CALL TO ACTION: DENY DEMOLITION FOR TED's FROSTOP!

Images above: NOLA.com

Please join Louisiana Landmarks Society in opposing the demolition of Ted’s Frostop at 3100 Calhoun. The demolition request is scheduled to be heard at the Historic District Landmarks Commission’s meeting on Wednesday, April 8^th.

The Versailles historic neighborhood first learned through the media on March 23rd
of the proposal to demolish the iconic Ted’s Frostop and build a private development of apartment-style dormitories to lease to Tulane.

There was no outreach by Tulane University, RCR Claiborne Venture, LLC, or the City of New Orleans prior. Residents have not had the time nor the information needed to understand the impacts this proposed project will have on their residential community.

Louisiana Landmarks Society strongly supports the HDLC Staff Report’s recommendation of DENIAL of the demolition. We ask that you do too!

Please email by APRIL 7 to the HDLC at wcargile@nola.gov and ask them to DENY the demolition request.

Demolition of the original Ted's Frostop structure threatens an irreplaceable cultural landmark
No community engagement was conducted prior to the project's announcement
The development is grossly out of scale with the HU-RS single-family neighborhood
Serious pedestrian safety risks on S. Claiborne Avenue have not been studied
Only 37 parking spaces are planned for 160 residents — traffic and parking impacts have not been assessed
This project sets a dangerous precedent for Tulane University’s expansion across Claiborne Avenue into historic residential neighborhoods

COMMUNITY MEETING: On Monday, April 6, 7PM the developer will be holding a public meeting at Ted's Frostop. The public is encouraged to attend, bring a neighbor or a friend and speak out against this demolition.

***SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION AND SHARE!***

IN THE NEWS: LOUISIANA LANDMARKS SOCIETY

NOLA.COM

Letters: Moreno should insist on transparency at Board of Zoning Adjustment

Louisiana Landmarks Society applauds the March 11 editorial “Take note, officials, open meetings are not optional,” asserting “that meetings of a public body to discuss public business need to be conducted in front of the public, no exceptions” — a principle affirmed by the Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeal in the February St. James Parish ruling. We share this conviction wholeheartedly: All public bodies must follow the Open Meetings Law to ensure that the public remains informed and empowered.

That is why we remain deeply concerned by a troubling legal position taken during the LaToya Cantrell administration. The City of New Orleans argued in court that the Board of Zoning Adjustments is exempt from the open meetings law on the grounds that it functions as a "quasi-judicial" body. This is bad policy. If accepted, it could lead to dangerous consequences, opening the door statewide for other boards and commissions to similarly claim exemption from the transparency rules that govern public life. The case now awaits a decision from the Louisiana Supreme Court.

We hope the new administration will abandon this argument. Continuing to pursue it would risk enshrining a precedent that allows not only the Board of Zoning Adjustments, but potentially a wide range of public bodies, to conduct consequential business behind closed doors. New Orleans residents deserve better. We look to this new administration for more open and transparent government — not less.

THE NATION

The Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans Can’t Get a Break

by Roberta Gratz

This mostly low-income but heavily homeowning neighborhood filled with classic shotgun houses is where the levee breached 24 hours after Hurricane Katrina and engulfed the area in a toxic flood.

The floodwaters reached above rooflines, leaving people stranded onrooftops or floating to safety in makeshift boats.

Now, after 20 years of a gradual but steady rebirth that politicians and experts didn’t think possible, the predominantly Black neighborhood is facing an onslaught of catastrophic projects that could be more permanently damaging than the hurricane.

For a while after Hurricane Katrina, the Lower 9 was front and center in the news. Everything city and state o^icials did—or didn’t do—reflected an unspoken desire to not see the area revived. Even a golf course was whispered as a replacement. This was the last neighborhood where residents were allowed to return, four months after the floodwaters engulfed it and three months after the water had receded. Damp and mold did more damage than the floodwaters.

Tickets Going FAST! TUES. 4/7 6 TO 8 PM: SALLY BABY'S SILVER DOLLARS. SPRING ON THE BAYOU MUSIC SERIES

with Support from Threadhead Cultural Foundation &

Friends of Bayou St. John TO PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE

As the sun dips over Bayou St. John, enjoy an evening of live music at the historic Pitot House. Guests are invited to only bring chairs (no blankets for this concert) and relax with friends and neighbors on the lawn. **Please no dogs, unless service dogs.

We are very grateful for the support of the Threadhead Cultural Foundation and Friends of Bayou St. John.

Tickets $10 online or at the Door.

Featuring food vendor: Le Ponce Café

TUESDAY 4/7 6PM: SALLY BABY'S SILVER DOLLARS is led by singer-songwriter Salvatore “Sally Baby” Geloso. Their sound blends early jazz, R&B, and second line rhythms with original songwriting, creating a style both rooted in tradition and fresh, with lively performances.

TICKETS

SAVE THE DATE: GIVE NOLA DAY IS TUESDAY, MAY 6!

CHECK OUT:
LOUISIANA LANDMARKS SOCIETY
2026 EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD WINNERS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20: AWARDS PRESENTATION & CELEBRATION

Weds., May 20

5:30-7:30 pm

Gallier Hall,
545 St Charles Ave, New Orleans

Join us for an evening honoring this great slate of nineteen 2026 award winners. This event is open to the public and is one of only two major fundraisers that supports the work of Louisiana Landmarks Society.

Back by popular demand is Mark Romig as our MC for the evening, don't miss out on a wonderful evening at Gallier Hall.

TICKETS

BECOME A SPONSOR

VOLUNTEER 4/18: HELP US CLEAN UP BAYOU ST. JOHN!

8:30 to 10:30AM: MEET AT PITOT HOUSE, bring gloves & water bottle. Socializing & refreshments after clean up!

Join Today!

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