James Burch, a proposed developer for the former World Trade Center site, is busting out all the moves. First, he had local trumpeteer, Kermit Ruffins, blowing his horn over a potential music and supper club. Then yesterday he hung out with the local Irish singer, Danny O'Flaherty. If Burch wins the WTC debate, O'Flaherty's Folk World will be another music club in the space. Burch also announced that "The Spirit of Freedom," a 17-foot-tall, 27-ton sculpture worth $18M, will grace the lobby.
Burch's plans include turning the building at 2 Canal Place into a Valencia Hotel (see below) with luxury apartments, offices, music clubs, and an observation deck.
Last week, the city panel (you know, the ones responsible for the ultimate decision) asked Burch's group to be more specific on the four hotels he said were interested in the space. Looks like Valencia is on board, as Burch's "Best Plan" website says, "It's a "V" for Valencia. Not a "W." referring to rival Gatehouse's plans for a W Hotel.
· World Trade Center Redevelopment Plan Adds an Irish Music Club and a Patriotic Monument [nola.com]
· Save The New Orleans WTC [wtcnola.com]
· All WTC Coverage [Curbed NOLA]