Tulane University’s proposal to expand across South Claiborne Avenue and redevelop Ted’s Frostop has sparked debate among neighbors, alumni and city officials. While opinions vary, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission made one point clear by rejecting the demolition request: Ted’s Frostop matters. For many, the restaurant stands as a symbol of the city’s endurance post-Hurricane Katrina and remains deeply woven into the community’s identity.  

The answer to what Tulane should do with Ted’s Frostop is simple: Preserve it. 

The building should remain a central part of the neighborhood. While RCR Developments can still move forward with plans to improve the surrounding area, Ted’s must stay, potentially through thoughtful renovation rather than replacement. 

For longtime Uptown residents like me, Ted’s Frostop is far more than a structure. It is a repository of shared memories: family outings, school events and late nights after Tulane baseball games. Its cultural value cannot be replicated.  

At the same time, it’s undeniable that the property has faced years of wear and neglect. With the right investment, Tulane and RCR could play a meaningful role in restoring the building while respecting its history. 

Any revitalization effort must begin with community engagement. Much of the backlash to the proposal stemmed from the lack of consultation with neighbors before plans were announced. Open dialogue should have been the starting point, not an afterthought. 

Revitalization should also address accessibility. An overhead pedestrian walkway across Claiborne Avenue could increase foot traffic to the Marlyville-Fontainbleu neighborhood and benefit local businesses. Given the road’s width and traffic speed, such a crossing would improve safety while better connecting the neighborhood to the baseball stadium and surrounding developments. 

RCR and Tulane should continue to update their existing infrastructure before building anything new. Many of the neighbors raised a fair concern: What happens when Tulane leaves the leasing agreement and the area falls into ruin? Tulane doesn’t have a plan for that yet and should make one before building anything new. 

The Ted’s Frostop development is well-intentioned but very misguided. Tulane needs to take another look at everything and ask for local input before considering new development plans.