New Renaissance To Debut In Burgeoning New Orleans Art District

NEW ORLEANS— The latest addition to the Renaissance brand is set to debut here mid-August amid a showcase of local art. The new 217-room Renaissance Arts Hotel, situated in the up-and-coming Warehouse/Arts District, entails the adaptive reuse of the landmark Hurwitz-Mintz Building, which was originally built in 1910 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Kimberly-Clark Corp., the majority owner, embarked on a certified historic redesign in accordance with official preservation guidelines nearly two years ago and is planning a grand opening at the end of the summer. In keeping with Renaissance Hotels & Resorts’ philosophy, the project reflects the local environment here, with various pieces of specially commissioned artwork from local artisans featured throughout the property, harking to the professional galleries and museums in the surrounding neighborhood. “This former warehouse district is experiencing a renaissance. Restaurants are popping up here to service the increasing residential population, while simultaneously, the area has become the place to be for art galleries and museums,” said Clark Davis, director of marketing for the new Renaissance Arts property. In coming up with an expressive design that speaks to the local community, Kimberly-Clark Corp. decided to play heavily on the art theme. Features at the revived property include: an art gallery affiliated with the Arthur Roger Gallery located in the hotel lobby; a second-floor sculpture garden showcasing Southern artists in a glass-enclosed atrium; and three Dale Chihuly glass-blown chandeliers and a kinetic bronze sculpture by Lin Emery in a water environment also in the lobby. In addition, every guestroom will feature commissioned works by a series of local artists. “A lot of people consider New Orleans a playground for adults, but this hotel offers a bit of a different twist because it’s in more of a residential area with an urban feel,” said Davis. Located just three blocks from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the hotel plans to market heavily to small groups, noted Davis. In addition, the Renaissance Arts Hotel will target families, as it is within walking distance from many museums and stadiums including the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, the Louisiana Superdome and New Orleans Arena.