A city’s staff of architects and historic building experts has recommended regulators reject a request to demolish Ted’s Frostop in order to replace it with student housing for nearby Tulane University — a development that could complicate the project.
In a report issued Thursday, staff of the Historic District Landmarks Commission said the 71-year-old diner should not be demolished, despite the building’s lack of landmark status, because it meets the “architectural distinctiveness and cultural significance” requirements for the designation.
“Its longstanding operation at this location since 1955, combined with its iconic signage and strong community associations, has established the site as a local landmark within the public realm,” the staff report said…