The Guardian of Memphis

I wonder if they’ve taken into account FFOR’s complaint about there not being a bluff walk in front of the structure. http://www.friendsforourriverfront.org/2023/04/current-brooks-museum-design-is-dead.html?m=1

Right. On a side note, I think we should throw out the rhetoric of not being able to have whatever pro team because we’re close to another city with a pro team. We’ve seen it done in other states (Ohio, Florida, Missouri, Texas). One of the reasons Heisley moved the Grizz here is because he was impressed with the way the Redbirds were being supported. Plus we had tons of local investors. We’ve got to be competitive. Memphis is a basketball city for sure, but football isn’t far behind. Too many Steelers, Cowboys and 49ers fans here. LOL.

Anything on Central is a no go. If parking is an issue, might have to build a parking garage. WNBA would be perfect in MSC, but what other venues could be had there if FEF and Landers get all the attention?

It does have a nice ring to it. It fits too. The “major” teams here are land based animals (grizz and tigers) so why not. LOL. The jerseys have a Vancouver-esque feel to it, I’d keep the green (to represent the abundance of trees in Memphis) and change the maroon. The logo has a southwest feel so that needs to be changed too. Maybe it can look like the grizz bear logo.

Totally agree. OK if the politician is elected he/she better put their money where there mouth is. LOL. I think people understand the dynamics of the city now more than ever. I believe the city has compared itself too much to other cities for too long, as if it's not good enough. We always hear of developers appreciating what the city has to offer, but I do think there is some sense of value placed on the cities now. Memphis does need more diverse amenities, and hopefully as time goes on we'll see more of that happen. It will only add to the depth of culture that's already here.

No problem my friend!

I’m not holding it against the NHL, the demographics are what they are. I’m all for it being in Memphis but I just wish hockey was more of worldwide game like futbol or basketball so everyone can relate and be unified. I’m not for division in anyway. In order for hockey to be successful here, it must be marketed and promoted so the younger generations and current generation of all creeds, colors, ethnicities can enjoy it together. I was introduced to hockey when messier and Gretzky were at the top. I enjoyed looking at some games on ESPN.

I've never seen any at hockey games, especially when they show clips of Preds games on Bally Sports Southeast. No diversity, which is one reason why I'm against it.

I agree about MLB and NHL simply due to demographics. In a mostly African American metro, I would believe most would angle towards NFL way before NHL and MLB. Although I could see the MLS as an option above both MLB and NHL. The goal in the future should be to have the MLS and the NFL, no matter what. MLB is ok, but I don’t think we should settle on these narratives that have held us back from even thinking about competing for another franchise. The narrative of being Cardinals territory is one I never liked, although I agree with because of the proximity, but if there are Cardinal fans, why can’t they be turned into hometown fans? I’d like for us to stop settling and go after our own. As long as there’s support then we should be bold and throw our name in the hat even though we may lose. We were aggressive with the NFL, so we shouldn’t stop. Progress.

The airport, per the video, is in growth mode. Good deal. The landscaping and infrastructure around the airport (Plough Blvd) needs drastic help. Tom Lee isn’t the only front porch.

While I wholeheartedly agree with your entire post, and while most of us have to mainly dream for impossible situations to come to pass in Memphis I dare to say it is possible. It was impossible, unfathomable and unthinkable when it came to Sterick, Crosstown and even our beloved Grizzlies. I definitely dreamed about an NBA franchise when I was younger and the impossible happened. Everything is subject to change. There is no argument against the facts that you’ve presented, but we’ve all heard the naysayers when it came to the grizzlies. Too small, they won’t support it, etc. I think the success of the NBA (and Memphis historically being one of the top cities when it comes to ratings watching NBA games) has propelled the city forward in a positive way. I watched the Showboats game this past Saturday and the announcers were extremely positive about the support being shown to the team. The coaches and players mentioned it. Memphis is clamoring for teams they can call their own, especially major league ones. We’ve graduated to that level now. I’m ok with the NBA alone. Wouldn’t mind seeing any of the others either. Someday it’ll happen.

We definitely want to be more than a "side trip". LOL!!! I think Memphis deserves better. You said that Blue Oval will not help that much because folks don't travel for business, but you mentioned that the reason why Nashville is having success is because of the Japanese companies based there. Nissan, I think, is a Japanese-based company, and even though the plant is not in Nashville it's close by. The Titans stadium is direct proof of that. I've often heard that one reason why Nashville has a hockey franchise is because of the GM officials from Detroit being there. In a recent Memphis Business Journal article about the Sterick building, it was noted that Ford officials were in downtown Memphis, so Blue Oval doesn't only have an effect in rural areas, especially since there's talk of implementing some form of commute from Blue Oval to Memphis, as they would like to shuttle people from here. We'll have to wait and see if there will be a population growth from Blue Oval as it doesn't happen all the time statistically with other regions that have auto manufacturing. The key is having the infrastructure in place. We've been trying to capitalize on tourism and hospitality for the longest, and investments have been made with Tom Lee Park and an art museum downtown to further those goals. It's not just for tourism though, it's to make an investment in the community, to make downtown Memphis a livable, walkable place, not just office towers that are full of life 5 days a week. The talk for years has always been Memphis politicians being proactive for this area but getting nowhere when it comes to politics at State level. Don't know if this is true.

Was downtown today at a restaurant - saw a lot of people out walking, a lot of cars, the vibe was electric (made me proud of my city). Can someone please refresh my memory at what is being built at Second and Vance? Extended stay hotel, right?

Thanks for the reminder. It would be nice if this would be a high rise since it’s so close to the interstate. Most cities have that going on. Can’t have any high rises on the midtown side of Union and 240, (because of Miss. Blvd. parking lot, etc.) might as well try for the medical district portion. It’s a shame that the VA had to tear down their hospital. It looked cool from the interstate.

Great. It'd be nice if they could raze the hotel across the street on Union and make it into apartments or even still, the big old highrise on Madison and Pauline

Nice. Memphis 3.0 in effect. Used to take my grandfather to what used to be a grocery store not too far from here on Lamar & Roland. I wonder if this will be the model for all of Lamar starting from here moving westward.

Good. From Danny Thomas to Third St., Vance needs some development in a major way.

Yes indeed. Especially when it is finished.

Thanks for the pictures. The skyline in the background from Southland is cool. Someday the gap between Morgan Keegan and Sterick will be filled - will make the skyline more complete. Can’t wait to see 100 N. Main and Sterick with lights on.

Convention center…wow. Interested in what conventions will be had there. Good nonetheless!

Didn't know a flag was flown back in the day at Sterick. Would this be on the roof?

Same here. We stand with our Nashville brothers and sisters.

Yes! From a column in the MBJ: "With the Sterick Building sold and a full redevelopment in the works, one thing in Memphis has become abundantly clear: The old rules of Memphis development and economics no longer apply."

You're right, but what can we do at this point? At least we have Tom Lee, and in time, Cobblestone Landing and Mud Island.

...and the article answered my question about who was going to be responsible for the good condition part. It's all on the owner now.