As Tourism Picks Back Up, So Does Commercial Real Estate
New Orleans (June 21, 2021) – SVN | Urban Properties, a New Orleans-based commercial brokerage, property management and development firm, represented the buyer of a historic boutique hotel, The Frenchmen Hotel, at 417 Frenchmen Street in the Marigny.
Tyler Robinson, a founding Partner at SVN | Urban Properties, assisted the buyer, Robert Thompson, in the most recent acquisition for his hospitality company, Angevin & Co. “We are pleased that Robert chose to partner with our firm on this unique investment opportunity in the Marigny,” said Robinson. “Working with, and getting to know, Robert and his team has been a rewarding experience for me personally, and it has also been the perfect opportunity for SVN | Urban Properties to increase our activity in the hospitality space.”
It came down to great timing and a select opportunity for Thompson to infuse his food and beverage background and wide breadth of industry knowledge into the hospitality sector. He plans to elevate the customer experience at the hotel’s two bars (which account for a quarter of the hotel’s footprint) so that they become a focal point of the rebranded hotel.
Robert Thompson, Founder of Angevin & Co.
According to a press release Angevin & Co. released earlier this month, “The Frenchmen was constructed on the legendary Frenchmen Street in 1860, and the historic integrity of the building will be preserved while undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation that reimagines the property.” This includes plans to upgrade all 27 guest rooms, revitalize the two bar spaces, and refresh the pool and outdoor common areas.
“The Frenchmen was actually the first hotel we looked at, but we continued to tour a lot of other properties, both on and off the market,” said Mr. Thompson. “Then we came back to this boutique hotel knowing it was the right move, based on size and location. The team at Urban really helped guide me in terms of site selection, market location and developing relationships – they were an instrumental part of this strategic acquisition.”
In addition to representing Thompson, SVN | Urban Properties also invested in the project. “We first worked with Robert before he sold his previous entertainment concept, Punch Bowl Social, when it was planning to enter the New Orleans market,” said Robinson. “We have always appreciated his vision for bringing new energy to old spaces and are excited to invest alongside him as he begins to make his mark on New Orleans.”
Robinson is also optimistic about the future of hospitality in New Orleans after the pandemic and the prospects for local commercial real estate, “We continue to see a high demand for hospitality and F&B opportunities from our clients – both on and off-market.”
About SVN | Urban Properties
SVN | Urban Properties is a boutique real estate consulting, development, brokerage, and property management firm focused on urban projects in the greater New Orleans area. Clients are investors and business owners that value investing in socially vibrant urban projects that enhance neighborhoods to drive long-term value. With backgrounds in development, finance, and asset management, coupled with the understanding of the local market, the firm is able to craft innovative and practical real estate solutions.
Urban’s roots are in landlord representation – with collectively more than 40 years in representing property owners and investors all with various types of commercial buildings, including retail, office, restaurant, hospitality, and industrial properties. The firm works with clients to find the best tenants that will maximize their property’s performance and provide the highest return on investment.
New Orleans is a broad and nuanced market, and SVN | Urban Properties takes a holistic approach to help clients identify strong investments. The firm has experience in land banking, development, project management, and property management experience. With a strong understanding of clients’ strategic goals, Urban Properties makes timely recommendations based on market conditions.
Connect on Facebook, follow on Instagram (@urban_properties) and LinkedIn. For more information, visit www.urbanproperties.com.
About Angevin & Co.
Angevin & Co. is focused on providing creatively inspired, neighborhood-centric hospitality experiences where our lobbies, bars and restaurants are the beating heart of our hotels. Led by hospitality industry veteran, Robert Thompson, Angevin & Co. develops the concepts and operates boutique hotels and their bars, cafes and full-service restaurants across the country, spanning from the Rocky Mountains to the southern U.S., and based in New Orleans, LA.
