Retail Construction Company

In July 2024, Mayer Building Company proudly completed the newest Abercrombie & Fitch location at Lakeside Shopping Center, delivering the project on time and within budget. With a fast-tracked construction schedule and stringent brand standards to meet, the project presented several challenges. However, through clear communication, precise coordination, and a shared commitment to excellence, the team rose to the occasion. This build-out exemplifies the core values we strive for at MBC: responsiveness, reliability, and a collaborative approach from preconstruction through to closeout. Hats off to Ben and Andy for leading the charge, and sincere thanks to our dedicated trade partners and the ownership team for their trust and collaboration. It was a true team effort and a resounding success.

Mayer Building Company proudly completed the expansion and renovation of the Mignon Faget flagship store at Lakeside Shopping Center, just in time for the Black Friday holiday rush. The project featured a significantly enlarged retail footprint, a striking new glass storefront and entry, refined architectural elements throughout, and sleek, modern display systems to showcase Mignon Faget’s distinctive jewelry collections. One of the project’s most complex challenges involved the custom fabrication and installation of curved metal sheeting for the exterior storefront—a design-forward feature that required exacting precision. The success of this build-out was made possible through close collaboration with the owner’s representative, Maghan Oroszi, whose leadership helped unify the efforts of the client, design team, and trades. The result is a timeless, high-impact retail space that reflects the legacy and continued evolution of the Mignon Faget brand—an iconic presence in New Orleans design.

In the summer of 2023, Mayer Building Company successfully completed a sophisticated three-in-one watch boutique for Watches of Switzerland. Located within a premier retail setting, the project brought together three iconic luxury brands—Breitling, Grand Seiko, and TAG Heuer—under one roof. The build-out required meticulous coordination and a high level of technical execution, including advanced anti-theft infrastructure and reinforced structural assemblies to meet both brand and security standards. Each boutique featured custom-designed storefronts, distinctive branded finishes, and refined lighting installations tailored to showcase the craftsmanship of the timepieces within. This high-end retail environment is a testament to MBC’s attention to detail, its ability to deliver premium spaces, and its commitment to realizing the vision of world-class retail partners.

The build-out required meticulous coordination and a high level of technical execution, including advanced anti-theft infrastructure and reinforced structural assemblies to meet both brand and security standards. Each boutique featured custom-designed storefronts, distinctive branded finishes, and refined lighting installations tailored to showcase the craftsmanship of the timepieces within.

This high-end retail environment is a testament to MBC’s attention to detail, ability to deliver premium spaces, and commitment to realizing the vision of world-class retail partners.

While constructing the Lush Cosmetics store on Magazine Street, Mayer Building Company also completed a second location for Lush on Royal Street in the historic French Quarter. This unique project included a full interior build-out, which involved new masonry work, updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and the installation of signature branded finishes. The project was further enhanced by the integration of historic architectural elements from the property’s original carriage house and courtyard, requiring careful preservation efforts and skillful execution. Delivered just in time for the 2015 holiday shopping season, the project was completed on schedule, with only a minor punch list remaining. The end result was a beautifully executed retail space, pleased clients, and a successful addition to Lush’s national portfolio—all within one of New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhoods.

Adding complexity and charm to the scope was the integration of historic architectural elements tied to the property’s original carriage house and courtyard—requiring both sensitivity to preservation and skillful execution.

Delivered just ahead of the 2015 holiday shopping season, the project was completed on schedule with only a minor punch-list. The end result: a beautifully executed retail space, a satisfied client, and a successful addition to Lush’s national portfolio—all set within one of New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhoods.

At The Shops at Canal Place, Mayer Building Company completed the build-out for luxury denim retailer G-Star RAW in 2018. Known for its innovative approach to fashion and retail design, the brand required a highly customized space that incorporated a variety of specialty materials, high-end finishes, and unconventional applications—all executed to meticulous international standards. As a globally recognized brand with headquarters overseas, G-Star RAW brought bold design intent and a distinct visual identity to the project. From raw textures to industrial elements and precise detailing, the store reflects the company’s cutting-edge style and commitment to quality. MBC was proud to meet this challenge, delivering a dynamic, high-impact retail environment that aligned with the brand’s vision and enhanced the shopping experience in this prominent New Orleans destination.

Mayer Building Company partnered with a Northeast-based construction manager to deliver two Michael Kors retail locations in the New Orleans area. The first shop opened at The Shops at Canal Place, followed by a second location at Lakeside Shopping Center. While the brand's aesthetic and core design elements remained consistent across both locations, each project presented its unique site conditions and logistical challenges. With a focus on branding precision, MBC executed both projects to exacting standards, ensuring consistency in quality, finish, and presentation. Each store was delivered on time, with minimal punch-list items, and both spaces continue to function well as durable, high-traffic retail environments. These projects showcase MBC’s ability to collaborate seamlessly with national partners while providing the local expertise and attention to detail necessary for successful retail delivery.

In November 2016, Mayer Building Company, LLC completed renovations for Sunday Shop, located in a previously underused and dilapidated two-story building at 2025 Magazine Street. The design was crafted by Logan Killen Interiors, resulting in “Sunday Shop…a carefully curated lifestyle store led by a team of approachable and knowledgeable interior designers.” According to the Sunday Shop website, “For years, the designers and owners of Logan Killen Interiors have dreamed of opening a store in New Orleans that would house all of their favorite things. Katie Logan LeBlanc and Jensen Killen are passionate about good design and how it enhances our daily lives, from the perfect paint color to the candle that makes it feel like home. Sunday Shop is a direct extension of LKI, bringing you some of the best in furniture, textiles, fine lighting, and art.” Congratulations to Katie and Jensen on this achievement, and thank you for your hard work. Photos by Augusta Sagnelli.

In October 2016, Mayer Building Company, LLC proudly completed extensive interior and exterior improvements for Pilot & Powell, a premier luxury fashion boutique located at 3901 Magazine Street in New Orleans. This project was a collaborative effort with the acclaimed local design firm Logan Killen Interiors, reflecting a shared vision of timeless elegance, elevated retail experience, and architectural refinement. The project included a complete glass storefront retrofit that transformed the building's street presence, as well as a suite of curated interior features: unique wall and floor finishes, custom lighting fixtures, handcrafted merchandising racks, and a one-of-a-kind point-of-sale desk designed to anchor the space with both function and style. Artfully detailed fitting rooms added comfort and character, while the back-of-house area was thoughtfully outfitted with a new restroom and office to support daily operations. From concept to completion, the boutique's design was tailored to reflect the refined identity of the Pilot & Powell brand. A passage from their website elegantly summarizes the spirit behind both the business and the space. Photo by J. Stephen Young.

Before the 2017 Carnival season, Mayer Building Company, LLC completed the transformation of a worn mercantile space into a chic, contemporary luxury retail store called Joseph, located at 5500 Magazine Street. According to Joseph's website, “Today’s Joseph stores in Memphis and New Orleans are among the top four or five retail operations in the U.S., outside of the Neiman Marcus group and Saks, in sales of designer shoes, handbags, jewelry, apparel, and cosmetics.” The renovations included updates to the back-of-house area, enhancements to the sales floors, the addition of a new high-end cash wrap, and improvements to the exterior of the store.