Transforming a Haunted New Orleans Mansion into The Whit Hotel
Designers reimagine a historic 1857 property into a sophisticated, storied boutique destination.
1From Haunted Mansion to Hotel
The 1857 Greek Revival mansion in New Orleans has a turbulent history, transitioning from a cotton merchant’s home to a B&B famously associated with ghost tours. After a series of unconventional owners and an FBI raid, the property required a complete identity shift to shed its reputation as a haunted house.
2Strategic Design Vision
CEO Gretchen Trauth commissioned local firm Logan Killen to lead the transformation. Designers Jensen Killen and Katie Logan Leblanc aimed for a storied, lived-in aesthetic. The goal was to create a space that feels naturally evolved over time, avoiding the sterile look often associated with modern, professionally designed boutique hotel renovations.
3Architectural Repurposing Efforts
Architect Seamus McGuire managed the complex historical codes while reconfiguring the floor plan. The team converted three bedrooms into communal lounges to improve guest flow. A mahogany-paneled library now serves as a gallery, featuring antique dog portraits and a curated collection of volumes sourced from the local independent Faulkner House Books.
4Mastering the Great Room
The main lounge presented a significant challenge due to its expansive size. To ensure the space remains inviting when empty, designers utilized blue paint that shifts tone from day to night. They added a custom grid carpet and a salon-style wall featuring works by Louisiana artists like Robert Moreland and Mallory Page.
5Navigating Landmark Regulations
The second-floor bar design required careful navigation of landmark preservation rules. Since regulations forbid fabricating a false history for a space, the team opted for an openly Art Deco style. This approach avoids the pitfalls of inserting a contemporary bar into a historic property while respecting the building’s original structural integrity.
6Diverse Room Narratives
The Whit avoids uniformity across its guest accommodations. The property features a mix of classic units, four cozy garden rooms with low ceilings and oxblood walls, and three airy cabana rooms with bamboo beds. This variety supports the designers' intent to make the hotel feel like a collection of layered, individual histories.
7Curating the Guest Experience
Named after poet Walt Whitman, the hotel integrates literary and local cultural elements throughout its interiors. From the sunroom’s banquette seating to the breakfast room’s Pierre Frey wallpaper, every detail encourages guests to linger. The design successfully balances polish and patina, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and deeply rooted.
8Final Operational Impact
The renovation has successfully rebranded the property, effectively silencing the ghost stories that previously defined its public image. By focusing on a romantic, curio-studded aesthetic, the team transformed a controversial site into a premier destination. The Whit now stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can redefine a property’s market position.