A once vacant lot that housed the Robert E. Lee Theater for over two decades is set to become a vibrant mixed-use complex, injecting new life into a longstanding strip mall in New Orleans. The Robert family, known for their Robert Fresh Market chain, acquired the property at the intersection of Allen Toussaint and West End boulevards last fall. The family plans to initiate construction this spring on a 15,000-square-foot building featuring a courtyard-style arcade and outdoor seating, designed by Steven J. Finegan Architects. 
The proposed two-story building aims to blend office and retail spaces with possible additions like a café or restaurant, enhancing the area’s amenities. Marc Robert III, general manager of Robert Fresh Market, emphasized the development’s potential to expand their corporate offices while simultaneously enriching the community with needed services.
This redevelopment initiative is partly inspired by the burgeoning growth along Harrison Avenue, where an influx of young families has revitalized the neighborhood with trendy boutiques, salons, and eateries. The Robert family, who opened their first market at this location in 1996, are no strangers to the area’s potential, having witnessed Harrison Avenue’s transformation firsthand.
The site’s storied past as the Robert E. Lee Theater, a 600-seat single-screen cinema that debuted in 1965 and closed in 1990, adds historical significance to the project. After suffering considerable flood damage during Hurricane Katrina, the theater remained derelict until its demolition in 2009. Plans for a new cinema by local businessman Benji Azar in 2017 never came to fruition.
With an investment exceeding $2.1 million, the Roberts are committed to creating a contemporary structure that respects the site’s heritage while looking to the future. The new development promises to attract a mix of tenants and patrons from the surrounding neighborhoods and beyond, as leasing agent Jack Egle of Felicity Property Co. reports significant interest from potential renters.
Anticipated to take about eight months to complete, this development marks a significant milestone in the area’s ongoing revitalization, promising to deliver a blend of modern utility and nostalgic homage to the community.
