The Downtown Development District is please to honor this year’s winners of the 7th annual Downtown NOLA Awards at a ceremony held Sept. 28 at The Jung Hotel & Residences.
Every year, select nominees who positively impact the Downtown New Orleans neighborhood are honored with this illustrious recognition. The DDD is also honoring the annual President’s Award recipients: DDD Public Safety Ranger of the Year, Dedra Simpson; Private Security Officer of the Year, Samuel Dupre; and DDD Clean Team Member of the Year, Raymond Thompson. Join in to celebrate their extraordinary contributions.
Auction House Market
One of the city’s newest food halls, Auction House Market on the corner of Julia and Magazine streets offers a sleek and inviting space for Downtown residents to gather and dine. A gorgeous interior offers marble table and bar tops, brass fixtures and a stunning light well over the central bar. Local artisans were tapped for the design like E. Kraemer Fine Metal and Woodwork for the brass shelving above the bar and Mandeville-based Avalon Marble, LLC, for the marble bar installation and tabletops. The market also maintains the integrity of the original building with white oak flooring and exposed brick walls. auctionhousemarket.com
InnoGenomics/Dr. Sudhir Sinha
InnoGenomics has developed patented technology enabling forensic scientists to unlock answers from challenging DNA evidence, helping police to solve crimes and save lives. They are also currently developing a liquid biopsy method to detect and monitor cancer through a minimally invasive blood test. CEO and president Dr. Sudhir Sinha has more than 36 years of experience in chemical and biochemical research and management. He is well-recognized internationally in the scientific community. Dr. Sinha serves as an experienced mentor and tremendous resource for newer life science entrepreneurs emerging in New Orleans, and InnoGenomics is a great example of a successful, high-tech, small business founded and growing in Downtown NOLA. innogenomics.com
Little Gem Saloon
In 2012, the Bazan family restored the Little Gem Saloon, a space that had long sat vacant. More than a century ago, the Gem was known as the jazz corner of New Orleans. Transformed into a two-story restaurant, bar and live music venue, the Little Gem Saloon still maintains the architectural character and original design of the building. The Gem promotes the Downtown area and celebrates this storied part of town in its preservation of jazz, while offering a great dining destination. littlegemsaloon.com
New Orleans Public Library
After a recent renovation, the Main Library now sports bright flooring, increased light and expanded seating, offering a clean and welcoming space for local denizens seeking to check out a book or use one of the library’s computers. NOPL has also boosted its recent programming thanks to a partnership with Best Buy, which has provided a Teen Tech Lab on the second floor. The library also offers one-on-one computer tutoring, adult literacy classes, baby and toddler story times, silk screening, summertime free food for youth and more. nolalibrary.org
Stella Jones Gallery
Stella Jones realized a dream in 1996 when she and her husband launched the gallery, making African American, contemporary African and Caribbean fine art accessible to all. For two decades, the gallery has played a pivotal role in highlighting the historical relevance of black art. Owner Stella Jones thinks of her gallery as a “unicorn in the art gallery market,” showcasing local artists of color in a Downtown location. Stella Jones Gallery has remained committed from the beginning to educating collectors, museums and the community on the political, social and economic impact of black artists and their artwork, and has become an important vehicle by which the black perspective is continuously presented. stellajonesgallery.com
Chair’s Award — Blue Bikes NOLA
Made possible through a partnership with Social Bicycles, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans, Blue Bikes provide a seamless, sustainable and affordable mode of transportation. Providing year-round, equitable access to worksites and destinations, Blue Bikes is designed to serve a wide range of residents and neighborhoods. bluebikesnola.com