Tell us about The Chloe. How did you decide to develop a hotel?
I always knew I wanted to develop a hotel—hotels were always part of the plan. Back when The Chloe started coming together, Airbnb was really taking off. High-end travelers were paying top dollar to stay in beautiful residential neighborhoods, and that idea fascinated me.
For us, it always starts with the building itself. We take its history and let that inform the program. Honoring the story of a building—whether it’s new construction or a renovation—shapes the entire experience.
There’s so much to discover in Uptown New Orleans, and I was passionate about sharing that story. We wanted to give guests a real sense of what it’s like to experience a classic Garden District mansion, but in a way that feels welcoming and accessible.
Storytelling and experience seem to be common themes in your work. How do you incorporate those into your developments?
At The Chloe, it’s all about creating an experience—one that feels effortless but intentional. There’s the indoor-outdoor connection, the pool, the gardens—all those elements come together to make it feel like a great Southern home. But instead of being private, it’s open to the world.
For us, it’s also about placemaking for the neighborhood. We tell our story through national media to attract visitors who are “in the know”—people who want to go where the locals go. The magic happens in that interplay between residents and out-of-town guests. When those groups come together and enjoy the same environment, that’s when you create something truly interesting.
How did you decide on the name The Chloe?
Naming a project is a deliberate process for us. We dive deep into the building’s history, the site, and the people who came before us. Sometimes that research directly inspires the name.
With The Chloe, we spent six months searching for the right name. My good friend Taylor ultimately came up with it. Music is a big part of my life, and The Chloe is named after the song Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns by Mother Love Bone. There’s a lyric that says, “Chloe does the tables in the French Quarter.” She’s a spirit, a dream, an idea. It just felt right for this project.
Did you have a specific community outreach plan for The Chloe?
Absolutely. We made it a priority to talk to everyone early on and ensure our contractors were approachable and respectful. Noise and disruptions were kept to a minimum. If the people around you dislike what you’re doing, that’s 75% of your storytelling lost before you even begin.
We wanted to build good relationships with our neighbors, so during the first year of construction, we’d pass trays of margaritas or sazeracs over the fence at happy hour. It’s little things like that—showing respect and building goodwill—that really make a difference.
Can you elaborate on your expansion strategy?
We approach expansion with humility. We don’t focus on self-promotion, but we’re always open to sharing our vision and what we stand for. At LeBlanc + Smith, our vision is to create exceptional 21st-century Southern hospitality experiences that enable people to live joyful, balanced, and fulfilling lives.
It’s about creating a foundation of authenticity—something the community can always trust. For anyone starting in development, I’d say: define your vision early and stay true to it. It becomes your guidepost for every decision you make.
When we expand outside New Orleans, we aim to export a piece of the city—not by serving a sazerac or po’boy, but by bringing that sense of joie de vivre. It’s the energy, emotion, and storytelling spirit that New Orleanians just naturally exude. That’s what we want to share with the world.
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