Dew Drop Inn | AOS Interior Environments
The Dew Drop Inn, an iconic landmark in New Orleans, has been brought back to life through a meticulous restoration project by Studio Kiro and Ryan Gootee General Contractors. Originally established in 1939 by Frank Painia as a humble barbershop, the Dew Drop evolved into a cultural powerhouse that helped shape the city’s music scene and served as a beacon of Black economic resilience during segregation. As Painia expanded the business, he transformed the building into a bustling hotel, bar, and nightclub, which became a key stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, hosting legends such as Ray Charles, Little Richard, and Etta James. Beyond its influence on music, the Dew Drop Inn played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement, standing as a symbol of defiance against segregation laws. After the extensive renovation, the building reopened in 2023 and now features a 400-person music venue, a 17-room boutique hotel, a restaurant, and a pool club.
Dew Drop Inn, Studio Kiro, Ryan Gottee General Contractors, hospitality design, New Orleans, New Orleans landmarks, music venue New Orleans, historic places, historic tax credits
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Dew Drop Inn

The Dew Drop Inn, an iconic landmark in New Orleans, has been brought back to life through a meticulous restoration project by Studio Kiro and Ryan Gootee General Contractors. Originally established in 1939 by Frank Painia as a humble barbershop, the Dew Drop evolved into a cultural powerhouse that helped shape the city’s music scene and served as a beacon of Black economic resilience during segregation. As Painia expanded the business, he transformed the building into a bustling hotel, bar, and nightclub, which became a key stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, hosting legends such as Ray Charles, Little Richard, and Etta James. Beyond its influence on music, the Dew Drop Inn played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement, standing as a symbol of defiance against segregation laws. After the extensive renovation, the building reopened in 2023 and now features a 400-person music venue, a 17-room boutique hotel, a restaurant, and a pool club.

The recent restoration aimed not only to preserve the historic charm of the Dew Drop Inn but to honor its deep-rooted impact on music and civil rights. Painia’s original barbershop has been restored and is now a museum exhibit that includes an interactive oral history station, photographs and other memorabilia that recounts the venue’s storied past. Adjacent to this area, is the music venue, a modern take on the mid-century setting where so many musical greats performed. The space, combined with a restaurant and bar, is designed for versatility and transforms from a daytime dining space into an evening destination for live performances, jam sessions, and other events that bring the spirit of the Dew Drop back to life. A pair of viewing suites also overlook the stage, providing a unique experience, while each guest room also celebrates music icons. Additionally, an inviting pool and courtyard, accessible to both guests and local residents, provide a relaxing retreat from the New Orleans heat. As a result, this project ensures that future generations can experience the Dew Drop Inn while appreciating its enduring legacy in both music and civil rights.

LOCATION

New Orleans, LA

SIZE

9,250 SQ FT

YEAR OF COMPLETION

2024

ARCHITECT + INTERIOR DESIGNER

Studio Kiro

PHOTOGRAPHY

Courtesy of Rush Jagoe

Grisha Tarasov | Courtesy of Ryan Gootee General Contractors

VIDEO

NolaVid | Courtesy of Ryan Gootee General Contractors

Category
Hospitality + Residential