Fulton Alley
About the Project
If new buildings open with a ribbon and scissors, new construction projects start by unrolling a set of plans and diving into the preconstruction process. In 2013, when Palmisano Construction (now RNGD) launched its first commercial construction project in an empty bus barn in downtown New Orleans, it symbolized a new possibility for historic, hospitality, infrastructure, and commercial construction. It was a chance to use our renegade ethos for the first time. And what better way to start than with a project that looked to defy the norm itself: Fulton Alley. As a commercial hospitality project located in the Warehouse District, it represented the tangible beginning of our dynamic concept and a needed shake-up for a stagnant industry.
Repurposing a static space
The owners—Brechtel Hospitality—selected us to actualize their vision of a boutique bowling alley with a “speakeasy vibe.” This new take on entertainment would enliven a pedestrian mall that few would’ve thought to develop at the time. The space was housed in a former bus barn with no HVAC, electrical, windows, or doors. Suffice to say, the job would be an all-encompassing buildout that involved repurposing a static space into a 20,000-SF working bowling alley with a restaurant, two bars, 12 lanes, a commercial kitchen, and outdoor seating. A challenge we were ready to take on.
Speed, efficiency, and ingenuity
With little more than drainage, converting this raw space started with a complete demo and leveling. Next came the installation of essential infrastructure for a restaurant, bar, commercial kitchen, and new bowling lanes. On the exterior, the cutouts for the bus entrances were built back to storefront arches, and custom-ordered windows would later fit into brick frames, elongating the pedestrian mall’s aesthetic. From there, our team applied speed, efficiency, and ingenuity to deliver our first project in a tight 16-week timeline.
Rebelliously efficient approach
At RNGD, we talk a lot about renegades, but the notion came alive in this first project. After offering unique ways to boost the construction process, the “renegade” moniker was bestowed. Even in this first project, we were noted for going against the grain. But the final product was proof that a flexible perspective to planning and construction can open possibilities and spark innovation. It was also more evidence that the status quo needed to be challenged. And now, after a decade of work in a wide array of areas, RNGD knows that this rebelliously efficient approach, which started with Palmisano, is just what everyone is looking for.
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