DDD Honors Downtown All-Stars

The DDD would like to congratulate the honorees that were celebrated at this year’s Downtown NOLA Awards for their exceptional contributions to the progress of Downtown New Orleans. The ceremony was Friday, September 20 at The Fillmore, the new entertainment venue at Harrah’s Casino.

Thank you for helping us shine a light on those who help make Downtown a remarkable experience!

Honorees:

Domain Companies

The Domain Companies has redeveloped multiple properties in Downtown New Orleans adding to Downtown’s collection of neighborhoods with South Market District as well as the new Maison de la Luz, a 67-room boutique hotel, featuring a new lobby bar and a guest-only breakfast lounge. Through a $13.5M renovation, the hotel retains much of the building’s original architecture and interior elements. The South Market District offers a wide variety of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment with luxury residences and hospitality venues. This part of Downtown has seen significant growth with projects such as Otra Vez, Willa Jean, Company Burger, Zeus’ Place, and more.

Footprints to Fitness

April Dupre, along with being the traffic anchor for WWLTV, founded Footprints to Fitness, a health and wellness company devoted to helping others live a balanced life while staying true to New Orleans culture. Her programming ranges from free wellness classes in Duncan Plaza, to rooftop yoga atop the Roosevelt, to “pups and poses,” a yoga class with adoptable puppies, and much more. Footprints to Fitness offers corporate wellness events for companies to help share the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and often volunteers their time helping others in the community that would typically not be able to afford wellness classes. Footprints to Fitness is a shining example of a small, female and minority owned business doing extraordinary work in Downtown NOLA.

HI USA

HI USA, operator of more than 90 Youth Hostel Associations in 90 Countries, is now helping bring new life to the 1000 block of Canal Street after renovating this historic property back to it’s classic charm. With first-class dorms featuring ample storage, light, and charging for each traveler, a spectacular mezzanine, expansive kitchen and dining room, and spacious common areas, HI New Orleans will wow hostel newbies and veterans alike. Other amenities provided by HI USA for their guests include: onsite café with an outdoor patio, tours and activities of New Orleans, bike and luggage storage, as well as private and shared rooms.

Sazerac House

The Sazerac House has put a major building back into commerce that has sat vacant for decades. At the intersection of Canal and Magazine St., this location was primed for a major project. The Sazerac House features a museum which will explore the history of New Orleans spirits, including the namesake Sazerac Cocktail, as well as the creation of Peychaud bitters and Southern Comfort, and the rum trade dating back to the founding of our Country. Patrons are able to experience the bottling and barreling process as well as sample products produced right here in Downtown NOLA.

NOCHI – Chair’s Award

NOCHI is of, by, and for a diverse community of food lovers. Their mission is to provide a seat at the table for all people to bring their culinary passion to life. From enthusiast courses to intensive five-month Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs , NOCHI is prepared to equip students with all the skills and inspiration they need to thrive in hospitality careers. NOCHI is also the home to NOCHI Café by Gracious Bakery, which offers everything from morning coffee to a full-course breakfast, brunch or lunch complete with cocktails.

DDD Trailblazers Award

In celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the Downtown Development District the DDD honored three Trailblazers who helped spark the renaissance and growth of Downtown New Orleans. They are former Mayor Moon Landrieu, Developer and Financier Joseph C. Canizaro and Downtown Advocate and Preservationist Dr. Jack Stewart.

Check out highlights of last year’s show!

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