188-Key Aloft New Orleans Downtown Opens in Adaptive Reuse Project

By Eliza Theiss, Associate Editor

Aloft New Orleans Downtown & The Strand

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. announced the opening of the 188-key Aloft New Orleans Downtown, marking Aloft’s entry into the Louisiana market. Located at 225 Baronne St., Aloft New Orleans is the anchor of a mixed-use, adaptive reuse project that also includes a luxury apartment component. Dubbed The Strand, the residential component is also gearing up for opening.

Aloft New Orleans Downtown occupies the first 18 floors of the 30-story former office building that sat empty and blighted post-Katrina, until HRI Properties LLC picked up the historic property for redevelopment.  The hotel is controlled by 225 Baronne Complex Subtenant LLC, an affiliate of HRI Properties, while HRI Lodging LLC handles management. The hotel comprises 188 loft-like rooms and amenities that include 2,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, a 24-hour fitness center, the rooftop outdoor pool and the signature W XYZ bar.

Aloft New Orleans is one of the many successful adaptive reuse projects that have included the flag. Others include Aloft Orlando Downtown, Aloft Tulsa Downtown, Aloft Dallas Downtown, Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney and Aloft Tampa Downtown. “The successful transformation of the Baronne building has also contributed to the ongoing revitalization of the city’s Central Business District,” said Tom Leonhard, president & COO of HRI Properties.

The Strand luxury apartments will total 192 units on floors 18 through 30, including one- and two-bedroom units with condo finishes ranging between 573 and 1,922 square feet. Rents will start at $1,370 and go above $6,200. Amenities will include a rooftop pool, an outdoor kitchen and barbecue stations, a fitness center, a resident clubroom, a private pet-walking station and covered bike parking. As previously reported, the $100 million project will also include a 356 parking facility.

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Image courtesy of  HRI Properties via The Strand