionals stand ready to deliver vibrant, friendly hospitality and an authentic New Orleans experience.”
