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This is yet another setback in the decades-long struggle to jumpstart new development downtown. Large scale new development is very weak in Memphis. The banks and large firms have plenty of money to invest (just look at other cities) they always seem to avoid Memphis for major projects and it’s not Covid related. Instead, all that happens is of small scale and of mediocre design and quality. What causes these projects to never materialize in Memphis?

I’d be interested in seeing some Memphis city (not Mississippi or Arkansas) construction photos too. Idon’t think there is a lot of major construction underway overall, just smaller projects. Perhaps the new hotel at One Beale St.? I saw that the renovated concourse at the airport is due to open in coming days

BNA passenger traffic increased 87.3% over 2020 https://flynashville.com/news/2021-a-year-in-review-for-nashville-international-and-john-c-tune-airports?fbclid=IwAR0X0zipkduoTComMXfgML_S-niHRNk8giI9KmZuRjsIh2s9PmlIieE_DhY

It’s ok to dream but it’s totally unrealistic to expect any international passenger service on any airline from Memphis. The passenger demand doesn’t exist at any season of the year now and for the foreseeable future. Last year Air Canada withdrew flying from MEM. There may be an occasional travel company flight to Cancun, but that’s the extent of international flying from MEM — unless you are a FedEx package. Today MEM still lacks nonstop flights to many important US domestic cities. That’s where ultra low cost carriers like Spirit, Allegiant and Breeze might work in the future. The passenger demand needs to be there for domestic flights too.

MATA will do transit planning forever, but Memphis and the region are very car centric and always will be. They need to focus on improving the current horrible bus service. There is just not enough population density or economic development to support light rail in the city or region. People only ride a bus when there’s absolutely no alternative. The Ford site is a good distance away and anyone needing to go there will drive.

A renovated terminal concourse doesn’t mean more air service. There is not sufficient demand for more flights to/from Memphis. All the airlines do sophisticated market and economic research and the Memphis market has not measured up. Without passengers new flights and destinations will not happen. For this reason most air travel from MEM will usually always require a connection.

The 30,000 seat Nashville Soccer League new stadium will open next year at the Nashville fairgrounds near downtown. Recent construction pics.

Fantastic photos. I can learn more from viewing these pics than scrolling through multiple threads. So much construction is underway in Nashville right now, it’s hard to recognize exactly where these many projects are located.

CapGemini is a huge win for Nashville. They are a top international consulting firm. Lots of travel, many connections and big paychecks for all involved.

I agree that these new structures are a huge improvement along Charlotte Pike. Let’s hope even more like these are in the works, especially for the area from White Bridge Road back to 46th Ave.

State of TN drops “Memphis” from name of West Tennessee Megasite. https://dailymemphian.com/subscriber/article/25285/megasite-memphis-west-tennessee-ford-blue-oval-city

This hotel looks like it belongs in a suburban office park.

The architecture of the this rending leaves so much to be desired. It is reminiscent of a bunker, not a museum. This prime spot deserves a more distinctive and exciting design. Where is the glass? The great Mississippi River view should be emphasized. I am reminded of a World War II bunker, or of the ugly Cook Convention Center with no windows, not of a modern art museum. Come on Memphis, this design needs a lot of work.

Sears Crosstown was a completely different type of renovation as it was a warehouse structure that had huge concrete floor plates, very tall ceilings and a lower floor count spread out over a much larger area. 100 North Main is 57 years old and has lower ceiling heights along with smaller floor plates. Furthermore the lower podium was a parking garage with notoriously narrow ramps that eat up floor space and will be very expensive to convert. All of these redevelopment hurdles have been well documented over the years and are among the many reasons the building has been empty for so many years. Furthermore, Sears Crosstown didn’t have the staggering asbestos remediation coststhat will be required here. If a developer has truly deep pockets, then go for it. It might be more economically viable if the building was located farther south downtown.

The best option for any developer, and for downtown Memphis, is to demolish 100 North Main Street. It is so old and so dated. Pouring tons of money into a renovation won’t help. The same applies to the Sterrick Bldg.

These are very reasonable rental apt. prices for a new building in downtown Nashville

Regarding the best global airline choices from BNA, I would go with Delta Air Lines first, followed by American Airlines. United would be my absolute last choice.

Quite impressive to learn of CapGemini’s large expansion in Nashville. They are a major international consulting firm and this is more evidence of Nashville’s growing importance as a business center. Big catch for the Broadwest development.

Air Canada was about to start nonstop flight to Montreal just prior to the pandemic. Expect that one to return next year.

This is quite a handsome building. A very nice addition to downtown in prime spot.

What does this strange personal rant about banking issues with Pinnacle have to do with the conversation topic Nashville Yards?

So suburban. Underwhelming.

West Tennessee desperately needs this project. Memphis and the mid south region are economically depressed, so this is should be a big boost. Nashville is also extremely well positioned as it is in the best possible sweet spot right in the middle of the two plants located in both TN and KY.

Memphis seems to be caught in a time warp. The city and mid south region are simply not growing. The downtown skyline looks almost identical to 35 years ago. A couple of the largest downtown buildings (100 Main and the Sterrick Bldg.) have been vacant and closed for years. Taxes and crime rates are high, leadership is weak, and the economy is tepid. The airport has only 80 daily passenger flights which hurts business and tourism. Memphis has needed a major reboot for years, but it never seems to catch a break. Lots of new projects have been planned but very little development seems to actually happen. Memphis has potential but a lack of energy is a good way to describe the Bluff City.

Memphis continues to struggle mightily, especially downtown. The fact that this building has an 8% occupancy and is largely empty doesn’t bode well for future office tower development (or redevelopment). This also spells big trouble for any plans for the Sterrick and 100 North Main buildings, both empty and shuttered for years.