Nearly 1,200 people have signed a Change.org petition urging the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) to block the planned demolition of Ted’s Frostop diner, a beloved New Orleans landmark.
Developer’s Plans for Demolition and New Development
RCR Ventures, the developer behind the plan, intends to demolish Ted’s Frostop and two neighboring buildings to make way for a three-story, 39-unit complex designed to house approximately 160 Tulane University students.
While the developers have promised to honor the diner’s legacy, they propose building a modern version of the diner on the ground floor of the new complex, with the iconic neon sign and root beer mug being preserved.
Tulane University, which will operate the student housing portion of the development, has stated that it will not be responsible for demolishing the diner.
HDLC’s Recommendation and Public Outcry
In a report released Thursday, the HDLC recommended against the demolition, citing the diner’s architectural and cultural significance to the New Orleans community.
Developer Matt Robért expressed his commitment to preserving the diner’s history, stating, “We have always wanted to include not only Ted’s Frostop, but specifically the historic signage. It’s near and dear to our heart having grown up in the area, and it’s near and dear to all of its neighbors.”
Local Residents Express Concerns Over Project
However, many neighbors and longtime patrons of Ted’s Frostop are not satisfied with the developer’s plans. They argue that they were notified too late to provide meaningful input on the project. A public meeting inside the diner on Monday evening was dominated by concerns about the project’s size and the timeline for demolition.
Cynthia Carr, a Tulane alumna who lives nearby, expressed frustration over the proposed changes. “It’s unfathomable that they would even do that,” she said. “Everyone I know is feeling the same way—like, how could they?”
