The Guardian of Memphis

There may not be enough space at that location, but all the structures on that block (275 Jefferson, Masonic Temple, 300 Court) will have to be torn down, so it may work. That part of downtown, especially near 201 Poplar and Uptown Square needs IMMEDIATE attention.

158 and 166 Madison aren't too great either. These properties should be made into mid-rises to put further pressure on the Sterick to be developed and to increase density. You're probably right about the empty lots and small parking garages. Most of them are on Second and Third, but my point is that the not so good buildings (e.g., 7 N. BB King, and there's a parking lot next to it too) need to go, but only if they're unsightly, contributing to blight or in a great location to increase density. 158, 166 Madison & 7 BB King are near Sterick and First Tennessee.

The possibility of new high rises in the core because of space is at a premium. I always thought Madison Avenue could be home to a couple of high rises, like at the location you mentioned (158 Madison) and on BB King in front of Sterick. There is an impressive line up of historic high rises on Madison (Cotton Exchange, Goodwyn Institute, Hu Hotel). The former Leader Federal Bank could be torn down without hopefully upsetting any Memphis Heritage folks. The proposed high rise would be shorter than the Cotton Exchange or more along the height of the 44 N. Second building so it won't block any views. I think there's a need for more postmodern architecture downtown to balance the historic structures that are already there.

Yes indeed. No matter how long the wait, it will be worth it. The taller the better though. LOL. Uptown/Uptown West master plan: 15730.pdf (memphisdailynews.com)

The gentrification was a separate issue from the garage. My point was to compare the African American neighborhood in Nashville that Smeagol mentioned to the Uptown neighborhood residents who spoke out or stood up to confront an issue. Seeing that there was pushback, means also they’d probably be against gentrification too.

Appreciate the different viewpoint here. The communities surrounding downtown are mostly African American, and some residents in the Uptown/Greenlaw neighborhood (mostly African American) came against a St. Jude parking garage that was to be built: Some residents concerned with new St. Jude parking garage (actionnews5.com). So the point is, the NIMBYs here aren't taking any mess, especially against gentrification. The poorer neighborhoods are being neglected, but the most infamous neighborhood of them all was Cleaborn homes, a housing project, (Demolition of Cleaborn Homes creates excitement about future plans (actionnews5.com) torn down some years back and made into the federal Hope homes. Now whether or not this was a positive depends on the person you're talking to. The average annual income was one of the poorest in the city. The bilking you're talking about is probably happening here. No doubt in the next 10-20 years, these areas will look completely different. The area of the Sterick building is in the core of downtown - in a desirable location, because it offers views of all the "big four" skyscrapers on the upper floors. The buildings next to Sterick aren't vacant, which was by design, to put pressure on the owners of Sterick. There is a dowtown residential association and a group called Memphis Heritage Inc. that looks to preserve historic architecture, but I don't know if they've put pressure on AXA or the Grosvenors.

Let's gooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

Something is happening with 100 N. Main. While people always love to harp on the lack of leadership in Memphis, at least someone was proactive in getting this done. Sterick is a different animal due to it's legal issues. Not to compare, but other river cities, such as NOLA and STL have the same issues and challenges with rehabbing large buildings. It's not new. If the market was so tepid, there would be no South Bluffs, Tennessee Brewery, Crosstown, Chisca Hotel, Nylon Net, etc. Shall I go on? Of course this never gets the press because of aligning Memphis with the same tired trope of high crime, negative race relations, etc. No one reports on the resilience or the rehabbing of these historic structures. If it isn't covered in glass and 7000 ft. tall then it isn't news.

I'm pretty sure the first one would've been in the Pyramid, in my opinion.

Good! The next step is to improve walkability and bikeability throughout, especially downtown. Downtown Memphis makes strides to a more walkable future - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian

No it won’t be continuous but at least it will be seamless in a way that there isn’t a complete blank canvas in the Pinch district. The original master plan had mostly the same height for everything which I did not like. By seamless I mean that even though there’s the I-40 barrier, the eye won’t stop there. As long as there’s something along the height of Sheraton at the Pinch I will be satisfied. I don’t see why Loews can’t build there too. Maybe something can still be built where trinity would’ve been and next to it. That would be really nice.

Very good points. When the Pinch plans come to fruition, the skyline will look great looking west from I-40, but especially if the area around Second and Third between Madison and Jefferson can developed. I believe after the Waterfront district is fully developed, attention will probably turn east to the South End, as you have stated (Mulberry/Second/Third). If the Clipper can get done it would help push development further east too. I wouldn't mind seeing heights of the Clipper and One Beale around the SoFo area. So yes, the skyline will be long. Can't wait to see that come to pass. Lowe's should consider the Pinch when things take off there. While we're at it, no glass high rises please. It wouldn't be seamless. I like the idea of capping part of Danny Thomas as part of the Walk's plans. Maybe the whole thing should be capped so there's more of a connection with downtown.

Isn't there supposed to be a hotel built at Beale & 4th? That would help that side of Beale immensely and would boost more development.

This is great. Would like to see more development on Mulberry/Second St. as well.

Not only South Main/SoFo area, but the Pinch and the Walk area too. The wait may be a while, but this is a marathon and not a sprint. Memphis is a unique/different animal from most cities. The way Memphis' downtown is oriented to the Mississippi River is different from STL and NOLA (Skyscrapers vs. high-rises, tallest buildings farthest away from the river, etc.) - and that's a good thing. No cookie cutter here.

Thank you. That pride is sometimes tough because of the news always portraying Memphis as negative and of the history of comparing itself to Nashville, even though the two cities are vastly different (and shouldn't be compared). I'll always embrace my city. Warts and all.

Congrats Nashville on all the developments!

Very nice. The character of the architecture is always aesthetically pleasing to view. So many details to look at and appreciate. Memphis may not have all the glassy skyscrapers, it may look stagnant and old, but who cares. Form follows function. History, charm and character fit Memphis. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for more high rises though.

I hope what you say is true, but one could’ve made the same statement about Birmingham and Atlanta. Meaning to say, since ATL’s prices are so high, BHM would attract developers because of the cost difference. It hasn’t happened. Is the CHA example an anomaly? Again, I hope you’re right, and thanks for the vote of confidence.

Good location. Much upkeep will be needed in this area due to the Youth sports facilities not too far away. The families will probably frequent this area.

Easy there bub. LOL.

As the Creme de Memph blogspot put it, it looks like a shag carpet. Love the urban forest of Memphis. Love the trees. The soil here is so rich. Thanks for posting.

No it’s not a good look but I’d rather light a candle than curse the darkness. LOL. I don’t like the pile up of bills, but he does have other properties downtown than he is working on or worked on. This isn’t a Sidney Schlenker deal. He’s bought a lot of the pinch…we can’t expect everyone to be perfect. Let’s give this dude a chance for the dream hotel to come about. If it doesn’t then let’s throw stones. If anything, we cannot let his pinch properties sit idle for years on end. If he can’t follow through on his plans, we must not settle for anything smaller height wise. Maybe the banks want to see if he can manage his smaller properties before he gets more loans.

Waiting on dxfret.

Memphis is stagnant. LOL.