Ask HDLC to make Ted's Frostop a N.O. historic landmark—averting demolition in the future.
Ask HDLC to make Ted's Frostop a N.O. historic landmark—averting demolition in the future.
The Issue
UPDATE:
By Nov. 3, 2026—ask the HDLC to make Ted's Frostop a New Orleans historic landmark.
Once more, Ted's Frostop (3100 Calhoun) needs your love and affection. Please ask the City's historic preservationists at the HDLC to landmark the Frostop at their Wed., Nov. 4 meeting at City Hall. Write to HDLC Staff member Wendy Cargile by Tues., Nov. 3, at 4 p.m. to record a written public comment of support.
It's important...!
SAMPLE EMAIL:
Subject: Ted’s Frostop landmark vote on Nov. 4, 2026
Message: "I support the HDLC landmarking of Ted’s Frostop."
It's easy...!
Please also attend on Nov. 4 if you can. The hearing starts at 2 p.m.; and the Ted's Frostop vote will be held near the beginning of the hearing.
Thank you...!
WHY LANDMARKING IS NECESSARY FOR TED'S FROSTOP
The Robért family applied for the demolition of Ted’s Frostop on March 24, 2026. The HDLC denied the demolition on April 8. The HDLC received over a hundred written public comments in opposition. Public outcry—and this petition—played a big role in halting the demolition. The Robérts decided not to proceed with an appeal to the City Council.
Now it’s time to put a safeguard in place—making Ted’s Frostop a New Orleans historic landmark. (Without this protective measure, the Robérts would be able to file for demolition again in a year’s time.)
Two parties wrote to the HDLC to request the nomination. On Oct. 26, HDLC Staff issued a recommendation that the HDLC Commissioners vote to nominate Ted’s Frostop as a landmark. Now the vote is scheduled for Nov. 4—and the HDLC needs to hear from us again.
Important: If the building is finally designated as a landmark, the HDLC’s jurisdiction would extend only to its exterior. The interior arrangement and use would not be protected by the HDLC. The Robérts have indicated that they will move food service to a small new building fronting S. Claiborne. (The use of the original Ted’s Frostop building has not yet been announced.) The neighborhood has filed a zoning appeal to oppose the Roberts’ plans. Another round of letters will be needed for this meeting too. (More information TBA.)
TIMELINE OF THE TED'S FROSTOP CONTROVERSY
March 24, 2026. The Robérts, dba RCR Claiborne Venture III, LLC, first applied for the demolition of Ted’s Frostop—just after announcing their intention to construct a three-story dorm for Tulane University at Calhoun and S. Claiborne.
April 8, 2026. The HDLC denied the demolition application.
June 1, 2026. The owner withdrew their appeal of the denial—just ahead of the June 4 hearing by the City Council, after it became known that Councilmember McCarron would vote to save the Frostop. (By withdrawing the appeal, the owner was able to avoid a public showdown before the City Council.)
June 19, 2026. Attorney David A. Dalia wrote to the HDLC to request the landmark nomination of Ted’s Frostop.
July 14, 2026. Louisiana Landmarks Society also requested the landmark nomination.
Oct. 9, 2026. Attorney Justin Schmidt filed an appeal of the City’s zoning approvals for the new "Frostop dorm." (Note: Hearing date is TBA at the Board of Zoning Adjustments.)
Oct. 26, 2026. HDLC Staff issued a report recommending that the Commission vote to nominate Ted’s Frostop as an HDLC landmark. (HDLC Commissioners rely heavily on the research and opinion of Staff in reaching their decisions.)\
Nov. 4, 2026. HDLC hearing of the 3100 Calhoun landmark nomination starts at 2 p.m. at City Hall Council chambers.
HDLC Agenda for Nov. 4, 2026
Thanks for helping to save Ted’s Frostop.
Please write with questions.
Susan Johnson
contact@townofcarrolltonwatch.org
And visit:
https://frostopneighborhood.org
UPDATE
"IT DOESN'T TAKE 5 GUYS 2 MAKE A BURGER..." — But Ted's Frostop (et environs) is 1 of 9 Endangered N.O. sites in 2026...
"Ted’s Frostop & Surrounding Neighborhood" has been named as one of Louisiana Landmarks Society's "New Orleans' Nine" Endangered Sites for 2026. Selections were announced at a press conference today (Sept. 16, 2026) at the Pitot House, 1440 Moss Street, on Bayou St. John in New Orleans.
https://www.louisianalandmarks.org/the-nine
LOCATION: 3100 Calhoun Street
THREAT: Out-of-Scale Development & Possible Loss of Iconic Diner
Ted's Frostop, a Midcentury Modern diner, has served as a generational cultural landmark. After Hurricane Katrina, reinstalling its iconic root beer mug became a symbol of the city's resiliency. First threatened with demolition, Ted’s now faces possible gutting of its classic diner interior and construction of an attached, out-of-scale, three-story apartment or dormitory development, whose density, massing and lack of parking would disrupt the adjacent historic neighborhood. Although nominated for local landmark study, the designation does not protect the interior. Claiborne Avenue has long divided Tulane's campus from the neighborhood; though Tulane has paused involvement, it has not ruled out returning, leaving the project poised to set a precedent for Tulane’s expansion across that boundary.
Photo credit: John DiLeo, II, M.D.
On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dontdormthemug/
"Save The Frostop Neighborhood" Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/952663704516562
Sign the petition and share it with friends: "Ted's Frostop and the Frostop neighborhood are still under threat — New Orleans, La.":
https://c.org/5fHSwwfjQ5
Thanks.
Susan Johnson
9/16/26
UPDATE: On 5/18/26, Tulane announced it was "stepping back from" and "pausing" the Frostop demolition and student housing development:
https://www.nola.com/news/business/tulane-frostop-robert-student-housing/article_8c82b298-9a52-48d0-bdd5-09532d70dbe7.html
This is good news for neighbors and Frostop friends, but it also marks just a temporary lull in development activity. So we're keeping this petition online.
It's unclear at this time whether the appeal will be withdrawn at the City Council.
UPDATE: On 4/8/26, HDLC unanimously denied the Ted's Frostop demolition application by RCR Ventures, LLC, and Zach Smith Consulting & Design. Public opinion against the demolition was expressed in over 2000 petition signatures; 162 pages of public comment; and over two hours of in-person comment at the hearing. Mrs. Ted Sternberg attended the hearing, along with many neighbors and advocates.
The denial will go to the City Council on appeal on a date TBA. Please write to the Councilmembers to ask for the denial to be upheld:
aimee.mccarron@nola.gov; JP.Morrell@nola.gov; Matthew.Willard@nola.gov; Lesli.Harris@nola.gov; Freddie.King@nola.gov; eugene.green@nola.gov; Jason.Hughes@nola.gov
This petition will continue to run indefinitely. Thanks for your support!
April 7, 2026
We the undersigned ask the HDLC to deny the demolition of Ted’s Frostop at 3100 Calhoun and the adjacent parcels at 6307-6309 S. Miro and 6309-6311 S. Claiborne Avenue at the HDLC hearing of April 8, 2026.
We object to the demolition of the building and the displacement of the business. Ted’s Frostop has been a neighborhood landmark since the 1950s. It matters to us. The Frostop mug, named a Designated Classic Sign by the City of New Orleans, was a symbol of destruction and restoration for the neighborhood post-Katrina. According to the HDLC Staff Report, fewer than ten examples of the iconic roadside drive-in—which once numbered 350—remain in the country.
New Orleans residents learned about the plans for demolition and development as a Tulane dormitory not from Tulane University or from the developer or from City government—but from the media, just before the filing deadline for HDLC demolition review. And yet the planning of this project was in the works for years.
So we ask for the HDLC's denial on the following bases.
- There was no community engagement on the project.
- The demolition of Ted's Frostop constitutes a “drastic action” that would destroy this neighborhood landmark once and for all.
- The proposed development is over-massed — it’s out of scale and character with the adjacent HU-RS single-family neighborhood.
- The potential safety risk for pedestrians on S. Claiborne Avenue is glaringly obvious; and yet it has not been studied.
- Just 37 parking places have been proposed for 160 residents and some commercial units; and yet traffic and parking impacts have not been assessed.
- This project sets an untenable precedent for the expansion of Tulane University across S. Claiborne Avenue into the historic residential neighborhoods.
This petition has been filed by Town of Carrollton Watch, LLC, and Historic N.O. Neighborhoods, LLC, in support of the Versailles Boulevard/Calhoun/S. Tonti/S. Rocheblave/S. Miro neighborhoods and individual neighbors. Louisiana Landmarks Society also supports this effort.
Petitioners are also asked to write an email of objection to wcargile@nola.gov at the HDLC by Tuesday, April 7, at 4 p.m.; and to attend the HDLC hearing on Wednesday, April 8, starting at 1 p.m. in Council chambers at City Hall, 1300 Perdido.
UPDATE: The HDLC denied the demolition. This petition will continue to run until the City Council hearing on a date TBA.
Thank you,
Susan Johnson
Town of Carrollton Watch/HNON
**Note: I am not asking for funds/donations as part of this petition.**
HDLC Staff Reports/Meeting Materials
3100 Calhoun—Ted's Frostop:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/new-demolition-applications/3100-calhoun-st
6307-6309 S. Miro:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/new-demolition-applications/6307-6309-s-miro-st
6309-6311 S. Claiborne:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/new-demolition-applications/6309-6311-s-claiborne-ave
April 8, 2026, Meeting Agenda of the N.O. HDLC:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/agenda
More information:
sjohnson@townofcarrolltonwatch.org
Photo dated 5/21/2018 courtesy of Rob Sneed via Flickr.
3,287
The Issue
UPDATE:
By Nov. 3, 2026—ask the HDLC to make Ted's Frostop a New Orleans historic landmark.
Once more, Ted's Frostop (3100 Calhoun) needs your love and affection. Please ask the City's historic preservationists at the HDLC to landmark the Frostop at their Wed., Nov. 4 meeting at City Hall. Write to HDLC Staff member Wendy Cargile by Tues., Nov. 3, at 4 p.m. to record a written public comment of support.
It's important...!
SAMPLE EMAIL:
Subject: Ted’s Frostop landmark vote on Nov. 4, 2026
Message: "I support the HDLC landmarking of Ted’s Frostop."
It's easy...!
Please also attend on Nov. 4 if you can. The hearing starts at 2 p.m.; and the Ted's Frostop vote will be held near the beginning of the hearing.
Thank you...!
WHY LANDMARKING IS NECESSARY FOR TED'S FROSTOP
The Robért family applied for the demolition of Ted’s Frostop on March 24, 2026. The HDLC denied the demolition on April 8. The HDLC received over a hundred written public comments in opposition. Public outcry—and this petition—played a big role in halting the demolition. The Robérts decided not to proceed with an appeal to the City Council.
Now it’s time to put a safeguard in place—making Ted’s Frostop a New Orleans historic landmark. (Without this protective measure, the Robérts would be able to file for demolition again in a year’s time.)
Two parties wrote to the HDLC to request the nomination. On Oct. 26, HDLC Staff issued a recommendation that the HDLC Commissioners vote to nominate Ted’s Frostop as a landmark. Now the vote is scheduled for Nov. 4—and the HDLC needs to hear from us again.
Important: If the building is finally designated as a landmark, the HDLC’s jurisdiction would extend only to its exterior. The interior arrangement and use would not be protected by the HDLC. The Robérts have indicated that they will move food service to a small new building fronting S. Claiborne. (The use of the original Ted’s Frostop building has not yet been announced.) The neighborhood has filed a zoning appeal to oppose the Roberts’ plans. Another round of letters will be needed for this meeting too. (More information TBA.)
TIMELINE OF THE TED'S FROSTOP CONTROVERSY
March 24, 2026. The Robérts, dba RCR Claiborne Venture III, LLC, first applied for the demolition of Ted’s Frostop—just after announcing their intention to construct a three-story dorm for Tulane University at Calhoun and S. Claiborne.
April 8, 2026. The HDLC denied the demolition application.
June 1, 2026. The owner withdrew their appeal of the denial—just ahead of the June 4 hearing by the City Council, after it became known that Councilmember McCarron would vote to save the Frostop. (By withdrawing the appeal, the owner was able to avoid a public showdown before the City Council.)
June 19, 2026. Attorney David A. Dalia wrote to the HDLC to request the landmark nomination of Ted’s Frostop.
July 14, 2026. Louisiana Landmarks Society also requested the landmark nomination.
Oct. 9, 2026. Attorney Justin Schmidt filed an appeal of the City’s zoning approvals for the new "Frostop dorm." (Note: Hearing date is TBA at the Board of Zoning Adjustments.)
Oct. 26, 2026. HDLC Staff issued a report recommending that the Commission vote to nominate Ted’s Frostop as an HDLC landmark. (HDLC Commissioners rely heavily on the research and opinion of Staff in reaching their decisions.)\
Nov. 4, 2026. HDLC hearing of the 3100 Calhoun landmark nomination starts at 2 p.m. at City Hall Council chambers.
HDLC Agenda for Nov. 4, 2026
Thanks for helping to save Ted’s Frostop.
Please write with questions.
Susan Johnson
contact@townofcarrolltonwatch.org
And visit:
https://frostopneighborhood.org
UPDATE
"IT DOESN'T TAKE 5 GUYS 2 MAKE A BURGER..." — But Ted's Frostop (et environs) is 1 of 9 Endangered N.O. sites in 2026...
"Ted’s Frostop & Surrounding Neighborhood" has been named as one of Louisiana Landmarks Society's "New Orleans' Nine" Endangered Sites for 2026. Selections were announced at a press conference today (Sept. 16, 2026) at the Pitot House, 1440 Moss Street, on Bayou St. John in New Orleans.
https://www.louisianalandmarks.org/the-nine
LOCATION: 3100 Calhoun Street
THREAT: Out-of-Scale Development & Possible Loss of Iconic Diner
Ted's Frostop, a Midcentury Modern diner, has served as a generational cultural landmark. After Hurricane Katrina, reinstalling its iconic root beer mug became a symbol of the city's resiliency. First threatened with demolition, Ted’s now faces possible gutting of its classic diner interior and construction of an attached, out-of-scale, three-story apartment or dormitory development, whose density, massing and lack of parking would disrupt the adjacent historic neighborhood. Although nominated for local landmark study, the designation does not protect the interior. Claiborne Avenue has long divided Tulane's campus from the neighborhood; though Tulane has paused involvement, it has not ruled out returning, leaving the project poised to set a precedent for Tulane’s expansion across that boundary.
Photo credit: John DiLeo, II, M.D.
On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dontdormthemug/
"Save The Frostop Neighborhood" Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/952663704516562
Sign the petition and share it with friends: "Ted's Frostop and the Frostop neighborhood are still under threat — New Orleans, La.":
https://c.org/5fHSwwfjQ5
Thanks.
Susan Johnson
9/16/26
UPDATE: On 5/18/26, Tulane announced it was "stepping back from" and "pausing" the Frostop demolition and student housing development:
https://www.nola.com/news/business/tulane-frostop-robert-student-housing/article_8c82b298-9a52-48d0-bdd5-09532d70dbe7.html
This is good news for neighbors and Frostop friends, but it also marks just a temporary lull in development activity. So we're keeping this petition online.
It's unclear at this time whether the appeal will be withdrawn at the City Council.
UPDATE: On 4/8/26, HDLC unanimously denied the Ted's Frostop demolition application by RCR Ventures, LLC, and Zach Smith Consulting & Design. Public opinion against the demolition was expressed in over 2000 petition signatures; 162 pages of public comment; and over two hours of in-person comment at the hearing. Mrs. Ted Sternberg attended the hearing, along with many neighbors and advocates.
The denial will go to the City Council on appeal on a date TBA. Please write to the Councilmembers to ask for the denial to be upheld:
aimee.mccarron@nola.gov; JP.Morrell@nola.gov; Matthew.Willard@nola.gov; Lesli.Harris@nola.gov; Freddie.King@nola.gov; eugene.green@nola.gov; Jason.Hughes@nola.gov
This petition will continue to run indefinitely. Thanks for your support!
April 7, 2026
We the undersigned ask the HDLC to deny the demolition of Ted’s Frostop at 3100 Calhoun and the adjacent parcels at 6307-6309 S. Miro and 6309-6311 S. Claiborne Avenue at the HDLC hearing of April 8, 2026.
We object to the demolition of the building and the displacement of the business. Ted’s Frostop has been a neighborhood landmark since the 1950s. It matters to us. The Frostop mug, named a Designated Classic Sign by the City of New Orleans, was a symbol of destruction and restoration for the neighborhood post-Katrina. According to the HDLC Staff Report, fewer than ten examples of the iconic roadside drive-in—which once numbered 350—remain in the country.
New Orleans residents learned about the plans for demolition and development as a Tulane dormitory not from Tulane University or from the developer or from City government—but from the media, just before the filing deadline for HDLC demolition review. And yet the planning of this project was in the works for years.
So we ask for the HDLC's denial on the following bases.
- There was no community engagement on the project.
- The demolition of Ted's Frostop constitutes a “drastic action” that would destroy this neighborhood landmark once and for all.
- The proposed development is over-massed — it’s out of scale and character with the adjacent HU-RS single-family neighborhood.
- The potential safety risk for pedestrians on S. Claiborne Avenue is glaringly obvious; and yet it has not been studied.
- Just 37 parking places have been proposed for 160 residents and some commercial units; and yet traffic and parking impacts have not been assessed.
- This project sets an untenable precedent for the expansion of Tulane University across S. Claiborne Avenue into the historic residential neighborhoods.
This petition has been filed by Town of Carrollton Watch, LLC, and Historic N.O. Neighborhoods, LLC, in support of the Versailles Boulevard/Calhoun/S. Tonti/S. Rocheblave/S. Miro neighborhoods and individual neighbors. Louisiana Landmarks Society also supports this effort.
Petitioners are also asked to write an email of objection to wcargile@nola.gov at the HDLC by Tuesday, April 7, at 4 p.m.; and to attend the HDLC hearing on Wednesday, April 8, starting at 1 p.m. in Council chambers at City Hall, 1300 Perdido.
UPDATE: The HDLC denied the demolition. This petition will continue to run until the City Council hearing on a date TBA.
Thank you,
Susan Johnson
Town of Carrollton Watch/HNON
**Note: I am not asking for funds/donations as part of this petition.**
HDLC Staff Reports/Meeting Materials
3100 Calhoun—Ted's Frostop:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/new-demolition-applications/3100-calhoun-st
6307-6309 S. Miro:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/new-demolition-applications/6307-6309-s-miro-st
6309-6311 S. Claiborne:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/new-demolition-applications/6309-6311-s-claiborne-ave
April 8, 2026, Meeting Agenda of the N.O. HDLC:
https://sites.google.com/view/no-cmm-040826/agenda
More information:
sjohnson@townofcarrolltonwatch.org
Photo dated 5/21/2018 courtesy of Rob Sneed via Flickr.
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Petition created on April 3, 2026