Nine decades after it was originally built to service the city’s needs, the historic headquarters of the former New Orleans Public Service Inc. will reopen its doors on July 6 as the new, luxury NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans – a Salamander Hotel.
Located in New Orleans' central business district, the nine-story brick building was originally constructed in 1927 by New Orleans’ former utility company and transit operator. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, NOPSI Hotel now has 217 guestrooms – including 76 suites – a regionally inspired restaurant, 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and a rooftop pool and bar.
The newly reimagined NOPSI Hotel has undergone a meticulous restoration, returning each space of the property to its original aesthetic including the building’s street facades, cast-iron rails and stone panels. Inside the lobby, guests will discover faithfully renovated vaulted ceilings, arches, ornamental columns, brass grills and stone terrazzo flooring.
Within a short walk of The French Quarter, The Warehouse District and The Garden District, NOPSI Hotel is located near Lafayette Square and close to attractions such as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the World War II Museum. Thousands of manhole covers still bear the NOPSI name, which inspired the hotel’s logo.
The property’s owner is Building and Land Technology, a national real estate investor and developer, while the hotel’s architect of record and general contractor is Woodward Design + Build from New Orleans. NOPSI Hotel is managed by luxury hotel company Salamander Hotels & Resorts, founded by Sheila Johnson.
“At NOPSI Hotel, service is more than just a word, it’s part of the building’s fabric and complements Salamander’s authentic approach to hospitality,” Johnson, who is the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, said in a release. “NOPSI Hotel will become known as one of the finest city hotels in America, and we look forward to reflecting the unique spirit of New Orleans.”
The hotel’s guestrooms range in size from 350 to 800 square feet, and include updated furnishings and local artwork. Guest bathrooms incorporate a spa-like tile design and oversized showers. The ninth floor inclides the Power Suite, as well as four Spa Suites with terraces.
The hotel, which is the first luxury property to open in New Orleans in a generation, is led by GM Ellen LeMaire, a Louisiana native.
“We are thrilled to bring NOPSI Hotel to life in this spectacular and grand landmark,” LeMaire said in a statement. “Many residents have fond memories of visiting NOPSI, and we understand and appreciate the great responsibility that comes with opening this historic building. To preserve and bring those remembrances back to life, our dynamic team of service professionals stand ready to deliver vibrant, friendly hospitality and an authentic New Orleans experience.”