The Dew Drop Inn remains vacant at 2836 LaSalle Street in Central City Nov. 17, 2018, as it has since 2005. (Nicholas Reimann, Uptown Messenger)
Because initial investment plans to redevelop The Dew Drop Inn fell through, a real estate development firm is leading a crowdfunding investment campaign to restore the legendary music venue.
Courtesy of James Lambert Consulting
Peregrine Interests is aiming to turn The Dew Drop Inn into a hub for the Central City neighborhood, with its tentative re-opening scheduled for September 2020. The renovated, two-story venue is planned to include a 14 guest rooms, a pool, restaurant, bar, recording studio and gift shop.
Established in 1939, the Dew Drop Inn is one of the most iconic music venues to have operated in New Orleans. Located in the heart of Central City, The Dew Drop Inn became one of the most celebrated and successful venues for the New Orleans African-American community, as well as the local music community.
“The Dew Drop Inn is the cradle of present-day American culture,” said Ryan Thomas, founder and CEO of Peregrine Interests. “The stars that have played, stayed, or just hung out at the Dew Drop have all greatly influenced the sights and sounds you see today. From Little Richard to James Brown, their legacy lives on. The time is right to bring back this American treasure and help to usher in the next generation of New Orleans talent.”
A photo by Ralston Crawford shows the Dew Drop Inn in 1952. (Courtesy of Tulane Digital Library)
The minimum investment is 10 shares, or a total of $100. Investors will receive a lifetime discount of 20 percent off listed room rates and venue renal rates, along with pool and media center memberships. People interested in learning more about how to invest or how crowdfunding investment works should visit the official Buy the Block campaign.
DreamHouse, based in Atlanta, Ga., will manage hotel operations, and Open Hands Café of New Orleans will operate the restaurant and bar. Architecture firm Concordia of New Orleans is serving as the lead project architect, and bridge financing will be provided by the Tulsa Real Estate Fund based in Atlanta, Ga.
For more information about The Dew Drop Inn project, visit dewdropnola.com.
