October 2026
The People's Budget
What's New In Real Estate & Life In New Orleans
The Mayor's proposed 2027 budget is out, and it leans on cuts, including millions of dollars worth of services you may or may not have actually been receiving. We are not budget experts. We are, however, people who spend all day finding value in things others may have overlooked. So in the spirit of civic duty, we'd like to present a few modest proposals:
Auction off fourth-quarter roster spots. The Saints have stopped using them anyway. Highest bidder suits up for the last 15 minutes. Proceeds go to the general fund, and odds are your guy can't do worse.
Sell naming rights to boil-water advisories. "This advisory brought to you by Port Orleans." The inventory is plentiful, and what could go wrong with a public-private partnership between a brewery and local government?
Move Mardi Gras cleanup to every other year. The Mayor is already halfway there, we're just finishing the thought. In off years, the neutral ground will be designated as a historic district, and removing Moon Pies or toilet paper will require HDLC approval.
Reclassify the potholes. The city has spent years trying to build green infrastructure that holds stormwater in place. Look down. It's done, it's everywhere, and it costs nothing. Stop filling them, start counting them, and bill the feds for the drainage project that finished itself.
Presell tickets to Pelicans championship parade. Route and date TBD. Good for one parade, transferable to your grandchildren.
We'll be submitting these to City Council for consideration, and expect to hear back around the time the Pelicans parade rolls. Some opportunities need a little more time. The ones below don't.
Featured Properties
Available for lease, 3909 Bienville Street, Suite 1-B offers 6,348 SF of fully built-out medical office space. The unit was previously occupied by DaVita Dialysis and features a lobby/reception area, multiple private offices, large conference room, ample restrooms, and a large treatment area with plumbing throughout. 59 shared off-street parking spots are available within the private rear lot, and the opportunity exists for prominent signage at the building’s front. Among the building’s fellow tenants are the Nola School of Music, Nola Aikido, and Resources for Human Development.
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Nestled beneath Canal Street’s iconic oak trees, this well-located office building offers a rare combination of character, functionality, and coveted off-street parking.
The ground floor (lower ceilings) was formerly home to a chiropractic practice and features three private treatment rooms, an open workspace, two restrooms, a breakroom, and ample storage. Upstairs, high ceilings, original wood floors, and historic detailing create a distinctive office environment, complemented by two additional restrooms and a large front porch.
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Offered for sale for the first time in over 50 years, this ±1.25-acre MU-2 zoned urban infill development site is located in the heart of the Lower Garden District. Adjacent to the transformative 40-acre River District development—planned to include new housing, retail, office, hospitality, entertainment, green space, and over $1 billion in projected economic impact—the property is well suited for multifamily, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use development.
Located in the vibrant Warehouse District of New Orleans, 735 St. Joseph Street offers a turn-key restaurant and bar space filled with character and charm. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious bar area, and an inviting outdoor courtyard. Upstairs features a versatile game, dining, or lounge area with a satellite bar, storage, and back of house. With its abundant New Orleans charm, this property is an incredible opportunity for an operator to step in and create something special.
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Located on the corner of Oak and Monroe Streets, 8704-06 Oak Street is a versatile mixed-use property combining warehouse functionality with adaptable office and/or living space. A roll-up door entrance to the warehouse and off-street parking provide convenience and flexibility for various commercial applications. 8704-06 Oak offers the opportunity to live and work along the bustling Oak Street thoroughfare. Oak Street offers easy access to various popular destinations, small businesses, and local restaurants such as Sukeban, Maple Leaf Bar, and Breads on Oak.
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Office Update
Big news from the ben + burka office: we represented the landlord in bringing Applied Atomics to 3333 Chartres Street. The nuclear startup, co-founded by former SpaceX engineers, is turning the 18,500 SF building into offices, a fab shop, and a training center. And no, there won't be anything glowing on Chartres, since there will be no radioactive material on site. What it will bring is over 40 new jobs, a few steps from the levee and around the corner from Applied Arts Coffee. Rocket scientists, meet your new neighborhood.
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.
