December 2025
Happy Holidays, Y'all!
What's New In Real Estate & Life In New Orleans
It’s that time of year in New Orleans where no one is really working (except us, of course) but somehow everything feels in motion. City Hall is gearing up for a mayoral handoff, and Helena seems to be assembling a crack team of city officials, the kind of bench that could maybe get the population moving in the right direction again.
And while inboxes are getting slower and days blur into a sequence of poorly timed holiday parties, gift-giving season doesn’t wait. So whether you’re spoiling your boss, confusing your crush, or tossing a lifeline to the cheapskate in your life, we’ve got you
covered. For the savvy investor in your circle? Scroll on—we saved the best for last.
The Official ben + burka Gift Guide:
Your Recently Divorced Uncle
A martini fountain + a Theo Vonn patreon subscription
The Foodie in Your Life
A Costco jamón
Your MAHA Sister-in-Law
The $200 pill organizer from Goop
Your Cranky Mother-in-Law
A cooler filled with Crescent 9 and Louie Louie (disguised as Diet Coke)
Your Wife’s Personal Trainer
King Cake scented body oil, baby not included
The Girl You Have a Crush On
Nothing. Keep her on her toes.
Your Friend Who’s Highly Value-Oriented
Beer jacket
And for the Savvy Investors in Your Life
Our listings might just be the perfect fit.
Featured Properties
Located at the corner of Magazine and Constantinople in the Garden District, this 1,075 sq ft ground-floor boutique space offers a clean, stylish canvas for your next retail venture. Previously home to a well-regarded beauty retailer, the space features floor-to-ceiling storefront glass, exposed-brick accents, custom built-in shelving and cabinetry, a dedicated checkout counter, a generous back-of-house storage room, and full sprinklers — all ADA compliant. Zoned HU-B1, the layout is ideal for boutique retail or office use, but flexible enough for other concepts. Occupying a central spot on Magazine Street — one of New Orleans’ most vibrant retail corridors — the locale benefits from strong foot traffic, neighborhood residents, and visitors alike.
More info here.
2039 Calhoun Street: 5,788 SF, 12 bedrooms, fully leased — just steps from Tulane & Loyola. Includes a 4-bed unit and 8-bed unit (both with full kitchens and in-unit laundry), a renovated roof, HVAC, siding and interiors — all ready for continued strong returns. A high-demand, high-visibility investment in one of Uptown’s best student-driven neighborhoods.
More info here.
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1578 Magazine Street offers an available ±1,220 SF ground-floor space in the heart of the Lower Garden District — steps from restaurants, bars, and local favorites. With shell-condition space and the option for partial buildout, this is a rare opportunity to build something new from the ground up. Prime foot-traffic, historic vibes, and one of New Orleans’ most dynamic commercial corridors make this location hard to beat.
See additional information here; if you are interested in purchasing this property, please inquire with aaron@benburka.com.
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Meet 2372 Constance Street: a 1,630 SF Irish Channel corner store with beer sales and endless neighborhood potential. Steps from Magazine Street, this spot is poised to become a local favorite. A rare chance to own a high-visibility corner in one of New Orleans’ most beloved districts.
Find out more here.
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What We're Eating & Drinking
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WE'RE EATINGSanta's Favorite Cookies |
WE'RE DRINKINGMaria's Coquito |
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Santa’s favorite for a reason—these cream-cheese cookies stay moist, plush, and irresistible for days. Add your favorite mix-ins or festive sprinkles for a treat that’s as easy as 1-2-3. Thanks to b + b's own Nina for the recipe. Get it here. |
A creamy, coconut-kissed holiday cocktail that wraps you in warmth. Perfect for egg-nog lovers looking for something smoother and more festive. Get Maria's recipe here. |
Office Update
We gathered on the Batture lawn for a cozy Friendsgiving to celebrate the season with our amazing team. Huge thanks to Natalie for organizing such a thoughtful, joy-filled afternoon!
For more details on this space, click here.
If our newsletter becomes old, generic or lame, it would be an utter shame. Speak up, help us out, that's what we're all about.
