Originally announced in earlier development stages as a boutique micro-hotel, a Frenchmen Street-area project backed by bounce icon Big Freedia is now shifting primarily toward a dining, bar, and outdoor entertainment concept called Queen Diva. According to recent permit filings, the project converts an existing two-story historic residential dwelling at 2114 Decatur St. into a ground-floor bar and restaurant that leads out to a newly constructed swimming pool, deck, and courtyard space built for DJs and musical acts. The second story will boast an additional bar area and a balcony overlooking the pool. The restaurant will reportedly offer elevated soul food inspired by Freedia’s pandemic-era cooking streams and other cooking content. What Now New Orleans has reached out for more information.
According to NOLA.com, the initial hotel project was derailed by financial issues and damage caused by Hurricane Ida. While it will not be a hotel, the property will have two second floor apartments for short- or long-term rental. Renovating the property, which has fallen into disrepair, is expected to cost $5 million.
