MEMPHIS | Development News

[Wayward Memphian]

Originally Posted by arkitekte

You're saying that as if those casinos just came on line in Cherokee within the past few years; which they haven't. Gaming has been in Cherokee roughly the same amount of time that it has been in Tunica. The addition/renovation of 1 casino 500 miles away isn't drawing people from one gaming center to another. You might as well throw in Casino Aztar in Caruthersville and Evansville and the gaming centers on the Gulf Coast if you want to say that a casino in North Carolina is affecting gaming at Tunica.

As they grew and added features and amenities, they most certainly have. Them seemed to do it in the middle of this downturn while Tunica stood still. I used to go to Tunica to play poker some when I came home. I haven't been in several years, I've played some while catching a band at Hard Rock in Tulsa. We always went one weekend to the races at Oaklawn. My daughter has a knack of picking winners just random like but I'll slip off and play a little poker and that further decreases any hope of tunica drawing me there as I've wet my thirst elsewhere. Golf doesn't interest me, I'll get my fill via my Brother at Spring Creek Ranch. No one I know goes to Tunica much anymore and they used to. That includes locals.

One development for Tunica that will never be due to the recession was the Riverbend/MGM development.

There's a faint rumor that Oaklawn will seek a fall meet again. This is to pursue hosting the Breeders Cup from time to time. It was once rumored when Oaklawn was seeking its video games of skill.

[Johnny Ryall]

Originally Posted by WilliamTheArtist

WilliamTheArtist

Fair enough. I appreciate the clarity on the subject.

Happy new year, everyone.

[Johnny Ryall]

Speaking of a new bridge to carry Interstate 69 across the Mississippi River, I found this wiki article about what's to come. Two 450ft towers supporting a 1,500ft cable-stayed span. This is what Memphians will drive across in the future when taking I-69 to Shreveport, LA or Houston, TX.

Charles W. Dean Bridge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Charles W. Dean Bridge, known before 1999 as the Great River Bridge, will be a cable-stayed bridge carrying Interstate 69 and U.S. Route 278 across the Mississippi River between Arkansas City, Arkansas and Benoit, Mississippi. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department began land acquisition for the project in October 2006. Preliminary studies indicate the bridge would be 4.25 miles (6.85 km) long, with one 1500-foot (460 m) cable-stayed span over the main channel of the river supported by two 450-foot (137 m) towers. A cost of $565 million has been estimated...

Project Status: The environmental analysis process and design are complete. Since October 2006, Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has been acquiring properties needed for the bridge and the approach roadways on the Arkansas side of the river. In its 2011-2013 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, the AHTD intends to begin construction of the Arkansas approach roadways and structures in 2011, subject to funding. Construction of the bridge and the remaining connections is contingent upon funding.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_W._Dean_Bridge

Wikimedia

[Wayward Memphian]

Originally Posted by Johnny Ryall

Speaking of a new bridge to carry Interstate 69 across the Mississippi River, I found this wiki article about what's to come. Two 450ft towers supporting a 1,500ft cable-stayed span. This is what Memphians will drive across in the future when taking I-69 to Shreveport, LA or Houston, TX.

Charles W. Dean Bridge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_W._Dean_Bridge

Wikimedia

There are many pressing needs in Arkansas for the little money availible. The Bella Vista Bypass is what is holding up I 540 from becoming I-49 to Ft. Smith. I'll not live long enough to drive I-49 south of Ft. Smith to Texarkana. That will require a bridge over the Arkansas and a rework of the I-40/I-540 interchange at Alma. We scratch our heads wondering why US 67 has had more progress than these two stretches. It's mind boggling over the funding mechanisms in this state. We are watching the millions spent to place median barriers just a year ago on 540 get ready to be replaced with 3 lanes and this state can't find the money to complete the interstate around Bella Vista Village.

[DoomJ]

Originally Posted by arkitekte

That's actually smart and probably how it was intended. If you're at my casino having a decent time, you're more likely to stay there rather than driving 4 or 5 miles to the next casino. The same goes for the alternate attractions. Anything in addition to what's located inside of those casinos takes revenue from the casinos. When a casino is the sole resource in your county you have to protect them at all cost.

I disagree. Having more attractions nearby would draw a wider clientele. I know Tunica is not "Vegas" or "Atlantic City" but it was meant to be a destination, which it is not. It is merely a place to gamble, which is why the growth of single casinos in middle-of-nowhere places has put a dent in Tunica's potential. Why travel all the way to Tunica just to gamble? There has to be more.

[DoomJ]

Also, this is about the most depressing thing I've seen in awhile...

Tennessee Brewery owners moving toward demolition

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...rd-demolition/

Tennessee Brewery LLC, a trust of the family that owns Memphis general contractor BHN Corp., bought the building in 1999 and invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in securing and stabilizing it for future development, said commercial real estate broker James Rasberry.

But the owners, including Kevin Norman and his brothers, have dealt with costs of liability insurance, repairing damage caused by vandals and keeping trespassers out of the fenced compound at 495 Tennessee.

After holding the property through the best and worst of times for commercial real estate, they’re moving toward a conclusion that the building must go for the land to be sold, Rasberry said.

“They’ve really done a lot from a love of the building standpoint. At some point they’ve had all the fun they can stand.”

Rasberry said he had been in discussions with a demolition contractor and expects the owners to make a decision on how to proceed in the next 30 to 60 days.

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by DoomJ

I disagree. Having more attractions nearby would draw a wider clientele. I know Tunica is not "Vegas" or "Atlantic City" but it was meant to be a destination, which it is not. It is merely a place to gamble, which is why the growth of single casinos in middle-of-nowhere places has put a dent in Tunica's potential. Why travel all the way to Tunica just to gamble? There has to be more.

Vegas and Atlantic City have far different clientele and due to their population and proximity to larger populations can do that. In the same sense, why spend money outside of gambling in Tunica when you could drive to Memphis?

Also, what other development would work in Tunica that would have enough consumer support to survive?

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by DoomJ

Also, this is about the most depressing thing I've seen in awhile...

Tennessee Brewery owners moving toward demolition

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...rd-demolition/

Damn. I'll post some photos from inside of the brewery sometime today or tomorrow. I might make a photo thread over in the buildings and architecture thread as well.

[VSRJ]

I hope that something can be done regarding the brewery. Historic and gritty buildings like that are what make Memphis... Memphis. But at the same time, I hate seeing it lifeless and decrepit. Hopefully someone with deep pockets will step up.

[ILoveMemphis]

Originally Posted by arkitekte

Damn. I'll post some photos from inside of the brewery sometime today or tomorrow. I might make a photo thread over in the buildings and architecture thread as well.

OH NO!!!!! Not the brewery! Someone's gotta save this building! It is so historic! Who can we get ahold of to tell them DON'T DO IT! This is absurd that someone would want to tear down this much history!!!! Donate it to the city or something!

[Chris Warren]

Instead of tearing down the brewery why don't they turn into a museum.

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by ILoveMemphis

OH NO!!!!! Not the brewery! Someone's gotta save this building! It is so historic! Who can we get ahold of to tell them DON'T DO IT! This is absurd that someone would want to tear down this much history!!!! Donate it to the city or something!

It happens. The current owners know that property is pretty valuable, with or without the brewery, and unfortunately, its theirs to do whatever they want. Other than possibly a two or three month holdup in environmental court (that will only delay, not stop demo) there's not much that can be done at this point.

The biggest problem with a lot of these structures is that its easier and sometimes cheaper or the same price to demo them as it is to rehab them. The Sterick building is coming upon its time as well...I think 2015 is when the future owners will have complete control.

I'll try to post those photos here and in a separate thread sometime tonight.

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by Chris Warren

Instead of tearing down the brewery why don't they turn into a museum.

Money man. Ideally, they could find a micro brewery or two to pimp the space out to. Since they would be returning the brewery to what it used to be, there would be tax breaks galore. They would have to secure financing for that though, and unless you're rolling deep not too many banks want to give money to someone that wants to rehab a 150ish year old building without a solid plan and solid $$$.

They current owners know this and obviously want to eventually make money off of their investment, so they've decided to demolish it.

I can see where they're coming from, but at the same time it hurts to see a gorgeous building like that demolished. For being vacant and deteriorating for 60 or so years it's in pretty good shape, but I'm somewhat surprised it didn't catch urban revitilization like a lot of South Main did in the 60's-80's.

[Wayward Memphian]

Originally Posted by arkitekte

Vegas and Atlantic City have far different clientele and due to their population and proximity to larger populations can do that. In the same sense, why spend money outside of gambling in Tunica when you could drive to Memphis?

Also, what other development would work in Tunica that would have enough consumer support to survive?

The outlet mall was/is a joke compared to places like Opry Mills.

I go back to Kansas City, but this time on the Kansas side and it's Nascar track. (Tunica would have to get the France family to build a track, otherwise it's a no go and it's not going to happen, too many tracks already.)

That area has destination retail (Cabelas, Nebraska Furniture Mart)
a very nice outlet center with a Movie Theater, Dave and Busters, Themed restuatants like TRex café. MSL Stadium designed to host music events as well, Minor league baseball stadium, Top notch outdoor water park, Nascar/ Indy Car track, Great Wolf Lodge with indoor water park and other attractions.
A casino is now located around all of this. Around all of this is national box stores and chain restuarants. It kinda sat dormant for a couple of years but last summer it seemed development was to start back up soon

Any of you all ever google earth'd the old Nascar track outside of West Memphis? The Memphis area could have had one of the classic tracks in Nascar. It was a superspeed way, over a mile, not a short track, was dirt and after a couple of rainouts, Nascar wanted it paved and owner wouldn't pay for it.

[VSRJ]

Originally Posted by arkitekte

It happens. The current owners know that property is pretty valuable, with or without the brewery, and unfortunately, its theirs to do whatever they want. Other than possibly a two or three month holdup in environmental court (that will only delay, not stop demo) there's not much that can be done at this point.

The biggest problem with a lot of these structures is that its easier and sometimes cheaper or the same price to demo them as it is to rehab them.

That's what frustrates me--there isn't a ton of construction in the downtown area. It's not like available real estate is limited. Why are they so sure that the TN Brewery site would attract developers? I know it's a good location, but surely there are others. Unless they reveal plans for the site, I'm very against this. We don't need another vacant lot or an almost-finished vacant building like the Horizon tower.

[kingchef]

my idea ran along the same line of the micro craze. i like the architecture as it is, but if one had to, the building could be reduced in size. you could have about three to four breweries, which serve distinctly different drink concoctions. in addition, a full service kitchen could be situated in a position relative to the number of breweries. one of these bars should serve imported beers and ales, along w/ cocktails to all food areas. piano bar for lunch and cocktails. i would rent out some of the space for bands, comedy club, and/or sports entertainment. designated thursdays, fridays, saturdays, and maybe karaoke, etc. i haven't been in the building, however, depending on the configuration of the floors, one area would have be designated for dancing only. the bar and drink system should work on a directed pneumatic system. i would push this concept, a specific demographic, and decide whether it would be more profitable to run a saturday and sunday brunch and a daily luncheon schedule that would be specific. this would certainly give all of the south forum district and south main, etc., a regular places to eat, drink, and unwind. my view would be to push several of these bar games. darts, poker, and other card games. the key to this would be a good pr campaign goal directed to the neighborhoods in the 38101, 38102, 03, 04, etc. the city center, then further into the other districts, such as the pinch, the harbor district, and uptown and others.

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by VSRJ

That's what frustrates me--there isn't a ton of construction in the downtown area. It's not like available real estate is limited. Why are they so sure that the TN Brewery site would attract developers? I know it's a good location, but surely there are others. Unless they reveal plans for the site, I'm very against this. We don't need another vacant lot or an almost-finished vacant building like the Horizon tower.

They'll more than likely try to sell the property once the brewery is gone, or try to develop something mixed use...retail/dining/office space on the ground level and then residential above. Don't expect anything to size of Horizon though.

[Wayward Memphian]

The façade of the Brewery has so much promise, it's a shame to lose it. It's still got a good amount of the iron work around the staircase in it too, right?

[Wayward Memphian]

Originally Posted by kingchef

my idea ran along the same line of the micro craze. i like the architecture as it is, but if one had to, the building could be reduced in size. you could have about three to four breweries, which serve distinctly different drink concoctions. in addition, a full service kitchen could be situated in a position relative to the number of breweries. one of these bars should serve imported beers and ales, along w/ cocktails to all food areas. piano bar for lunch and cocktails. i would rent out some of the space for bands, comedy club, and/or sports entertainment. designated thursdays, fridays, saturdays, and maybe karaoke, etc. i haven't been in the building, however, depending on the configuration of the floors, one area would have be designated for dancing only. the bar and drink system should work on a directed pneumatic system. i would push this concept, a specific demographic, and decide whether it would be more profitable to run a saturday and sunday brunch and a daily luncheon schedule that would be specific. this would certainly give all of the south forum district and south main, etc., a regular places to eat, drink, and unwind. my view would be to push several of these bar games. darts, poker, and other card games. the key to this would be a good pr campaign goal directed to the neighborhoods in the 38101, 38102, 03, 04, etc. the city center, then further into the other districts, such as the pinch, the harbor district, and uptown and others.

Look up Stone Brewery out in San Diego.

[arkitekte]

Originally Posted by Wayward Memphian

The façade of the Brewery has so much promise, it's a shame to lose it. It's still got a good amount of the iron work around the staircase in it too, right?

It does. There's been some pieces that have been stolen, but there's still a solid amount that remains.