New Orleans is famous for its culture and history, evident in the city’s distinctive architectural heritage. Layered onto this rich heritage are many newer buildings and renovations, some of which are already considered iconic. This list is a compilation of 15 of the area’s best commercial contractors behind some of New Orleans’s most notable newer construction.
Our editorial team curated this list based on the firms’ well-established reputations and portfolios. The firms selected are also recipients of numerous distinctions and awards.
DonahueFavret Contractors
3030 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70448
DonahueFavret Contractors takes great pride in its solid reputation. Since its establishment, it has worked on some of the most visible buildings in Greater New Orleans and throughout the Gulf South Region. The company brings a high level of expertise to each of its projects and has received over 19 prestigious national awards. These include various Excellence in Construction distinctions from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The company has been in business since 1979 and provides a comprehensive range of services. The photo illustrates one of the firm’s commercial projects..
This massive project was completed for JCPenney in two locations. It spanned roughly 125,000 square feet and was designed in collaboration with several architects. The project was completed in about 225 days.
The Lemoine Company
300 Lafayette St., Ste. 100, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Lemoine Company assists its clients through every phase and aspect of the build process. It draws on over five decades of industry experience and offers a comprehensive range of industry services. These encompass building construction, disaster response, and comprehensive program services. The firm has worked in a wide range of sectors, including federal, state, commercial, healthcare, education, and non-profit sectors. One of the firm’s best spaces is showcased in the photo.
McNeese State University’s Health and Human Performance Complex (shown below) serves as the epicenter of the university’s athletics facilities. For this project, the firm worked on providing on-site remediation and reconstruction work.
Landis Construction Co.
8300 Earhart Boulevard Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70118
Based in the heart of New Orleans, Landis Construction is an award-winning firm with a long history. Its distinctions include the Excellence in Construction Award from the ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter. The firm benefits from over six decades of experience in and around the industry and has established many productive partnerships. Now on its third generation of builders, the company is led by Anne Teague Landis. Under her leadership, the firm has curated an outstanding portfolio and has expanded its services.
The project depicted is an indication of the firm’s talent and expertise. Landis completed the New Orleans Jazz Market to transform a former historic market site, first built in 1848. It spans over 14,000 square feet and two stories. Some of its unique elements include a rehearsal room, an education room, two bars, and executive offices.
The McDonnel Group
3350 Ridgelake Drive, Suite 170, Metairie, LA 70002
The McDonnel Group is an award-winning firm that provides a comprehensive range of commercial services. Composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals, The McDonnel Group draws inspiration from its team’s decades of experience in the industry. Together, they assist the firm’s clients throughout the entire process, from preconstruction and design to project engineering and construction. The company adheres to the highest standards and provides a highly hands-on approach, allowing for a personal and customized product. Some of the firm’s specialties include ground-up construction of new buildings, additions, interior and exterior renovations, and remodeling. The photo shows an excellent example of the company’s expertise.
Completed for the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum in the former Jackson Brewery building, this project entailed a unique renovation, totaling 11,000 square feet and featuring excellent custom millwork. Some other outstanding elements included over 500 installations, together with specialized audio and video equipment.
Ryan Gootee General Contractors
1100 Ridgewood Drive, Metairie, LA 70001
Headquartered in Metairie, Ryan Gootee General Contractors provides a comprehensive range of services. It has been voted one of the best places to work in New Orleans seven times. Ryan Gootee is also an award-winning national firm and the recipient of various distinctions from AGC Build America. The firm is family-owned and operated and is licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi. It also maintains affiliations with essential organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA), EPA, and the US Green Building Council. The project depicted is an excellent example of the firm’s expertise.
The newly renovated 51,987-square-foot Sazerac House is a state-of-the-art interactive cocktail museum, active distillery, corporate headquarters, and event venue all under one roof. Located adjacent to the historic French Quarter, Ryan Gootee General Contractors revitalized one of New Orleans’ most prominent corners—Canal Street and Magazine Street. The full-scale historic rehabilitation and adaptive-reuse incorporates two 1860s-era historic buildings which had remained vacant and derelict for 30 years. The six-story Sazerac House pays homage to the storied history of America’s first mixed-spirits drink and the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans’, not to mention the namesake and homeplace of America’s largest spirits company. The museum experience immerses visitors in the cocktail culture of the vibrant city of New Orleans through history while elucidating the craft and traditions which inform the creation of spirits into the modern era.
F. H. Myers Construction Corporation
520 Commerce Point, Harahan, LA 70123
F.H. Myers Construction handles every phase and aspect of the commercial construction process. From its office in Harahan, the firm has completed a wide variety of projects. These include commercial spaces and projects for the educational, financial, government, healthcare, historical, hospitality, industrial, multifamily, and religious markets. Since its establishment, the company has worked with a large number of major brands. It also maintains affiliations with professional organizations like the AIA. The firm is personally led by its principal, Ryan Myers. All of the firm’s clients can expect that each project will receive the benefit of his experience.
The project below, located in the heart of Metairie, consisted of three phases. Besides the renovation of the parking lot, the firm’s team also worked on the façade, lighting systems, and an all-new cafe area.
Block Companies
619 Jefferson Highway Suite 2G, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Block Companies operates out of two offices in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Houston, Texas. It has experience in all aspects of the commercial and multifamily construction process and has developed a methodical approach to its work. The company has received countless excellent reviews throughout its years in business. Its commitment to sustainability assures its clients that its projects are designed and created using environmentally-friendly practices, resulting in sustainable spaces. The photo shows an excellent example of the company’s expertise.
Completed for Carrol Cuisine, this photo depicts the firm’s work on the Sac-a-Lait Restaurant. Located in the heart of New Orleans, the project was completed in collaboration with the professionals of Graham Little Studio. The restaurant was initially constructed in 1882, and the firm was tasked with working on its extensive updates while retaining its transitional and rustic interiors.
Voelkel McWilliams Construction
4 Saint Ann Dr., Mandeville, LA 70471
With over three decades of industry experience, Voelkel McWilliams Construction operates a full-service general contracting firm out of its office in Mandeville. The firm handles an extensive range of projects and assists clients with every aspect, from preconstruction estimates and schedules to value analysis and design. Voelkel McWilliams Construction’s portfolio is a diverse gallery of spaces from the automotive, educational, and food service sectors. It has also taken on several medical, office, recreation, retail, worship, and restoration projects. Since its inception, it has also been the recipient of various distinctions from respected organizations like the AIA.
The photo is of St. Michael Special School, which has been educating students with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1965, in the historic Lower Garden District of New Orleans. The project gracefully balances the old and new with the exterior restoration of the circa 1850’s Greek Revival “Convent” building to its original appearance and the addition of a dedicated student chapel.
Perrier Esquerré Contractors
326 Almedia Road, St. Rose, LA 70087
Perrier Esquerré Contractors anchors its services in an adherence to high standards. The company’s range of services is extensive and includes various innovative techniques. The firm is particularly noted for its excellent project collaboration and cost-efficiency. This ensures that all of its spaces are completed on time and within the agreed-upon budget. The firm is the product of the vision of its founders and namesakes, Brett Perrier and Keith Esquerré, who founded the firm in 2014. They first gained experience working on commercial projects totaling $750 million. They assure clients that each project the firm takes on receives the benefit of this experience.
The firm is also noted for its take on the design-build approach, which has resulted in outstanding interior build-outs. Our editorial team was particularly impressed by the firm’s comprehensive construction management work. The company’s portfolio includes several noteworthy commercial, restaurant, retail, office, and healthcare spaces.
Arkel Constructors
1048 Florida Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Operating out of its office in Baton Rouge, Arkel Constructors is licensed to work in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi. The firm’s range of services is comprehensive, from preconstruction to design. It assists clients throughout the process and can handle projects at any level of challenge or complexity. Our editorial team was impressed by its portfolio, which contains medical, office, retail, industrial, warehousing, hospitality, automotive, and banking spaces. The company’s projects range from ground-up construction work to extensive renovations and build-outs.
The firm has been in business since 1996 and is noted for its excellent engineering work. Arkel attributes its success primarily to its talented staff, composed of qualified and experienced professionals. The photo below is a characteristic example of its work. Completed for All-Star Volvo, the project is a LEED Certified space.
Mayer Building Company
1000 N. Broad St., New Orleans, LA 70119
Mayer Building Company has expertise in all aspects of the commercial construction process. The firm operates out of its office in New Orleans and extends its services throughout the metropolitan area. The firm’s impressive experience in the design-build process allows it to keep the entire project in-house, streamlining for both the firm and client the need for subcontractors. Mayer has justifiably received outstanding reviews through the years. It was recently given the 2020 Excellence in Construction and Real Estate distinction from the New Orleans City Business. The firm is personally led and overseen by its owner and namesake, Ryan Mayer. Mayer Building Compnay’s portfolio includes renovations for French Truck Coffee, Otis Elevator, Eye South Partners, Loyola University, the Southern Yacht Club, and numerous medical and wellness facilities.
The photo shows an example of the firm’s talent and expertise. The project depicted was completed for the Strayer University. It was finished in early 2020 and entailed wholesale build-out, new systems, touchless fixtures and fittings (due to early COVID pivoting) and high grade/ high end finishes.
Jos. R Labadot
1418 Edwards Ave. Suite A, New Orleans, LA 70123
Founded in 1986, Jos. R Labadot extends its services throughout Greater New Orleans and is a licensed commercial general contractor. Since its establishment, the firm has developed a prime clientele composed of well-known brands. The firm’s excellent portfolio includes projects from the restaurant, retail, office, and residential sectors. The company is fully licensed and insured and is composed of some of the area’s best and most prominent professionals. Under their leadership, the firm has become noted for its excellent cost control and methods.
The project shown below was completed for Lindt Chocolate. For this space, the firm’s team collaborated with the professionals of Sargenti Architects in 2014. Our editorial team was impressed by its open floor plan and adherence to the brand’s signature themes.
LANCO Construction Co.
241 Woodland Dr., Laplace, LA 70068
LANCO Construction is a family-owned business that draws on decades of industry experience and skill-building. It specializes in commercial services and has become known for the integrity and expertise of its talented professionals. These strengths are demonstrated by LANCO’s large percentage of repeat clients. The firm’s lasting relationships have also resulted in excellent partnerships with some of the area’s best subcontractors and artisans. It comes as no surprise that the firm is also the recipient of many awards and distinctions. Of particular note is the firm’s achievement of the title Louisiana Builder of the Year by Construction and Engineering Magazine.
Some well-known brands the company has worked with include Sperry, Walgreens, Starbucks, and Burger King. Its portfolio also includes projects completed for Louisiana State University and other organizations.
BEI General Contractors
22278 10th St., Abita Springs, LA 70420
BEI General Contractors is fully licensed and insured and has been in business since 1992. Headquartered in Abita Springs, BEI General Contractors offers a comprehensive range of services. The company is highly regarded for both its residential and commercial work and has completed spaces for some of the most discerning clients. The firm achieves this success through a highly meticulous and personalized process, allowing its team to infuse the new spaces with the clients’ visions. The firm also emphasizes the importance of close communication with everyone throughout the entire process.
The company extends its services throughout the Greater New Orleans area. It can handle projects regardless of size or scale. Its portfolio of designs includes a gallery of meticulously rendered spaces with a variety of themes. Featured here is Manning’s Sports Bar and Grill in New Orleans. The company built the restaurant’s unique setup that caters especially to sports fans. It has 30 flat-screen TVs, two 13-foot mega-screens, a sports anchor desk, and a recliner dining section.
