restoration of a unique urban esthetic while avoiding the “boutique city conundrum”: the case of new orleans

Since Hurricane Katrina wrought devastation on the city of New Orleans in 2005, the city has seen a renaissance with the return of many of those who fled the storm, as well as an inward migration of young professionals and entrepreneurs who believe there is opportunity for an attractive future in the region in which they can participate.  The city exercises a fascination upon many, in large part due to a Latin-French esthetic accompanied by an artistically creative impulse of African influence.  In the following pages, we would like to explore in more detail what has happened in the city since the destruction of 2005, and some of the challenges New Orleans faces, while recognizing its resurrection is in large part due to its beauty as a subtropical, almost Caribbean, port city which is a crucible of distinct cultures, yielding a very appealing mix as expressed through music, literature, architecture and food.  And this blend is attracting entrepreneurs, artists and artisans of all types.  Without these cultural attributes, it is unlikely that New Orleans would have come back in its present form.  On the contrary, it would likely have been reduced to a mere touristic museum of a once existent Creole Culture, a sort of “touristic boutique”.