Plans to demolish Ted’s Frostop hit a major roadblock on May 18, when Tulane University announced it would pause its potential involvement in a proposed student-housing redevelopment at South Claiborne Avenue and Calhoun Street.
The project, proposed by RCR Claiborne Venture III LLC, a company owned by the Robért family of Robért Fresh Market, would demolish the existing 1955 diner and replace it with a new mixed-use building. Tulane University planned to lease the upper floors of the complex for student housing, while Ted’s Frostop and parking would occupy the ground floor.
The proposed demolition of the iconic Uptown diner caused a collective outcry from neighbors, past and present patrons, and architecture enthusiasts alike. This latest news from Tulane is a testament to the impact a community can have when they show up and work together for a common cause.
The Preservation Resource Center congratulates the residential and commercial neighbors of Ted’s Frostop for their effective efforts to redirect this proposed project. The PRC would also like to thank District A Councilmember Aimee McCarron for her open dialogue with us over the last months as this issue developed.
PRC’s concerns are twofold: the lack of transparency and community engagement in the planning process for the housing complex, and the potential loss of a rare remnant of midcentury modern roadside architecture with striking Googie-style influences.
On several occasions, neighborhood residents expressed feeling blindsided by the proposed project, noting that the development team had not engaged with the community prior to announcing its plans. Other concerns included lack of clarity regarding Tulane’s long-term involvement, parking, safety issues with students crossing S. Claiborne Avenue and potential disruptions that could result from having a student dorm as a neighbor.
On April 8, 2026, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission unanimously denied the demolition of Ted’s Frostop at 3100 Calhoun St., following almost two hours of public comment and deliberation. The commission received 162 pages of testimony against the demolition, and just two letters in support. In addition, a petition to save the building, organized by the neighborhood advocacy nonprofit Town of Carrollton Watch, has collected more than 3,000 signatures.
RCR Claiborne Venture III LLC appealed the HDLC’s decision to the New Orleans City Council and Councilmember McCarron deferred the application to carefully assess the proposal and hear more input from residents and the developer. She planned to hear the application at the City Council meeting on June 4. As of this writing, PRC does not know if the developers plan to proceed with the appeal or withdraw it.
The developers also own three additional lots on the block: 6307-6309 S Miro St., 6309-6311 S. Claiborne Ave., and 6423 S. Claiborne Ave. Their plans for those properties in light of Tulane’s announcement have not been made public.
While the future of Ted’s Frostop remains uncertain, its significance to New Orleans and its residents has never felt clearer.
