Current Issues
Photo courtesy of NOLA Places
Ted’s Frostop saved from demolition (for now)
June 2026
When developers proposed demolishing the iconic mid-century Ted's Frostop in partnership with Tulane University in March 2026, Louisiana Landmarks joined neighborhood groups in opposing the plan through advocacy letters, public testimony, and grassroots outreach, helping secure an HDLC denial of the demolition request and the developer's eventual decision not to appeal.
Actions Taken:
Testimony at Neighborhood Meeting (link to NOLA.com article)
Newsletters + Social Media Push
Outcome
Demolition appeal withdrawn. Please keep posted for further updates
Short Term Rentals
Louisiana Landmarks has joined VCPORA, the Preservation Resource Center, and neighborhood advocates in opposing the expansion of transient lodging uses in the French Quarter. The City's Transient Lodging Study acknowledged the cumulative impacts that hotels, short-term rentals, and other transient accommodations can have on housing availability, neighborhood character, and quality of life. While portions of the VCC-1 and VCE districts remain under consideration for expanded transient lodging uses, preservationists remain concerned that additional tourist-oriented development threatens the residential fabric that has defined the Vieux Carré for generations. Louisiana Landmarks supports policies that preserve the French Quarter as a living historic neighborhood, not simply a destination for visitors.
Resources:
Photo courtesy of NOLA.com
Photo courtesy of A Closer Walk
US MINT
Louisiana Landmarks has raised concerns about a federally funded proposal to install permanent performance stages, landscaping, and other site alterations on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint, a National Historic Landmark at the gateway to the French Quarter. Through requests for Section 106 review and formal consultation, Landmarks has argued that the project could adversely affect the historic character, integrity, and setting of one of New Orleans' most significant historic resources. Landmarks continues to advocate for a transparent review process and project alternatives that support public programming while preserving the historic landscape and architectural significance of the Old U.S. Mint.
Resources:
Alabo Street Wharf
The Josephine Event Center
Expanded Permit Application
Historic Streetcar Modernization
The historic Perley Thomas cars — the iconic green streetcars of the St. Charles Avenue line — have carried New Orleanians since 1835, making it the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the United States. Now, RTA efforts are underway that could shape their future for generations.
The Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) Streetcar Modernization Study is a system-wide effort seeking public input on how to improve accessibility, safety, reliability, and rider experience across all streetcar routes. The All Stops Accessible Program (ASAP) is focused on the historic St. Charles line, working to bring every stop into full ADA compliance by the consent decree deadline of August 30, 2028.
Louisiana Landmarks Society — whose nomination placed the St. Charles line on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and who was instrumental in it becoming a National Historic Landmark in 2014 — strongly supports making the system fully accessible to all riders. However, concepts under consideration include replacing the Perley Thomas cars with modern vehicles or creating adapted replicas.
We believe historic preservation and accessibility are not in conflict – and that the historic green streetcars should be retrofitted and maintained as an integral part of the history and character of New Orleans. Your input in this survey can help demonstrate that.