Adaptive Reuse

COVER & LEFT: ACE HOTEL, NEW ORLEANS, LA

Renewed Purpose for a Modern Audience

Urbanization has rapidly changed the way we live and work, blurring the distinction between the two, and elevated the importance of careful, considerate design interventions. Our work strives to create memorable, meaningful spaces infused with spirit and purpose. This work begins with a consideration of a community’s history, an understanding of its existing reality—the way in which people use space— and a review of trends in consumer, traveler, tenant, and worker behavior. Such research serves as the foundation for reshaping the voids that populate a city’s interstitial spaces into places of human connection.

The greatest adaptive reuse projects take a cherished but neglected icon and create an atmosphere and sense of place that is impossible to replicate. We are experts at taking unloved buildings and transforming them into vital community assets, while preserving what was loved about them all along.

We understand that site considerations must maintain a sensitivity to the surrounding urban fabric, especially in sites that are part of a larger historically sensitive neighborhood. We have significant experience working with historic properties and returning them to commerce while maximizing the usage of Historic Tax Credits. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with many of the historic districts within the city and region on many of our projects.

In driving forward more responsible projects, our firm recognizes that the most sustainable buildings are the ones that already exist. With buildings contributing up to nearly 50% of carbon emissions, adaptive reuse projects provide unique opportunities for creating new programming while cutting back on waste. Similarly, in terms of efficiency, there are substantial cost savings and shorter construction timeframes and risk exposure on average associated with reutilizing existing elements.

THE SHOP AT THE CAC | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA; PHOTO BY NEIL ALEXANDER

Our People and Our Commitment to Collaboration

Our studio is composed of individuals from all over the world, a resonant collection of experiences and insights. We’re inquisitive, collegial, determined. Our team isn’t simply the motor that completes the work, it’s the spark from which we draw all our inspiration.

Every project begins with listening. We’ll work hand in hand with your stakeholders, testing multiple ideas in immersive ways at varying scales that bring us closer to the finished product. Together we test, we question, we engage. An idea that goes challenged is all the stronger for it.

Research-Driven Approach Designing

for Tomorrow’s Professionals

We make a focused investment in design research—proving what’s possible without sacrificing our core competency: great design in service of our clients. Technology and research augment our design and delivery process, rather than the reverse. In proactively exploring the implementation of cutting-edge tools integrated into a design practice, we elevate the discussion, continuously challenging what’s possible while enabling us to make betterinformed decisions.

When workplace ideals and expectations are constantly changing, the best thing your professional space can be is flexible. The office is no longer where you just go to “work”. It has evolved into a place that can build community and culture. Whether it’s corporate offices or coworking, we strive to create an environment that supports tasks and activities of all kinds, providing inspiring amenities to make the workplace somewhere people will want to be.

THE SHOP AT THE CAC | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA; PHOTO BY NEIL ALEXANDER

The Shop at the Contemporary Arts Center

New Orleans, Louisiana

CLIENT Domain Companies

PROJECT SIZE

37,448 SF

DATE OF COMPLETION

September 2017

AWARDS

AIA Louisiana Award of Merit, 2019

Good Design is Good Business Award, 2018

IIDA Delta Regional Award of Excellence, 2018

American Architecture Award, 2018

AIA New Orleans Honor Award, 2018

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Neil Alexander

What is it?

The Shop is a comprehensive co-working development at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC). Targeting technology, arts, and cultural-based businesses, The Shop serves as a hub of entrepreneurship in New Orleans’ developing downtown innovation corridor.

More to the story…

The project occupies the third and fourth floors of the CAC— connecting the two floors with an open architectural staircase—and features an extensive amenity and commons area, varied meeting and office space, and a roof deck. This renovation preserves the classic Warehouse District architecture of the existing building while incorporating modern elements. The heart of The Shop is the commons area designed to facilitate conversation and connection. All of The Shop’s amenities offer small businesses, entrepreneurs, and arts-based professionals the resources they need to grow.

“…this is a beautiful space with clear sensitivity to the original building, striking an aesthetic balance between the expression of the old with the more contemporary moments found within. The result is a clearly articulated space, lacking the fussiness and current trends found in adaptive reuse projects of older warehouse buildings. ”

— JURY COMMENTS, AIA LOUISIANA

Ace Hotel New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana.

CLIENT

Domain Companies

PROJECT SIZE

184,000 SF: Renovated Building - 9 floors, 133,995 SF, 167 units; New Building - 4 floors, 49,637 SF, 67 units; Retail (coffee shop + retail):

3,800 SF; Josephine Estelle (restaurant): 5,220 SF

DATE OF COMPLETION

March 2016

AWARDS

Hospitality Design Award, 2017

AIA Gulf States Merit Award, 2017

AIA Louisiana Honor Award, 2016

AIA New Orleans Merit Award, 2017

LA Landmarks Society Award for Excellence, 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Fran Parente

PHOTO BY TIM HURSLEY

What is it?

This 184,000 square foot development designed in collaboration with interior design firm Roman and Williams restores an existing 9-story circa 1920s building with Art Deco elements while complementing it with a contemporary 4-story addition to create a timeless boutique hotel.

“Bold, yet somehow humble, the new additions is respectful of the past, and imbued with modern clarity of southern hospitality. The architects negotiated a thrilling marriage of 1928 architectural character with humane and comfortable 21st century modernism”

More to the story…

At every turn, the hotel features unique elements of New Orleans that give guests a distinct sense of the local culture without oversaturating their experience. Gentle nods to the city—balcony gardens, eclectic interior furnishings—are woven subtly into the hotel’s character.

— 2016 AIA LOUISIANA DESIGN AWARDS JURY

Commerce Building Apartments

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

CLIENT 5th Floor, LLC; Key Real Estate Company

PROJECT SIZE 185,343 SF: 93 Units

DATE OF COMPLETION

June 2016

PHOTO BY JORDAN HEFLER

What is it?

The Commerce Building Apartments is a nine story conversion of a 1950’s office tower into a new residential/mixed-use rental property. Located within the Downtown Baton Rouge National Register Historic District, the building contains 93 market-rate units in addition to ground-floor retail and interior parking. Utilizing a combination of HUD 221(d)(4) financing as well as historic tax credits, the design envisioned modern apartments within a traditional early International Style building.

PHOTO BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

More to the story…

The lobby was renovated by revitalizing numerous existing elements, preserving the original black marble walls and elevator cab design, with the addition of a custom mailbox catering to new occupants. Also maintained were the original terrazzo floors throughout the entire ground floor.

PHOTO BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

Acadiana Center for the Arts

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

CLIENT Acadiana Center for the Arts

PROJECT SIZE

46,000 square feet

CONSTRUCTION COST

$16M

DATE OF COMPLETION

Month 2010

AWARDS

2013 AIA New Orleans Honor Award (Phase II)

2012 AIA Louisiana Award of Merit (Phase II)

2012 AIA Gulf States Honor Citation (Phase II)

2007 AIA Gulf States Honor Award

2007 AIA Louisiana Award of Merit

2007 AIA New Orleans Honor Award

What is it…

The Acadiana Center for the Arts (ACA) was created to bring the artistic activities of Acadiana into one dynamic location, serving as a magnet for performing and visual arts presentations and education. The first phase of the ACA, opened in 2004, was constructed within the shell of a former bank building in downtown Lafayette. The second Phase of the project, completed in 2011, brought to life a new 300-seat performing arts theater for the community.

More to the story…

This multi-faceted facility includes exhibition space for visual arts displays, a theatrical performance auditorium that can be converted into many seating configurations, artist studios, conference and reception facilities, and a museum gift shop and cafe. The design organizes the separate venues between two levels with a central connective lobby and a dramatic sky-lit space that serves as a platform for openings, gala events and performances. Above the first floor entry is a suspended glass exhibition space that enlivens the activities of the street with exhibit and performance imagery.

Bottleworks

New Orleans, Louisiana

CLIENT Plethos Developments, LLC

PROJECT SIZE 246,000 square feet

DATE OF COMPLETION In Progress

What is it…

This project is an adaptive reuse of the historic 1940s Coca Cola bottling facility in New Orleans into a mixeduse development supporting 215 workforce housing apartments and 60,000sf of co-working and creative office space.

More to the story…

The site is composed of two large structures connected by an infill canopy. Deep floor plates originally used for industrial use presented the main challenge for introducing access to natural light and ventilation. The design team responded by organizing the planning of apartments around a series of open-air courts carved from the existing structures. Filled with tropical plantings, grill areas, pools and patios, these courts will provide a unique set of amenities for residents, breathing life into an underutilized historic structure.

Shaw Center for the Arts

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

CLIENT Shaw Center, LLC

PROJECT SIZE

125,000 square feet

CONSTRUCTION COST

$37 M

DATE OF COMPLETION

February 2005

AWARDS

AIA National Honor Award for Architecture, 2008

AIA Gulf States Region Honor Award, 2005

AIA New England Region Honor Award, 2005

AIA Louisiana Honor Award, 2006

What is it…

This multi-venue 125,000 square foot facility for the visual and performing arts creates a new cultural heart for downtown Baton Rouge and has served as a catalyst for the local arts community and the Riverfront district as a whole.

More to the story…

The existing site was comprised of parking lots and an old structure known as the “Auto Hotel”. Demolition of the parking lots began promptly. However, the historic 1930’s Art Deco “Auto Hotel” would fare a different destiny. In a commitment to uphold the rich history of the grounds, the north and west facades of the structure, consisting of masterfully placed brick and terra cotta, would be restored. The “Auto Hotel”, now infused into the new structure, still bears its name and houses two restaurants, the LSU School of Art gallery, LSU Museum store, administrative offices for the Shaw Center, Arts Council of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Symphony, the LSU Museum of Art’s collection storage and administrative offices.

Maison de la Luz

New Orleans, Louisiana

CLIENT

Domain Companies

PROJECT SIZE

55,464 SF: 67 Rooms

DATE OF COMPLETION

January 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Stephen Kent Johnson

What is it?

A new luxury hotel from Atelier Ace designed in collaboration with Los Angeles interior design firm Studio Shamshiri. The architecture and interiors team worked in tandem to meticulously restore several historical elements found within the sixstory 1906 building adjacent to New Orleans’ former city hall.

More to the story…

An aperitif bar from Parisian Restaurant Group Quixotic Projects arrives in the form of Bar Marilou. Outfitted with deep red walls, rich fabrics, dramatic art, and dark wood, the 100-person capacity bar and its private “speakeasy” room achieves a distinct high-design, luxurious vibe; one pairing classic New Orleans design with elevated Parisian interiors.

Children’s Hospital Family Center

New Orleans, Louisiana

CLIENT

Children’s Hospital New Orleans

PROJECT SIZE

7,800 SF: 13 units

DATE OF COMPLETION

July 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Sara Essex Bradley

What is it?

Part of a new campus expansion for Children’s Hospital, one that will ultimately serve to revitalize nine existing buildings on-site for adaptive reuse, the Hogs for the Cause Family Center is now a welcome sanctuary of healing for visiting families and patients to New Orleans’ Children’s Hospital..

More to the story…

Thirteen suites within provide space for overnight families, in addition to communal space to promote interaction between families and create a community of support within the house. Calming colors strive to provide a peaceful environment for families dealing with an otherwise heavy emotional burden. Whimsical patterns in the wall coverings and pillows, along with a second-floor play area filled with bright colors, toys, and books, simultaneously make children feel at home while providing room for communal activities. Coastal and lagoon murals, along with carefully curated landscape art, further heighten the appeal.

Lamar Advertising Corporate Headquarters

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

CLIENT Lamar Advertising Company

PROJECT SIZE

115,000 SF

DATE OF COMPLETION

November 2011

AWARDS

Good Design is Good Business Award, 2013

AIA National Honor Award for Interior Architecture, 2013

American Architecture Award, 2012

Interior Design Best of Year Merit Award, 2012

IIDA Delta Regional Chapter Award of Excellence, 2012

AIA Gulf States Honor Award, 2012

AIA Louisiana Honor Award, 2012

AIA New Orleans Merit Award, 2012

Baton Rouge Good Growth Award, 2012

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Tim Hursley

What is it?

A 115,000 SF corporate headquarters renovation for a local advertising agency is a reaction against the standard issue office environment, structured instead to reinforce a culture of openness, flexibility and creativity.

More to the story…

The team radically altered the internal configuration of the 115,000 square foot 1970’s era data center while leaving the exterior essentially unchanged. In addition to the insertion of a large, interior light court dropped into the building, further structure was removed to connect the space between floors into one communicating whole – reinforcing the culture and identity of the company as a single creative community.

“This project was commended for the simplicity yet complexity of the plan and section moves, especially the creation of the interior courtyard and the way light is brought into the building.”

— 2013 AIA NATIONAL HONOR AWARD FOR INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE JURY

Our Team

EskewDumezRipple is a nationally honored architecture, interiors and urban planning firm recognized for producing innovative projects grounded by a strong understanding of context, culture, and environment. With offices in New Orleans, LA, and Washington, DC, the firm builds across the country and around the world, with the goal of integrating beauty and performance.

From its inception, the firm has been driven by four enduring core values: Design Excellence, Environmental Responsibility, Community Outreach, and Client Commitment. Every aspect of the practice has been structured to support these ideals. The resulting body of work – ranging from intimate interiors to large urban planning projects with numerous stakeholders – reflects an aspiration to build community, regardless of project scale, budget, scope or complexity.

The practice’s commitment to culture and civility places public participation at the center. The firm works to integrate many voices alongside the constraints of climate, place, and budget to deliver projects that provide the greatest positive impact for the owner, for the user, for the community, and for the planet.

1989 YEAR FOUNDED

52 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

36 UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS REPRESENTED

70% LEED ACCREDITED TECHNICAL STAFF

88% LICENSED PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Selected List of National Recognition

The studio defines design excellence at the intersection of contemporary practice, material craft, environmental responsibility, community contribution, and user pride. These qualities, often immeasurable, can best be gauged through critical feedback, with peer recognition one of the few clear measures of success. The American Institute of Architects has recognized EskewDumezRipple with over 100 awards for design excellence. In addition, the firm has received recognition from a wide range of organizations representing public interests, clients/ users, and the construction industry. Included below is a selected list of the firm’s national recognition:

2023 Institute Honor Award for Architecture

2023 Institute Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design

2022 AIA Architecture Award

2022 Institute Honor Award for Architecture

2021 AIA Education Facility Design Award

2019 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture

2014 AIA ARCHITECTURE FIRM AWARD

2017 AIA/ALA National Library Award

2016 AIA Small Project Award

2015 AIA COTE Top Ten Award

2015 IFRAA/Faith and Form Religious Architecture Award

2015 IFRAA/Faith and Form Religious Architecture Award

2013 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture

2012 Institute Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design

2011 AIA Housing Award

2011 AIA Small Project Award of Merit

2010 Institute Honor Award for Architecture

2005 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture

2003 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture

2002 IFRAA/Faith and Form

Religious Architecture Award

2002 Institute Honor Award for Architecture

2022 NOMA Phil Freelon Professional Design Citation Award

2022 Best of Practice, Large Firm, Southwest

2022 A4LE James D. MacConnell Award

2021 Arc hitect’s Newspaper, Best of Design Award, Top Prize, K-12 Category

2021 Interior Design, Best of Year Finalist

2021 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2020 Hospitality Design, Honor Award

2019 Good Design is Good Business Award

2018 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2018 Good Design is Good Business Award

2017 Hospitality Design, Honor Award

2017 International Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2016 Hospitality Design, Honor Award

2016 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2015 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2014 Good Design is Good Business Award

2014 Green Good Design Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2014 Interior Design, Best of Year Merit Honoree

2013 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2013 Good Design is Good Business Award

2012 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2012 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2012 Interior Design, Best of Year Merit Award

2012 Interior Design, Best of Year Merit Award

2011 Architect, Residential Merit Award

2010 Wood Design Award of Merit

2010 Interior Design, Best of Year Merit Award

2009 Contract Magazine, 31st Annual Interiors Award

2009 Interior Design, Best of Year Merit Award

2008 ASLA National Honor Award for Planning & Analysis

2006 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2006 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum

2005 Modern Healthcare Design Citation

2000 Progressive Architecture Award