McEnery Residential, LLC
4901 Magazine St.
mceneryresidential.com // facebook.com/mceneryresidential
@mceneryresidential // linkedin.com/company/mcenery-residential
When the team at McEnery Residential, LLC converted an Uptown Victorian into its offices, they turned to architect Brooks Graham. With McEnery Residential partners Ansley Seaver Marshall and Katherine Eshleman leading the charge on the interior décor, the result is a comfortable, professional space with residential touches that mirrors the work the company does for its clients.
Biz recently visited with partner Parke McEnery to learn more about the company’s headquarters and operational philosophy.
What were the design team’s goals?
Parke McEnery: The team was focused on creating a professional office environment that embodies the interior comfort and style of the Uptown New Orleans home, our core product.
What was the biggest design challenge?
They made it look easy. Converting what is effectively a four-plex into a single-tenant office space is challenging. Kat and Ansley’s creative approach to the floor planning, design and décor makes it all work very well. The upstairs was originally two very nice apartments, but as the company grew, we expanded upstairs, took over the apartments and converted what was formerly a kitchen [and] living space into our sales meeting and training room. Opening the load-bearing walls with cased openings has done a lot to create floor plan flow.
What is the standout feature of the design?
The surprisingly natural relationship between the necessary professional components — like the TV computer monitors built into our brick chimney and traditional office furnishings — mixed in with more home-centric décor and design touches. Spending time in our office is an in-your face reminder of how talented our agents are at preparing a home for market — probably one of the skillsets that our team has refined to mastery.
How would you describe McEnery Residential and its customer base?
We are a local company with local expertise and local relationships. Buying or selling a home is a major life event for our clients, and our familial and connected approach goes a long way to ensuring the transaction finds its optimal outcome for our clients.
How do you set yourselves apart from others doing similar work?
We have built a business in the historic center of the market that has maybe more effectively leveraged true relationship-based business development and performance. Our agents have also created a unique and highly effective approach to creation and delivery of the digital messaging in marketing, as well as a branded curation of the home preparation and showing experience.
How do you promote a positive work atmosphere for the staff?
This is challenging today, with remote work being as easy as it has become. Our team stays productive working from just about anywhere. We do see our agents coming back to the office more regularly, but it remains something we have to continue to work on.
What are your biggest challenges?
We have worked really hard this year to stay ahead of the major changes that continue to impact the real estate market — so far, so good. We have been watching operating expenses very carefully and have stayed focused on ensuring we stay connected to some of the most marketable homes in the market. Keeping cutting-edge practices and philosophy is critical to ensuring our agents’ collective competitive edge.
What goals are you looking to meet in the next 12 months?
Our goals for the next 12 months are to continue to promote the value of the office synergy we have here on Magazine, and most importantly we want to outpace the market and stay ahead of the unavoidable changes in the way the market continues to transact.
Is there a question you wished I had asked?
I wish you asked if we own or lease our building. We have a fabulous landlord, Mike Winters with Winters Title. Mike is a wonderful man, and I would like for you to put in print that we sure hope one day he agrees to sell us the building!
Quick Look
Number of years in operation
5 years
Style of architecture
Uptown Victorian
Square footage
3,800 square feet
Number of Employees
2 employees, 61 agents and brokers
Persons in Charge
Leadership team — Ansley Seaver Marshall, partner; Katherine Eshleman, partner; Parke McEnery, partner; Mike Humphrey, managing broker; and Colleen Mayfield, director of operations.
Architecture
Brooks Graham
Interior Décor
Ansley Seaver Marshall and Katherine Eshleman
Initial Brand Development
Alli Morrison
Art and furnishings
Ansley Seaver Marshall and Katherine Eshleman, with much of the art purchased through Cole Pratt.
