The Guardian of Memphis

MBJ has a lot more in-depth articles about the when why and how of this getting done. Truly a joy to read. I'm very happy for my city. The owner plans to restore the exterior back to its original design. What a great day for Memphis. I wonder how the clause in the lease/agreement that the building should be returned in good condition has on how much the owner will spend to refurbish this building? Now the only thing left to solve is Mud Island...Marathon, not a sprint.

Great news. Can't wait til the finished product. I guess some of the previous negative comments about this ever getting done were wrong.

Maybe that's what Brooks wanted - the possibility to expand and evolve. It also resembles the podium of the 99 Tower Apts. on Front and the eastern side of the convention center. So in a way, it fits in? Maybe it's not an accident? It is unique. Definitely funky too. I don't like the Mississippi side either. Looks like two eyes and a mouth - but this is the evidence of Postmodernism. It has a peaceful (which we definitely need) zen-like feel to it. If it was neo-traditional like the old Brooks, it would fit in, which would be kind of boring and institutional. I didn't like it at first, but it's OK.

Beautiful!!!

This area still has some properties that can be renovated and developed, so I would say things will start to move south, which means the Exercise Unlimited bldg on S. Front (especially the public storage bldg.) and others on Talbot are in that realm of possibility. Intrator already has plans next to Gus’s. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t need to try and hurry to catch anyone. At least things aren’t “stagnant.”

Good location. Why isn’t this on Beale? I know everything bar related shouldn’t be strictly for it, but just curious. Glad it’s on Main St.

You even remembered the title. Yeah, a bold endeavor. Just didn't like the idea of illuminating everything in blue. Would've overdone it. Clark Tower has lights, NBC, 100 N. Main and Morgan Keegan all should too (1st TN gets a pass).

I hope it works out for you. Please, whatever you do, let's try to get a high rise built in front of Court Square, next to 44 N. Second! I tried to find the owners of the property and they don't have an e-mail address or phone # (they're based in TX). Does anyone remember the plan back in 2001 to illuminate downtown Memphis' buildings? It fell through. Per the DMC, it'd be too expensive to implement today.

Looks even better from I-40. Can’t wait to see the Pinch fill up.

I think the Mayor should’ve considered more than one site. Maybe he did and this was the best option. Not saying I agree with the decision.

I see nothing wrong with it. At least it will be full with AZers, hotel guests, Beale St. guests and the like. Whatever is on the ground floor should do well.

Looks like the plan per the Uptown West proposal is taking shape. Awesome. It would be nice to have Second St. widened at this intersection, but maybe it would be too dangerous for people accessing the park. Per the plan, Second St. will be landscaped and widened north of Henry St.

It is an exciting area to develop. This may not see the national excitement compared to Nashville's high rises, but at least there are plans in place to create more of a community aspect for downtown as a whole. I'm in favor of it. As long as it builds on the history, charm and character of Memphis. Per the Uptown West master plan, an extension of the Main St. loop is suggested, plus possibly a BMX/skating park , etc.:

Great location. All the fast food restaurants galore, Snowden Grove, bowling, baseball parks, plus the restaurants included in the development. Seems like it would be a cool place to live without the need for a car.

DeSoto County officials rejoice after Gov. Reeves proposes $124.7M for I-55 - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian Home - Driving DeSoto Finally. This was proposed at least 10-15 yrs. ago. It is much needed, especially Phase 1.

I admire their growth too, but I admire Memphis as well, regardless of the negativity from the outside. I've heard that Millennials like to move to cities that 1) have a professional sports team and 2) authenticity. We've got both of those. I also believe Memphis fills a niche or niches that Nashville doesn't, which is a great selling point. They have Hee Haw, we have Stax. My preference is Stax. Grit/Grind forever!

Ok I know this route was always the chosen one, but how in the world will it fit on east parkway with all the trees? I’ve always questioned that. Not that I’m not for it. Just curious as to where it would go. I’ve always thought it would be NOLAesque and go on the median which would be awesome. That would upset our environmental friends tho.

Neshoba, TN? You’re allowed to say that. LOL. Oh, you meant that other place. Unacceptable. LOL.

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe there has to be a certain amount of time from the last term? He made history and all, but does he think he’s the new Boss Crump? LOL. I meant to include whole area south of FEF where there are lots too. Really don’t want to fill up everything. Need to find a spot for where the new arena will go when that time comes.

Thanks. I just read the article in the MBJ about this venture. I hope it works out. It can also pull the CBU college students across the street.

Great idea, good location. I can see this being a draw before and after univ. of Memphis games, plus the youth sports facility and now the showboats. Just don’t want a repeat of the demise of Jillian’s and PP with the bad crowds that brought it down. I definitely wouldn’t want this downtown. You know us Memphians like to get wild sometimes. LOL. Let’s hold out for the NFL first.

Thanks! I bet the new mayor will be Paul Young. If that’s the case we can be confident that he’ll get the money. There’s a lot of surface lots on Second and Mulberry too.

True. Don’t want it to be a low end brand. Please explain the overlay guidelines for a layperson like me. LOL. Per the MBJ, parking will be in the back of the property (which follows the 3.0 guidelines).

It wouldn’t hurt to have this trolley extension. It cost 14mil per mile, so how far is it? I agree with your BRT/light rail comment. I’d also like to have the second street extension though. Been on the wish list since the 60s.

I wonder if he’s waiting on the new mayor to see what he can get out of him/her. It just doesn’t make sense to take this prime piece of real estate that his father had a big vision for and turn it into a lot. Can’t help to think how much he would’ve needed for the original design and height. Why would he be petty about 5m when we need hotels? The Beale landing is expanding, there will be more visitors coming to Memphis. Maybe he’s waiting on the economy to get better. Nevertheless, no matter how long the wait for this or the clipper, we’ll just have to wait. We need hotel rooms for the convention center too.