BankPlus Tower: A Landmark of the New Orleans Skyline
Standing as a prominent fixture in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, the BankPlus Tower is more than just an office building; it is a piece of the city's architectural identity. Located at 909 Poydras Street, this skyscraper blends functional commercial space with a striking post-modern aesthetic, contributing significantly to the urban landscape of the Gulf Coast.
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Key Facts
- Height: 481 feet (147 meters) to the roof.
- Ranking: The fifth tallest building in both New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.
- Architecture: Designed in the post-modern style by Welton Becket & Associates.
- Capacity: 36 stories featuring 544,998 square feet of office space.
- Ownership: Currently owned by Hertz Investment Group since 2005.
Architectural Design and Construction
Completed in 1987 and developed by Joseph C. Canizaro, the BankPlus Tower was designed by the renowned firm Welton Becket & Associates. The building is a prime example of post-modern architecture, a style that emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction to the austerity of modernism, often incorporating decorative elements and diverse materials.
The exterior is characterized by a sophisticated cladding of granite and bronze-tinted glass. To ensure its presence is felt even after sunset, the tower is illuminated by spotlights, making it one of the most recognizable structures in the New Orleans nighttime skyline.
At the ground level, the building integrates art into its professional environment. The main entrance on Poydras Street is flanked by two bronze sculptures created by artist Enrique Alférez, depicting David and a lute player.
Building Specifications and Layout
The tower is engineered for high-density commercial use, utilizing a 36-story vertical layout to maximize its footprint in the city center. The internal distribution is divided between utility and professional space:
- Parking: Floors 2 through 8 are dedicated parking levels, accessible via O'Keefe Avenue.
- Office Space: Floors 10 through 36 house the primary office suites.
- Vertical Transport: The building is equipped with 15 lifts (elevators) to manage tenant and visitor flow.
The total office area spans 544,998 square feet, providing significant capacity for the city's business sector. Leasing for the property is currently managed by Beau Box Commercial Real Estate.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 909 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112–4000 |
| Completion Year | 1987 |
| Roof Height | 481 feet (147 m) |
| Total Floors | 36 |
| Office Area | 544,998 sq ft (50,632 m²) |
| Architect | Welton Becket & Associates |
History and Resilience
Over the decades, the building has been known by several names, reflecting the changing corporate landscape of the region. It has previously been called the LL&E Tower (named after the Louisiana Land & Exploration Company), the First Bank and Trust Tower, and the 909 Poydras Tower. Its current name, BankPlus Tower, is derived from the New Orleans area bank, BankPlus.
The tower's resilience was tested in August 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused significant damage, including roof damage and blown-out windows. However, the building underwent repairs and successfully reopened to its tenants by late 2005.
Location and Boundaries
The BankPlus Tower is centrally positioned within the Central Business District, bounded by four key thoroughfares:
- South: Poydras Street
- West: O'Keefe Avenue
- North: Perdido Street
- East: Penn Street
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the BankPlus Tower?
The building reaches a roof height of 481 feet (147 meters).
Who designed the BankPlus Tower?
The tower was designed by the architectural firm Welton Becket & Associates.
What are the previous names of the building?
It was formerly known as the LL&E Tower, the First Bank and Trust Tower, and the 909 Poydras Tower.
Where is the parking located in the building?
Parking is located on floors 2 through 8 and is accessed from O'Keefe Avenue.
How did Hurricane Katrina affect the tower?
The building suffered roof damage and blown-out windows during the storm in August 2005, but it was repaired and reopened by the end of that year.