New Project Set To Be in the Old Times-Picayune Building

This project has been in the works for a while now. The site of the former Times-Picayune at 3800 Howard Avenue has been purchased by a couple of Louisiana businessmen who want to revisit the idea of turning the site into a golf-entertainment project.  The project is slated to be up and running by early 2024. 

In 2016 the site was sold to a developer named Joe Jaeger who purchased it for $3.5 million and was set on turning the property into a Drive Shack.  COVID-19 hit and the company that owned the franchise,  Driveshack, fell into financial trouble. The company agreed to a 20-year lease with the developer so he

began construction in 2019 only for them to back out of the deal. Since then, the building has sat vacant and crumbling.  The site soon became a dumping ground for tires and other waste.

The site is now owned by brothers Alex and Nick Xaio who want to finish the golf-entertainment venue.  In fact, they are in the works of trying to purchase the plans from Driveshack.  They have now partnered with Flite Golf & Entertainment to complete the project.  The venue will be very much like a Topgolf which combines golf with indoor entertainment along with food and bar services.

“We’ll follow the same format, but we plan to add a little bit more cool stuff to make it different,” says Alex Xiao.  There will be targets on the driving range that will explode when hit from the third tier, and there will be more traditional range on the second tier.  The project will be called 504 Golf and will employ around one hundred.

“The sale of this property is a great step in the right direction. I am excited to have these local entrepreneurs in District B, bringing not only an opportunity for family entertainment but also creating well over 100 jobs in the city,” praises Lesli Harris, Councilmember for District B.

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Tips On How To Combine Modern & Vintage Home Decor

Everyone has different tastes and different home designs.  No matter what style you go for, you can always mix modern and vintage decor.  Here are several tips on how to combine modern and vintage home decor from the experts. 

Follow Rules of Proportion & Scale

This is especially true when mixing loud patterns with funky vintage decor.  You want to always make sure the space in the room is proportional and flows.  If you have a nice big wooden antique piece of

furniture, you can lighten up the room with soft colors, sleek metals and sharp lines.

 

Unify Styles with Color

If you are mixing old and new furniture, you can create unity with color.  Uniting different styles with similar colors will create a cohesive design.  Designers will tell you that streamlining colors helps bring the room together no matter what else is in there.

 

Balance the Room with Neutrals

When adding items like vintage wall decor with modern furniture, you want to blend it all together with neutral colors. Designers say you want to  make sure you create room to breathe. Using neutral colors with bold accent items will help keep the space from feeling cramped and cluttered.

 

Group Similar Items

Grouping similar items when they are different decor styles will create a seamless design.  For example if you have a shelf to display decor, you can choose a theme and blend items that go with the theme but are both antique and modern.  When you have created a solid grouping, then add a pop of color for visual interest.

 

Make Antiques the Focal Point

If you have a nice antique chandelier, make this the focal point of the room.  Playing up your antiques is the perfect way to show off your one-of-a-kind item in your home. For example if you have old black and white photos, then display them in your home office.

 

Experiment with Art

This is a great way to combine vintage and modern decor. For example, if you have an antique headboard, you can place modern art pieces above your bed.  Or, go the other route and place vintage art on the walls of a modern room.

 

Added vintage and modern pieces to a space creates a great visual and is also a great conversation piece.  Remember, a table can be modern, but adding antique seating is a perfect way to spice things up.

 

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New Restaurant to Open in Old Elle J’s Location

Elle J’s located on Harrison Avenue in Lakeview closed this summer and after closing was picked up by the owners of Velvet Cactus and Wrong Iron. Now that they have leased the space, they are working on the plans for a new restaurant.

According to Rusty White, one of the project partners, the new restaurant will be called Outpost 45 which will be a casual, family-friendly restaurant. The menu is set to mix local flavors with American comfort

food along with a bar. The restaurant is slated to open in March 2022 and gets its name from the bus line that serves Lakeview.

The popular spot has been other restaurants in the past including Elle-J’s and Mondo. Mondo was an eclectic neighborhood go-to for 10 years and was owned by Rosedale’s Chef Susan Spicer. Spicer is also the owner of Bayona and another restaurant in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

“We all live here in Lakeview, and we want something that’s going to be good for Lakeview,. The thing about Lakeview is, if you do something good the neighborhood is so loyal they will support it,” says White.

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Reasons To Sell Your Home

 

The market is still holding strong and most homeowners have a good amount of equity in their homes. Now might be the time to sell if you want to get the equity out of your current home. Here are several reasons why those in the industry say it is still a good time to sell.

1. Houses are appreciating at a historical pace. This past year marks the fastest period of home price growth in American history.  Just to see the difference, in 2012 homes appreciated around 1.3% nationally while in 2022 homes appreciated around 19.8%! This means that right now your home has a big increase in equity.

2. Houses are selling at a record-breaking rate. June 2019 to June 2020 saw an average of 51 days on the

market, while June 2020 to June 2021 saw a record pace of one week! The current seller’s market and the huge buyer demand has dramatically increased the speed of the selling process. Currently, sellers are pocketing full asking price or more.

3. Rent is fluctuating wildly. When the property prices started to increase, so did the monthly rent for renters. In fact, in December of 2021, rent increased on average by 14.1% and increased even more in high-demand areas like Austin, Texas.

If you are in the market for a new home, now is the time to sell your current home and purchase a new one. To do this, check with a local Realtor who can help you with the home buying process.

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Five Upgrades To Do To Create Your Dream Kitchen and Bath

 For ages those in the industry have told sellers that a bathroom or kitchen remodel will also benefit the resale value of their home. Homeowners always think of these upgrades when they are ready to sell their home. Homeowners should do the upgrades while they still live in their home so they can enjoy the benefits. Here are five things to do to upgrade your kitchen and bathroom for you to add style and functionality.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets

Upgrading your kitchen cabinets can instantly give your kitchen a new and refreshed look. You can simply buy an off-the shelf style or have custom cabinets built. If you would like to make your kitchen feel bigger and brighter, then a shaker-style cabinet in white is the perfect option. Choose cabinets with the functions that you want and that will work for you. Remember what kind of material a cabinet is made out of is important, those made out of plywood are stronger and are better at holding off water damage.

2. Install New Countertops

Another great way to give your kitchen a great new look is by getting new countertops. Today’s countertops are more durable and easier to maintain. “We’re seeing a lot of new materials in countertops. Products like ultra-compact, quartzite and porcelain are incredibly strong; scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant; and require practically zero maintenance,” says Ximena Johnson, product manager at Cabinets to Go.

3. Add a Stylish Bathroom Vanity

When you think of a bathroom vanity, you think of storage and a counter to put your toiletries, but a bathroom vanity is just as much the focal point of a bathroom. Getting a new vanity in your bathroom will give the whole room a refreshed look. “Homeowners are becoming more adventurous. Statement colors like rich Newport Blue and warm Montpelier Sage are having a moment. At the same time, classic favorites like Nantucket Bluff, a gorgeous, warm cream, are being used in fun and refreshing ways. Bathrooms are a great place to play with a pop of color, especially if you’re not ready to commit in the more high-traffic rooms of the house. We’re renovating in my own home right now and using Newport Blue raised-panel cabinets for our bath vanity,” says Johnson.

4. Switch to Waterproof Flooring

Hardwood floors are very popular, however they are prone to water damage. A good alternative is a vinyl floor that has a hardwood look. “XRP waterproof vinyl flooring stands up to daily traffic and can be installed just about anywhere in the home and over a variety of subfloors, including bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms,” suggests Johnson.

5. Rethink the Little Touches

“The devil is in the details when you’re remodeling, particularly when it comes to important, everyday rooms like kitchens and bathrooms,” says Johnson. If you do not want to do a big rehaul in your bathroom or kitchen, update smaller elements in the room. Change out the cabinet handles for a more updated look or add a tiled backsplash behind a vanity or the kitchen stove.

Remember the little touches can create a fresh new look in your kitchen or bathroom. These small touches can make you fall in love with these rooms in a new light!

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Popular Exterior Paint Colors for Selling Your Home

 When you are in the market to sell your home, one of the most important factors to consider is your home’s curb appeal. When a potential buyer pulls up to your home, the exterior is one of the first things they will see. Like in life, first impressions are very important and can impact a buyer's perception of your home. Your favorite dream home might be a white with bright blue trim, but this is not everyone’s favorite. Using a bold and unique mix of colors can make a home stand out in a negative way. If you are trying to decide on a color for your potential listing, consider these tips for selecting an exterior paint color.

When choosing a paint color to use on the exterior of your home that you are about to sell, there are many things to consider. First, remember that you are not choosing the color you want, but a color that appeals to the mass. To figure out the best option, take a look at the color schemes of your neighbor’s homes, your home’s architectural style, roof color, stonework and landscaping and construction materials. You want to keep up with the trends, however, you do not want to do anything too stylish or off-the-wall. A good choice is to go with warm, earthy neutral colors that blend well with your home’s natural environment. A classic that never goes out of style is classic white, simple and traditional.

There are other options, but you need to consider them carefully to make sure they fit. Charcoals and blacks are popular nowadays, especially on a modern home, but make sure these are not too bold for your neighborhood. Navy blue has also become a popular choice and can be used on a variety of home styles. If you can’t go without a pop of color, think about adding a bold color to your front door such as red, yellow or blue.

Remember seeking out your Realtor’s advice can be a win-win situation. A local sales agent will not only be familiar with what is trending but will also know what will fit on your home in your neighborhood.

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This Year’s Southern Living 2022 Idea House Is Located in North Carolina

This year Southern Living chose River Dunes which is located in Oriental, North Carolina for their 2022 Idea House.  The community features 14 miles of waterfront on the Pamlico Sound, Intercoastal Waterway and the mouth of the Neuse River.  River Dunes offers wonderful amenities which include a 400-slip marina.

The home represents coastal living at its best and was brought to life by a team including Jordan Maroules of SLD Custom Homes, Charlotte Lucas of Charlotte Lucas Interior Design and William Court of Court Atkins Group.

“Our vision was to create a Southern ‘coastal-inspired’ home that has a strong traditional sense of place-but a slightly more contemporary sense of detail,” says architect William Court.

The home features multiple structures instead of just one which includes a guest home.  The main house sits at 4,125 square feet and includes a wraparound porch for outdoor living.  The porch gives a nice harbor view with great space for outdoor entertainment.  The exteriors are constructed of James Hardie siding which will stand up to the harsh coastal elements.

“While we are blessed with unparalleled beauty in the Southeast, the climate comes with humidity, moisture, salt air and pests. We love using Hardie fiber cement products in southern coastal areas because they hold their own in rain, sleet or snow. This allows us to provide our clients with a great low-maintenance and sustainable alternative to natural wood siding. Anytime we can get the look and feel of natural wood without the headache of ongoing maintenance, that’s a win, ” says Court.

The siding design used on the home is the Artisan shiplap siding by James Hardie.  “In our more contemporary coastal designs, we want to blend the use of historical proportions and familiar colors with unexpected details and clean lines. Our design team relies heavily on the range of products by James Hardie to create realistic historical details, as well as updated contemporary profiles with a sense of weight and proportion. Using the Artisan shiplap siding with mitered corners was a natural choice to get a crisp clean edge-but with an elevated sense of detail,” says Court.

The 2022 Southern Living 2022 house will only be on tour until the end of the month.  Currently the home is decorated for the holidays and can be toured by purchasing a ticket. All the proceeds will go to local charities.

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