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A New Chapter Begins for the Dew Drop Inn
A moment that has been years in the making finally arrived just before Mardi Gras, as the historic Dew Drop Inn reopened its doors after more than 50 years.
In its 1940s heyday, the hotel and nightclub saw its halls and stage graced by musical icons like Ray Charles, James Brown, Dave Bartholomew, and Allen Toussaint. But after closing its doors in the 1970s, the once-cherished cultural treasure sat vacant. However, its legacy—and its potential—were never forgotten.
Powered by $1 million in low-interest permanent debt financing from NORA, along with millions in financing from other sources, local developer Curtis Doucette, Jr. spent three years bringing the Dew Drop Back to life. The revitalized Dew Drop features 17 hotel rooms, a restaurant, a live music venue, a pool, and stories from the venue’s past in every guest room.
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In March, NORA, in partnership with SBP USA, officially launched the St. Claude Gardens Phase II project, to develop and restore approximately 5 percent of our remaining properties in the Lower Ninth Ward.
Not only will this help to fulfill NORA’s commitment to creating affordable housing, but it will also build a stronger customer base to support new and expanded businesses. Upon completion, 39 families will be able to rent new energy efficient, resilient, and affordable homes in the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood, where they’ll enjoy improved infrastructure as well as growing educational and recreational opportunities.
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In 2023, NORA worked across all four of its focus areas to build a stronger, more resilient New Orleans.
Our 2023 Year in Review: Foundations for the Future, highlights some of our key accomplishments across residential development, commercial revitalization, land stewardship, and strategic redevelopment. From expanding homeownership access through our Orleans Housing Investment Program to facilitating a lease for the former Six Flags/JazzLand site, NORA never stopped moving to ensure that our city is and remains a city of dreamers.
View or download the report to get a closer look at the work we’ve done—and stay tuned for even more exciting developments in 2024.
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 NORA just finalized a new partnership with Agenda for Children to support the renovation, expansion, and new construction of early childhood education facilities across the city. More information coming soon!
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