Living: The Strand
Opened originally in 1962, the high-rise building at 225 Baronne St. initially housed commercial tenants, but, due to a lack of demand for downtown office space and eventually Hurricane Katrina, the office building stood largely empty. Fortunately, with the recent increase in residential interest in the Downtown community and popular mixed-use urban developments like the South Market District, the Baronne Street high rise has been renovated by HRI Properties and transformed into both a Starwood Hotel & Resorts-branded hotel and The Strand apartments.
Now renting, The Strand touts 192 luxurious, loft-like apartments with different floor plans named after famous movie stars. All of the residences, from Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to Marlon Brando and Henry Fonda, feature hardwood maple floors, GE stainless steel kitchen appliances, quartz kitchen and bath surfaces, designer light fixtures, metal mosaic stainless-steel backsplash tile, Leedo cabinetry, walk-in closets with built-in shelving, a full washer and dryer, and spectacular views of Downtown New Orleans. The building itself also offers amenities to all residents — like a rooftop pool, fitness center, snack shop and professional on-site management. 909 Gravier St., (504) 558-9909, thestrandnola.com
Learning: DrinkLab NOLA
Get hands-on experience on how to mix the perfect cocktail at DrinkLab in Downtown New Orleans. In addition to wine, scotch and bourbon tastings, DrinkLab features classes on mixing, the history of the cocktail and everything you need to know about creating a well-made concoction in your own home. Host your next event at DrinkLab, and bring all of your friends to learn mixology from the best in the business — all while enjoying the fruits of your labor. 343 Baronne St., (504) 410-1529
Shopping: The Watch & Clock Shop
Josef’s Clock & Watch Shop, a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based store, expanded its reach into the Crescent City in 1958 with the opening of a second business in Downtown New Orleans dubbed The Watch & Clock Shop on Gravier Street. Joseph, an Austrian master watch and clock maker, repairs, restores and sells classic timepieces. For over 50 years, Downtown denizens have enjoyed the antique timepieces available at The Watch & Clock Shop. 824 Gravier St., (504) 525-3961, worldoftime.com
Entrepreneurship: 2016 Downtown NOLA Arts-Based Business Pitch
Once again, the Downtown NOLA Arts-Based Business Pitch is seeking an arts-based business idea that will highlight the superior resources that Downtown New Orleans has to offer. The 4th annual event seeks to find and advocate local entrepreneurs with a modular arts-based product or project within the digital media, film, creative, technological or architectural fields that directly benefits the Downtown Development District. Submit your application today to compete for over $25,000 in resources during the 2016 New Orleans Entrepreneur Week. The application process is now open, and interested candidates must submit their pitch by Jan. 15, 2016. downtownnola.com