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Arabella Station

A striking 19th-century transit hub on Magazine Street, this National Register of Historic Places site has evolved from a bustling carbarn into a modern upscale grocery destination.

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Arabella Station
www.wholefoodsmarket.com, og_image_www.wholefoodsmarket.com

What is Arabella Station known for?

Arabella Station is a historic building located on Magazine Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 1996.

What is currently located at Arabella Station?

The building currently houses a Whole Foods Market, which first opened in December 2002.

What are the hours for the Whole Foods Market at Arabella Station?

The store is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where is Arabella Station located?

It is located at 5600 Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans.

What is the history of the Arabella Station building?

Built in 1893 (or 1894) by the Youngstown Bridge Co. and designed by Linus W. Brown, the structure originally served as a bus barn. It has also been known as Arabella Carbarn and Upper Magazine Station/Carbarn.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Arabella Station is a historic landmark situated at 5600 Magazine Street in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans. Originally constructed in 1893, the building was designed by architect Linus W. Brown and built by the Youngstown Bridge Co. Throughout its history, the site has been recognized by several names, including the Arabella Carbarn and the Upper Magazine Station/Carbarn. The structure serves as a prime example of industrial preservation. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 1996, ensuring the protection of its architectural legacy. The property, which spans 1.65 acres, was later purchased from the City of New Orleans in 2001 by local developer Christopher Sarpy. In December 2002, the 30,300-square-foot retail property underwent a significant renovation to house a Whole Foods Market. This adaptive reuse project transformed the former transit barn into a commercial space that offers a wide selection of seafood, meats, and freshly baked goods. The property's value reflects its prime location and historic status, having sold for approximately $31.4 million in 2015. Today, the site remains a focal point of the community. While it functions as a modern market, the exterior retains the character of the 1893 build, blending New Orleans' transit history with the contemporary lifestyle of the Uptown district.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily to explore the interior market.
  • Look for the off-street parking available for those visiting the market.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this stop is located along the expansive and walkable Magazine Street.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Uptown New Orleans, Arabella Station is a cornerstone of the Magazine Street corridor, an area known for its eclectic mix of historic architecture, boutique shopping, and local eateries.

Sources

Evidence and links