SITE AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Krauss Department Store at 1201 Canal Street in downtown New Orleans opened in 1903 and catered directly to the city throughout its existence. The store survived into the 1990s by stocking obscure items not available at large chains and by refusing to reduce service to its loyal New Orleans customers. It was a monument to the old-fashioned way of doing business, and proud of it. The building remained vacant for close to 11 years and has, post-Katrina, been turned into 1201 Canal Luxury Condominiums.

The Krauss building occupies 196,132 square feet on historical Canal Street and another 131,580 square feet across Iberville Street. The Krauss building serves as a landmark in New Orleans’ history. This New Orleans staple is centrally located downtown in a high traffic area, which will serve as the perfect setting for the New Orleans Arts Hub and will aid in making the center a destination.

I will be using the 1st floor as well as the 1st floor mezzanine (approximately 52,785 square feet). The remaining 5 ½ floors will be reserved for potential expansion space and suggested rental space for offices, fine dining and other attractions. I will also use the space across Iberville Street (approximately 26,393 square feet) as a park while keeping the exterior façade. The two spaces total 79,178 square feet.

NOTE:
The existing building is located within the boundaries of the Canal St. Historic District. Any work performed on the exterior of the building is subject to a design review by the Historic Landmarks District Commission (HDLC).