A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in New Orleans Thursday afternoon to mark the restoration of the famed Dew Drop Inn. Developer Curtis Doucette Jr. said it’s a true passion project for him and the inn played host to music icons like Ray Charles and Little Richard.
“And a lot of local legends like Allen Toussaint and Irma Thomas, that also performed and got their start at the Dew Drop Inn,” said Doucette.
Doucette said once renovated the property will have 17 boutique hotel rooms, a retail space, resort-style pool and of course a music venue. And he said they plan to host a concert with local legends who once performed at the inn…
“To pay homage to the people who really made it what it is, but then we also want to bring in some new acts because as much as we want to honor the legacy, we want to continue the legacy,” said Doucette.
The site of the Dew Drop Inn evolved from a 1939 barber shop, and in its full heyday Doucette said it was a nightclub, restaurant, bar, and hotel. In addition to birthing future rock and roll legends Doucette said it played another historic role.
“It was something that was listed on the Green Book. For those who are not familiar with the Green Book it was a motorist guide that told African American’s basically how to safely navigate the Jim Crow south,” said Doucette.
Doucette said they hope to have the restored Dew Drop Inn open by this time next year.
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