| Home |
|
Memphis, TN
Here we note noteworthy people and landmarks of the area that have now passed into history.
 |
Overton Square
as we knew it 1970-present
|
 Latest
news: what has been thought a primary element of the redevelopment of
Overton Square is apparently no longer on the drawing board but the
potential developer says the overall project is expected to continue.
Loeb Properties had outlined a plan to establish a 53,000 square
foot grocery on what is now a parking lot now bordered by Cooper
Street, Monroe Avenue, Florence Street, and Trimble Avenue. The company
has
a contract on the property but said for the deal to be done
two things had to materialize. The City of Memphis had to build a
parking
garage on the west side of the lot providing free parking on 2 levels
and a storm water retention function in the basement. The city has
approved the garage. Secondly, the developer had said a
grocery must commit to occupy a new building on the east side of the
mentioned lot. Loeb said they had the interest of a major grocer but
that no firm commitment, but in late August, 2011, Loeb announced the
grocery outfit did not appear committed to the project with the
requirements imposed, like sharing the parking. Loeb, therefore,
announced the grocery was out and the focus will be on the arts
district. A live play venue, Playhouse on the Square, and a movie
theater, Studio on the Square, are currently the main draws in the
area. Loeb says it now will focus on redeveloping the area with small
retailers, boutique stores, and restaurants. The revised plan is said
to include a few new buildings but no demolition of existing buildings.
Loeb Properties will outline the revised project plans at a public
meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Playhouse on the Square. Plans call for
construction to begin early in 2012 with businesses opening a year
later.— the essence of Overton Square is only
history now —
For the moment, the buildings and name remain, but the essence of Overton Square is only history now. The hustle and bustle that once marked the night life of Overton Square is gone. The landmark buildings on the south side of Madison Avenue now appear ground zero for the wrecking ball. Buildings owner Tom Lowe of Univest/Fisher Capital says he will delay his request to demolish several buildings on the south side of Madison Avenue until early February, 2010. The delay comes after a city hall meeting to discuss his intent to ask the City Council for permission to pursue the demolition. The meeting was crowded with those wishing to preserve the existing buildings, urban planners and city staff members. Developers want to replace the buildings with new ones designed to house retail shops and restaurants. In the large parking lot behind (south of ) Overton Square, a 53,000 square foot grocery fronted by a parking is planned. On November 25, 1969 voters in the city of Memphis authorized the selling of liquor by the drink and in 1970 a new entertainment district was born in Memphis. The very popular Overton Square area at Madison Avenue and Cooper Street came roaring into Memphis history with nightclubs, restaurants, gift shops, and other retail establishments. It was, for many, the place to go in Memphis for an evening of revelry. Many of the new establishments made their home in the existing buildings that had held more mundane businesses previously. It is those buildings, renovated numerous times, that now are in jeopardy of being torn down in late 2009. Forty years later after a gangbuster opening of Overton Square, many of the shops and restaurants are empty. The decline probably can be traced to the mid 1980s, but it was a slow and sometimes agonizing process involving many factors. A competing area began in 1983 when the first club opened on the renovated Beale Street in downtown Memphis. The City had taken over the Beale Street properties and partnered with others to establish it as a major entertainment district. Very slowly the focus for downtown/midtown nightlife shifted there. In 2003, the cornerstone establishment of Overton Square, a restaurant and bar called T.G.I. Friday's, the first Friday's not in New York City, which opened in that location in May, 1970 and which once had booming business, closed.     |