5-6-2025: 241 Bourbon Street

May 6, 2025

New Orleans City Council
1300 Perdido
New Orleans, LA

RE: 241 Bourbon Street

Dear Councilmembers:

I'm writing to express our strong support for the Vieux Carré Commission's (VCC) denial of proposed
modifications to 241 Bourbon Street, which is currently under appeal. We believe the VCC's expertise in
preserving the French Quarter's architectural integrity should be respected.

The Commission has already approved substantial modifications to this building, including altered window and door openings, an elevator, and rooftop mechanical equipment. The applicant's current request for additional modifications appears primarily motivated by a desire to gain competitive advantage on Bourbon Street. This raises serious concerns about both the specific proposal and the troubling precedent it could establish.

During Architecture Committee hearings, the applicant cited financial hardship due to limitations on street-facing door access. This claim warrants scrutiny, especially since many competing establishments appear to operate in violation of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Section 20.3.JJ.5), which requires closed doors and windows during live entertainment and compliance with the city's Noise Ordinance. Rather than enforce the existing rules, you would be approving alterations to the architecture to circumvent and intensify the problem – setting in place a dangerous precedent.

Such non-compliance contributes to a deteriorating quality of life around Bourbon Street. The practice of venues competing by projecting music onto the street fosters an uncontrolled "street party" atmosphere that exacerbates problems including illegal vending, crime, and dangerous crowd density.

The applicant's accessibility concerns also appear unfounded, as the Architecture Committee noted that any of the currently approved and existing openings would adequately accommodate both wheelchair users and those using crutches.

We urge you to uphold the VCC's decision and affirm its authority in this vital neighborhood. It is imperative that Bourbon Street maintain its authentic character.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Sandra Stokes
Chair of Advocacy
Louisiana Landmarks Society