The City of New Orleans’ Neighborhood Conservation District committee has granted a local businessman permission to demolish the former Frank’s Steak House, located on Freret Street.

Arnold Kirschman, whose family had operated furniture stores in New Orleans for almost a century, will be redeveloping the site at the corner of Freret and Cadiz, the largest remaining undeveloped parcel along Freret Street.

The site consists of several parcels, including the old Frank’s Steak House, in addition to a building located at the corner of Cadiz and Freret Street, which once housed a laundry.  The Cadiz Street building will remain and be renovated.

The City Council is not required to vote on the development.  City officials have verified that the language of the motion contains a stipulation that extends a permit from the Department of Safety and Permits for work to begin, under the condition that the purchase of the property is finalized.

Demolition permits have previously been denied due to proposed plans for development by the Barreca family, the previous owners of the property.

Kirschman and his wife, Rachel Van Voorhees, advised the Conservation committee that they have secured financing for the project and estimate that the sale will take about 30 days to close.  Demolition of the Frank’s Steak House building is expected to occur during the summer, and the Kirschmans will collaborate with an architect to develop a site plan at that time.

The Kirschmans have also made note of the support from the neighborhood in the initiative. The local community has criticized the declining condition of the site and have petitioned its rehabilitation.

“I think the community will see major changes and final drawings within 90 days,” Kirschman stated.

Ben Jacobson of Corporate Realty represented the purchaser.  Michael Allain with Keller Williams represented the seller.

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