{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fculture-flavor.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Fcurtis-doucette-Ox6RYtTZ","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Dew Drop Inn | Curtis Doucette Jr.","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/b7145f8c-161e-4425-a032-e1d7ad264925/484fe250-8516-418d-b6cc-c7a196a814ae/candf-20curtis.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/69a7ecfb-d911-449e-be6e-a7c57267b4c8\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"Dew Drop Inn | Curtis Doucette Jr.\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Curtis Doucette, Jr., owner and developer of the Dew Drop Inn, a restored music venue and boutique hotel in New Orleans, Central City. A New Orleans native, Curtis is also the co-founder and CEO of Iris Development, a real estate firm focused on rehabilitating blighted properties and creating affordable housing in New Orleans and New York City.\n\nBefore founding Iris in 2012, Curtis developed and managed a multimillion-dollar portfolio of residential real estate in Louisiana, utilizing creative financing to serve low- and moderate-income residents. In 2021, Curtis acquired the historic Dew Drop Inn, once home to legendary artists like Ray Charles and Little Richard. After a three-year renovation, it reopened with a 350-person music venue, 17 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a pool club.\n\nCurtis holds an M.S. from Columbia University and a B.A. from Dillard University, and is committed to community development and supporting minority-owned businesses."}