2114 Decatur St. — Site of Approved Queen Diva Restaurant Project
Big Freedia’s long-gestating plans for a permanent home on Decatur Street just cleared a major regulatory hurdle. The New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission approved plans on September 2 to convert 2114 Decatur St. into Queen Diva, an elevated soul food restaurant and outdoor pool venue that the bounce music star has been developing for years in the Faubourg Marigny.
The approval, reported by NOLA.com, covers plans submitted by architect Daniel Winkert on behalf of owner Decatur Allstars LLC. City records show the commission signed off on a 2,200-square-foot two-story rear addition, a 700-square-foot one-story side addition, and a 325-square-foot rear accessory structure, allowing the historic commercial building to be converted into a mixed-use establishment, according to the City of New Orleans commission agenda. The 2114 Decatur St. property is designated as a Contributing structure within the Faubourg Marigny historic district.
From Hotel Freedia to Queen Diva
The project has changed shape considerably since it was first announced. The commission agenda identifies Decatur Allstars LLC as the property owner, while River Beats identifies Zach Kupperman as the property’s owner and developer. Kupperman acquired the site in 2021 before partnering with Big Freedia, her manager Reid Martin, and other local investors to develop the venue concept, per Face2Face Africa. When Big Freedia unveiled the project in January 2023, it was branded as Hotel Freedia, a micro-boutique hotel envisioned with five guest rooms on an upper floor alongside a restaurant, a live music club and an outdoor pool, according to reporting from OffBeat Magazine. Reid Martin described the project primarily as a music venue and pool-party spot…