Architecture: The Giani Building — Like many other parts of the city, Downtown New Orleans has experienced a recent surge of development. This is especially true when it comes to apartment complexes, with the latest being The Giani Building.
Renovated from three vacant buildings on the corner of Camp and Canal streets, the $15 million project — designed by Woodward Design + Build — has culminated into a luxury complex that both embraces the locale’s history and brings Downtown accommodations roaring into the 21st century.
Originally, this corner of the CBD housed a four-story Wheeler & Pierson Mens’ and Boys’ clothing store at 113/117 Camp Street that was built in the mid 1800s; a five-story building from the early 1900s at 604 Canal Street; and what was once the Morris Building, which was constructed in 1889 by Thomas Sully at 600 Canal Street. Built in the 1880s reaching seven stories, the Morris Building was Canal Street’s first high rise.
In an effort to make the CBD “a 24-7 neighborhood,” the Giani Building is now open after a little over a year of construction and renovation — offering 44 apartments and 8,000 square feet of retail space. The luxury complex features amenities like a rooftop pool, unique floor plans, quartz countertops, hardwood floors, 12- to 14-foot ceilings, designer finishes and stellar citywide views — just to name a few. 600 Canal St., (504) 599-0987, gianibuilding.com
Music: Tutti Dynamics
Launched by music student Darren Hoffman and piano hobbyist Kristen McEntyre after they moved to New Orleans, the Tutti Music Player truly is “the future of interactive music and video.” This new, interactive video platform has forever changed music education by enabling students to visually and aurally study the performances of master musicians. Users can download the platform for free to their iPads, iPhones, Macs or PCs — and then pay a monthly or yearly subscription for access to Tutti Dynamics’ Core Library — featuring some of the best musicians and teachers in the world. Famous artists recorded in the company’s library include Shannon Powell, Wynton Marsalis & The Jazz, drummer Charles Burchell, bass player Oscar Stagnaro, guitarist Steve Masakowski and many more. tuttiplayer.com
Drinks: Aprés Lounge
Bask in the glow of an eternal afterparty at the Aprés Lounge in New Orleans’ CBD. Hailed as the city’s first “Champagne bar,” the lounge offers an elegant-yet-relaxing atmosphere with comfortable leather chairs and couches set under a wood-beamed ceiling and surrounded by exposed brick walls. Located in a century-old building on Fulton Street, the Aprés Lounge features an elaborate selection of Champagne and sparkling wine, plus a creative, Champagne-centered cocktail list. This local boîte also offers a few bites, ranging from hummus and fresh pita to an aprés tasting menu that features Dom Pérignon and several types of caviar — complete with crème fraîche and Bellinis. 608 Fulton St., (504) 610-2480, apresnola.com
Culinary: Vom Fass New Orleans
After closing its Uptown location almost a year ago, Vom Fass has reopened inside the brand new Gallier Court. Downtown denizens will now be privy to the gourmet line of spirits, oils and vinegars available in this uniquely European concept store. In German, Vom Fass means “from the cask” and customers can do just that, tasting almost anything the shop carries, as well as bringing in their own containers to fill…right from the cask. In their new location, Vom Fass has also expanded to carry their own gourmet spice blends, salts, decadent pastas and chutneys. 504.302.1455 ~ 129 Carondelet Street ~ nola.vomfassusa.com