Perlis Clothing
New Orleans, Louisiana
For more than 80 years, Perlis Clothing has been a New Orleans institution with a fiercely loyal customer base. When they came to us about renovating their Magazine Street flagship, we knew the line we had to walk. Push it too far, and it stops feeling like Perlis. Play it safe, and nothing changes. Together, we undertook a full renovation that unfolded over 12 tightly sequenced construction phases, all without ever closing the store.
From the outset, our goal was to elevate the functionality, flow, and aesthetic clarity of the space. We started by rethinking circulation: the original stair was removed and replaced with a new stair, improving sightlines and customer flow between the floors. Openings were carved into the second floor to bring in more light and visibility. Window display areas were removed, and back-of-house spaces were reorganized to support a more open and inviting experience.
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Status
2024
Category
Retail + Hospitality
Project Team
Kelsey Chappuis, Terri Dreyer, Jeremy Baudy, Samantha Johnson
“I’m proud that the result is exactly what we were hoping to achieve – a more open and inviting space on both sales floors that makes it more comfortable to shop.” - David Perlis
A custom wallpaper wraps select interior walls with historic references—featuring the original Perlis logo and imagery from its earliest storefronts. It serves as a tactile reminder of the company’s roots while celebrating its evolution.
Downstairs, we introduced a clean grid layout and wrapped existing columns to establish rhythm while maintaining warmth. The men’s department became a free-flowing, intuitive retail zone with floating fixtures, new mirrors, and movable wooden elements that support seasonal merchandising. The women’s and boys’ departments upstairs reflect a more refined palette that match the elegance of the clothing line.
Lighting and HVAC systems were completely modernized. We used daylight and LED lighting to define zones and bring consistency across the space. Much of the existing furniture and fixtures were reused or refinished, balancing sustainability with cost-efficiency. Through early space planning and optioning, we helped the client visualize multiple configurations—ultimately delivering a layout that supports browsing, discovery, and long-term flexibility.
The renovation extended beyond the interior. We addressed roof issues first, including installation of new rooftop mechanical units and upgrades to waterproofing and drainage. Exterior work included new site lighting, drainage mitigation along sidewalks and walls, updated paint, and the removal of bay windows to highlight the building’s original fenestration and increase interior visibility.
The result is a quieter kind of transformation—one that respects the legacy of a beloved local institution while making sure it continues to serve its customers for generations to come.
