Real-estate developers Cypress Equities and Lauricella Land Company have commenced the construction of a new office tower in River District, New Orleans, US.

This project reportedly marks the first Class A office building in the city since 1989 and the inaugural 'major' office venture within the River District.

The eight-storey building, spanning 123,941ft² along the banks of the Mississippi River, will become the headquarters for energy and petrochemical company Shell's Gulf of Mexico operations.

A lease agreement was signed with Shell last year. 

Capro Capital, an American real-estate private equity company, is providing equity for the project.

Architect Gensler's design for the glass curtain wall of the building will reflect New Orleans' history and culture, with a facade inspired by the Mississippi River’s shipping industry.

The building's design will feature faceted metal panels and a palette of bronze, glass, and concrete.

The development aims to create a sustainable environment, boasting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a polycarbonate mesh screen for the parking podium, and a rooftop garden offering views of the river and city.

The site's lower levels will include public spaces, green areas, and retail zones, enhancing the urban experience.

Specifically, the development will feature first-floor restaurant space, encompassing 6,407ft², designed to operate as a dining destination for both locals and visitors.

Finally, Broadmoor is overseeing the construction process as the general contractor while Integrated Logistical Support is managing the civil engineering aspects of the project.

River District Neighborhood Investors manager Louis Lauricella said: “We are especially excited that the Shell project will set a tone of world-class quality for the River District as we work with an array of new enterprises looking to locate in what will be New Orleans’ most promising real-estate development since the Superdome.”