RCR Ventures Files Revised Plans for Ted's Frostop Site
New proposal keeps the 71-year-old New Orleans diner while adding 26 apartment units to the property.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Apartments
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RCR Ventures has submitted revised plans to construct a three-story apartment complex behind the historic Ted's Frostop building in New Orleans. The updated design keeps the 71-year-old diner intact while proposing 26 units and 29 parking spaces.
Why it matters
The developer aims to support the long-term economic viability of the iconic local eatery following previous proposals that faced intense pushback. The project remains a subject of debate as local groups continue to challenge the site's zoning administration.
The proposed building spans 40 feet in height across three floors and includes 29 parking spaces. This design represents a 25% reduction in parking capacity compared to the developer's initial plans.
The players
RCR Ventures
This is the real estate development firm responsible for the revised plans at the historic Ted's Frostop location.
Versailles Boulevard South Neighborhood Association
This local group has been an active participant in opposing and appealing previous and current development plans for the site.
Historic District Landmarks Commission
This city commission is responsible for overseeing the preservation of historic structures and will decide on landmark status for the diner.
Ted's Frostop
This is a 71-year-old historic diner and local landmark in New Orleans that serves as the centerpiece for the development debate.
The details
The revised development follows more than 40 meetings between the developer, neighborhood residents, and city staff. While city zoning officials previously permitted the build behind the commercial site, the Versailles Boulevard South Neighborhood Association and local preservationists have formally appealed the decision.
Timeline
August 2026: City zoning staff approved the zoning interpretation.
November 4, 2026: The Commission will vote on landmark nomination status.
December 14, 2026: The Board of Zoning Appeals will hear the zoning appeal.
Second half of 2027: Construction is expected to begin.
Fall 2027: Resident leasing is expected to commence.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader tension between the preservation of 20th-century commercial landmarks and the push for urban densification in historic neighborhoods. It highlights the shifting demographics and economic pressures facing small, legacy businesses in New Orleans.
Residents in the immediate vicinity may experience changes in neighborhood density and local traffic patterns if the project proceeds as planned. The outcome will also determine whether the 71-year-old diner continues to operate at its current scale or faces permanent site alterations.
The takeaway
Navigating neighborhood preservation requires balancing the economic necessity of property owners with the aesthetic concerns of long-term residents. Residents interested in the outcome of local developments should attend upcoming commission and board hearings to stay informed on zoning changes.
What happens next
The Historic District Landmarks Commission is scheduled to vote on the landmark nomination for the Ted's Frostop building on November 4, 2026. Subsequently, the Board of Zoning Appeals will hear the formal appeal of the project on December 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on housing developments in the area, visit the New Orleans Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
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Should local authorities prioritize preserving historic neighborhood structures over allowing new multi-family housing developments?
