MEMPHIS | Development News

[Wayward Memphian]

Originally Posted by VSRJ

I would disagree with you there (and not just because I'm a coaster enthusiast). Poorly run theme parks are unsustainable. If theme parks weren't sustainable, there wouldn't be 320+ operating in the U.S. Just look at Dollywood - they're in the midst of a 10-year, $300M investment. And Dolly doesn't make those kinds of investments without getting a return. And while I completely agree that it is unfeasible to build a "Six Flags over Mud Island," I see no reason that theme (or water) park components can't be incorporated into this new Mud Island vision. I still find it baffling that Memphis hasn't added a giant ferris wheel somewhere along the river. That's a huge missed opportunity in my mind. But Mud Island would be a prime spot for that, along with some other rides. Given the success of the Pyramid's observation deck, I think any type of amusement attraction, especially one that offered a view, would do just fine.

Sliver Dollar City in Branson is going to drop 40 million on a new attraction in 2017 that actually already started constructo though it's still unannounced.

Little Rock and Hot Springs manage to have water parks. I have heard Adventure River was profitable but the land became too valuable to say no to offers. I don't anyone thought that Memphis would so long with a decent one. Libertyland made money with the right management in place, that's more on government follies 101. That also dried up summer seasonal jibs for youths that perform in choirs and such. Whar do we hear, nothing for the youth to do. I remember several classmates auditioning for the few shows they had.

[Wayward Memphian]

OpThis old rendering has a hotel over the tracks and decks elsewhere along with stores over the tracks. Hotel sure looks like it could have an indoor waterpark off to the right.


Wo

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by VSRJ

I would disagree with you there (and not just because I'm a coaster enthusiast). Poorly run theme parks are unsustainable. If theme parks weren't sustainable, there wouldn't be 320+ operating in the U.S. Just look at Dollywood - they're in the midst of a 10-year, $300M investment. And Dolly doesn't make those kinds of investments without getting a return. And while I completely agree that it is unfeasible to build a "Six Flags over Mud Island," I see no reason that theme (or water) park components can't be incorporated into this new Mud Island vision. I still find it baffling that Memphis hasn't added a giant ferris wheel somewhere along the river. That's a huge missed opportunity in my mind. But Mud Island would be a prime spot for that, along with some other rides. Given the success of the Pyramid's observation deck, I think any type of amusement attraction, especially one that offered a view, would do just fine.

Anything that's poorly run isn't sustainable, theme parks are no different. Dollywood along with many other theme parks are integrated into or are stand alone establishments that have operated for a time period of decades if not longer. They're investing upon a return that they've already generated. Investing millions of dollars on theme park rides along with a mixed use redevelopment in a urban setting where every bit of land can produce built density that in turn will generate revenue well past what a Ferris wheel or roller coaster can is not a smart investment from a developer.

Originally Posted by Wayward Memphian

I'm not asking for a theme park I'm asking the Navy Pier, Santa Monica Pier, ect, ect, ect.

Oh look a missed opportunity
https://youtu.be/TTmdzG9tvpU

Looks fun.

Originally Posted by Wayward Memphian

In the old Ericson proposal, there's a promenade over the tracks connecting the Pyramid with the Pinch, build a deck much the same way using ideas on top like the Columbus I670 Cap

If Bass Pro wants to do something like that, cool, but I don't see how that's related to the article I posted.

[Johnny Ryall]

Florida developer talks plans for former Harrah's resort
Frances McMorris, Reporter/ Tampa Bay Business Journal

A Florida real estate developer has closed on the purchase of Harrah’s Tunica, a 2000-acre resort complex in Tunica, Mississippi. The owners of TJM Properties bought the property from Harrah’s parent company, Caesar’s Entertainment Corp., which shuttered the casino resort back in June 2014. “Plans to sell all or part of the property are underway,” Terence J. McCarthy of TJM Properties, said in a statement. The Tunica property sits on more than 2,000 acres and consists of: Two hotels featuring 600 guest rooms and suites, 45,000-square-foot convention complex which seats 2,500, 800-acre hunting lodge, 200-unit RV park and clubhouse, 10,000-square-foot children’s center, 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, large commercial laundry facility, Office and warehouse buildings & Hundreds of acres of farm land.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...hs-resort.html

[Johnny Ryall]

Megasite attracting inquiries
Michelle Corbet, Reporter/ Memphis Business Journal

In September 2015, when TNECD unveiled a new marketing campaign for the Megasite, Boyd said attracting one large OEM to the site is no longer the goal. The state is instead focusing its efforts on attracting five to seven OEMs.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...inquiries.html

[TheKernel91]

Discount grocer eyes former Kroger spot in Uptown
Good news for the Uptown/Downtown area

http://www.commercialappeal.com/busi...367709251.html

[TheKernel91]

I'm liking what's been happening here lately. I've been saying for a while that stretch of Union Ave have so much potential. Can't wait to hear soon overall for the Edge district

Land buyer in Edge looks to master plan
http://www.commercialappeal.com/busi...367551161.html

I wonder if that U-Haul announcement near the old bridge will be the new place for the U-Haul on Union near these property purchases ?

Developer buys Wonder Bread building, expands Edge holdings
http://www.commercialappeal.com/busi...367280461.html

[TheKernel91]

Nashville Developer to build apartments near downtown

http://www.commercialappeal.com/busi...366745851.html

Good infill, this will help connect the South Main District and SoFo area. Foote Homes set to demolish this summer, we will probably hear more announcements soon in the area.

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by TheKernel91

Good infill, this will help connect the South Main District and SoFo area. Foote Homes set to demolish this summer, we will probably hear more announcements soon in the area.

Good? The theory of redevelopment here, yes. These? No.

I'm all for the development of vacant lots in and around downtown, but these look terrible. Pushing for development just for the hell of it so the final product looks like this shows the lack of potential for residential infill downtown. There's much better design options as far as facade arrangement and fenestration that could be achieved with the same materials. There's nothing that separates these than something off of Highway 64 other than the address. The two accessory structures on site aren't really anything to note, but the primary garage structure is pretty cool.

[VSRJ]

Originally Posted by arkitekte

Good? The theory of redevelopment here, yes. These? No.

I'm all for the development of vacant lots in and around downtown, but these look terrible. Pushing for development just for the hell of it so the final product looks like this shows the lack of potential for residential infill downtown. There's much better design options as far as facade arrangement and fenestration that could be achieved with the same materials. There's nothing that separates these than something off of Highway 64 other than the address. The two accessory structures on site aren't really anything to note, but the primary garage structure is pretty cool.

THIS. I am so tired of these ugly, out-of-place suburban monstrosities in South Main. Same with South Junction - they could so easily be built right off Germantown Pkwy and no one would bat an eye. And I'm afraid many of the apartments to be built as part of the Central Station project will look very similar.

Enough with the hipped roofs, enough with the faux wooden paneling - build something that fits in South Main and its personality.

[PillowTalk4]

Originally Posted by VSRJ

THIS. I am so tired of these ugly, out-of-place suburban monstrosities in South Main. Same with South Junction - they could so easily be built right off Germantown Pkwy and no one would bat an eye. And I'm afraid many of the apartments to be built as part of the Central Station project will look very similar.

Enough with the hipped roofs, enough with the faux wooden paneling - build something that fits in South Main and its personality.

These seem like garden style apartments you'd find in the suburbs. I have a feeling they'll either drive similar development around it, which is unfortunate, or they'll end up looking out of place among other developments that are more appropriately styled for the area. The developer should have considered row home type townhouses, a more industrial residential loft design or two-story duplex townhouses style units where you have four levels in total split between two units.

There's an apartment complex in the SoBro area of downtown Nashville that was built in the late 80's or early 90's that sits on a hill overlooking downtown. When the area was not poised for all that is happening there now, it was fine and people rented there because of the views and the proximity to downtown. Now, it will eventually look totally out of place because SoBro is quickly becoming an area with high rise and mid rise office buildings, hotels, apartment and condo buildings. Just blocks away from this garden style apartment complex will be 20, 30 and 40 story buildings currently under construction with more to come. This developer should think about the goals and overall use of the properties around the complex he's building in Memphis. Otherwise he'll be building something that will look awkward and out of place down the road.

[TheKernel91]

Originally Posted by arkitekte

Good? The theory of redevelopment here, yes. These? No.

I'm all for the development of vacant lots in and around downtown, but these look terrible. Pushing for development just for the hell of it so the final product looks like this shows the lack of potential for residential infill downtown. There's much better design options as far as facade arrangement and fenestration that could be achieved with the same materials. There's nothing that separates these than something off of Highway 64 other than the address. The two accessory structures on site aren't really anything to note, but the primary garage structure is pretty cool.

Agree, I was just more happy to see something announced on this end of downtown. I do hate seeing cheap infill for profit. Aging will be my biggest concern with these apartments. Will these apartments look good in 20 or 30 years ? Brick based would have done it some justice.

[TheKernel91]

Any thoughts on this ? I heard it's been approved. Many of the residents nearby oppose of this.
The article says three nine story towers, but the video shows shorter.
'Parkside' development would erect 3 towers overlooking Shelby Farms

• Video Link

http://www.commercialappeal.com/busi...368338401.html

"A developer proposes lining the north side of Shelby Farms with stores, offices and up to 1,200 apartments, most perched in a trio of buildings up to nine floors tall for panoramic park views."

"The plan includes a total of 700 to 900 apartment units, 80,000 square feet of office space and 50,000 square feet of retail space in the three towers, and another 312 apartments in the 18 smaller buildings along with a clubhouse, pool, parking lots, detention ponds and greenspace."

[VSRJ]

Originally Posted by TheKernel91

Any thoughts on this ? I heard it's been approved. Many of the residents nearby oppose of this.
The article says three nine story towers, but the video shows shorter.
'Parkside' development would erect 3 towers overlooking Shelby Farms

http://www.commercialappeal.com/busi...368338401.html

"A developer proposes lining the north side of Shelby Farms with stores, offices and up to 1,200 apartments, most perched in a trio of buildings up to nine floors tall for panoramic park views."

"The plan includes a total of 700 to 900 apartment units, 80,000 square feet of office space and 50,000 square feet of retail space in the three towers, and another 312 apartments in the 18 smaller buildings along with a clubhouse, pool, parking lots, detention ponds and greenspace."

I think it is one of the saddest, most uninspiring designs I've ever seen. Here is just a shortlist of the reasons I despise it:
- It looks like an office building or office park
- The design of the towers is as bland as the day is long. There's nothing attractive or unique about them. They stick out like a sore thumb, like they were plucked from the 80s.
- The overall layout of buildings, retail (?), offices - or lack of organization
- Mullins Station/Kirby simply can't handle that traffic, at least right now.

This is from the same group that's designing the equally uninspiring TraVure development in Germantown. With so many better architect groups in town, why are they going with this one?

I hope this plan never sees the light of day.

/rant

[KingWestMemphis]

http://www.bizjournals.com/undefined...een-light.html

Land owner Nitinkumar Patel received approval for two hotels across the street from AutoZone Park — a six-story Holiday Inn Express & Suites and a seven-story Hilton Garden Inn.

The third hotel approval is for a special use permit to allow a six-story Homewood Suites by Hilton in a less-than-one-acre lot at the corner of Second Street and Vance Avenue — about a block from the South Main Arts District.

I'm glad more rooms are coming downtown, but I wish that these hotels could've been combined into one 19 story hotel... but, these hotels will make these areas look SO much better

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by KingWestMemphis

but, these hotels will make these areas look SO much better

Yeah...all in all the materials and facade arrangement aren't too bad at all. The hotels that front Union will form a street wall that should do a lot for pedestrian traffic and street level activation.

[Johnny Ryall]

Three Downtown hotel projects get green light
Michelle Corbet, Reporter/ Memphis Business Journal

Land owner Nitinkumar Patel received approval for two hotels across the street from AutoZone Park — a six-story Holiday Inn Express & Suites and a seven-story Hilton Garden Inn. The two hotels would be located side-by-side in what is currently a vacant lot used for parking, bringing a total of nearly 260 rooms to Downtown’s sports and entertainment district.

The third hotel approval is for a special use permit to allow a six-story Homewood Suites by Hilton in a less-than-one-acre lot at the corner of Second Street and Vance Avenue — about a block from the South Main Arts District. Developer NPH Investments is proposing about 120 rooms for both short- and long-term guests.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...een-light.html

courtesy of ODA

[Johnny Ryall]

Greenline access for Parkside development in question
Michelle Corbet, Reporter/ Memphis Business Journal

Although the Land Use Control Board (LUCB) approved the outline plan for a $200 million mixed-use development across from Shelby Farms Park, the project could hit a roadblock when it goes before the Shelby County Commission. Members of the Shelby County government have concerns about the proposed entrance for the Parkside at Shelby Farms development. According to the plan, the main entrance will be off of Mullins Station and will cross the Shelby Farms Park Greenline.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...opment-in.html

COURTESY OF SOLOMITO LAND PLANNING

[Johnny Ryall]

Pinch District Hotel Close to Reality
By Bill Dries/ Memphis Daily News

After six months of negotiations and delays in votes by the Memphis City Council, there is an agreement for the construction of a hotel with retail space across Front Street from The Pyramid.

https://www.memphisdailynews.com/new...se-to-reality/

[Johnny Ryall]

TraVure Development Wins Hard-Fought Approval
By Madeline Faber/ Memphis Daily News

At the meeting, the board gave the green light to developer Gill Properties’ final outline plan and the three phases of construction which include infrastructure improvements, two hotels, an office building and a parking garage. Most of the public opposition came from residential community Nottoway, located just east of the TraVure development, which is situated between Poplar Avenue and Poplar Pike, just east of Kirby Parkway.

https://www.memphisdailynews.com/new...ught-approval/

(Submitted)/ MDN