HotelBusinessDesign_..

®
The Audubon Cottages
®
New Orleans
CONCEPT: The Audubon Cottages, a historic collection of private,
luxury cottages in the French Quarter of New Orleans, reopened
this year after closing down for roughly nine months for a multimillion-dollar renovation. The property originally opened in the 1800s
and Cottage One was home to John James Audubon—the famous
naturalist and painter for whom it is named—from 1821-1822. The
seven cottages, which include two one-bedroom and five twobedroom units, were designed to have the feel of a private French
Quarter residence, according to owner Becky Jaeger, who worked
closely with designer H. Mitchell Settoon, H. Mitchell Settoon Designs, on the revamp. “We wanted each cottage to be unique and
comfortable, while respecting the historical aspects of the buildings themselves, as well as their location in the French Quarter,”
Jaeger said. The property, which was last renovated in the 1980s,
is operated by the New Orleans Hotel Collection, LLC.
EXECUTION: The exteriors of the cottages were maintained as
much as possible, according to Settoon. He noted the refurbishment included such elements as light fixtures, matching new ones
to existing ones, as well as precisely reproducing shutters and gates
that needed to be replaced. Inside, Jaeger and Settoon kept as
many existing finishes, such as exposed brick and wooden ceilings,
as possible.
Settoon noted one of the primary challenges with the property was to add modern conveniences like ice drawers, updated
plumbing and comfortable furnishings without losing the cottages’
“charm and appeal.” The furnishings are a
blend of antique pieces original to the cottages, vintage and reproduction furnishings
Project Owner Joe & Becky Jaeger Designer Mitchell Settoon, H. Mitchell Settoon Designs
and reclaimed materials, as well as modern
Style French Quarter residential Signature Features Exposed brick; wooden ceilings; millwork
upholstery and linens.
In terms of color, Settoon noted,
“The main colors used are beiges and
blue-greens with some warm red accents.” He added that colors were
pulled from existing features within
each cottage. “The goal was to create
unique experiences for each cottage.
Some have a more serene feel, while
others feel cozy. Some feel more formal and some more casual,” he said.
Design Details
RESULT: Jaeger was pleased with
the new look of the cottages, which
she noted were “neglected” and had
sustained termite damage, as well as
damage to the gates and shutters.
“The two main goals were to honor the history, architectural
integrity and individuality of the cottages, while providing the
comfort and amenities that modern guests expect,” she said.
For example, the property has bolstered its lineup of amenities to include dedicated on-site French Quarter butler service to anticipate and cater to guests’ needs from the moment
of arrival to the time of departure. Jaeger noted the location
of the property, roughly one block from Bourbon Street, also
drove much of the look of the cottages.
“A huge part of the quarter’s appeal is its blend of cultures,
architectural styles and history,” she said.
—Dennis Nessler
44 • March/April 2013
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