Top 20 Things You Need to Know! Pt. 2 (11-20)

Treeform Memphis
“Treeform Memphis” art installation will soon be in a vacant Memphis lot near you. Making its U.S. debut in Memphis, the art installation is Designed by Parisian architectural firm Atelier YokYok. Installed at A.W. Willis Avenue Medical district, the art will mimic a forest and tree canopy, according to the Memphis Business Journal. This installation will also include original work by a local artist Cat Pena. There is a Facebook page dedicated to the installation (@TreedomMemphis) and there will be a discussion on the installation at Crosstown Concourse on June 3, 2018, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. More information and pictures may be found on the firm’s webpage. Please click the link provided. www.atelieryokyok.comLink for the Crosstown Concourse event http://crosstownarts.org/calendar/yokyok-from-france-to-memphis/
 
Mississippi Riverpark
 In addition to the TDZ expansion, the City filed for a $1.4 million building permit for renovations to the Mississippi River Park, located near the entrance of Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. The plan includes building open-air dining pavilions out of deconstructed shipping containers and elevated tree houses similar to a bird’s nest, turning Beale Street Landing into a community hub, turning Mud Island into an eco-hub, adding a skate park, playground, and rock climbing wall.  President and CEO of the River Park Partnership, Carol Coletta, was quoted stating that work should begin the first week of June and be completed after Labor Day. The hope is for the park to host the 2018 RiverArtsFest.

Central Station
The old central train station will soon have 124 hotel rooms, a 3,500 square foot restaurant, a 6,700 square foot ballroom and an 8,000 square foot retail space along with the Amtrak Station. Under construction, next door is the seven-screen Malco movie theater which will have balcony seating, electric recliners, a restaurant and bar, and an eight outdoor screen and lounge rooftop. The theater is set to open near Thanksgiving.

University District
Sooooo The University of Memphis (really the University District) has decided to just fill the area with restaurants, apartments, and bars long after I graduated. New to Highland Strip is The Bluff, Insomnia Cookie, Petra Café, Burgerim, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, and Maciel’s Taco Shop. I’m salty but happy for the current and future Tigers. Now, the FedEx Institute of Technology is working on creating self-driving shuttles buses and small robotic deliveries. As stated by Memphis Business Journal reporter, Michelle Corbet, “The DRONES Innovation Research Cluster is looking for a proposal that will introduce these autonomous systems to explore the social, psychological and practical challenges of those interacting within the City.”   There was also a mention of expanding the route of the school’s campus shuttle, The Blue Line.
 
Whitehaven Entertainment Center
According to the Memphis Business Journal, there is a plan being submitted to bring a 74,000 square foot retail and entertainment center with a trampoline park to the Whitehaven community. The trampoline park would be located next to the Kroger on Shelby Drive and Elvis Presley. The renovated center is expected to create roughly 109 jobs. The wages for the jobs will average $9.70 per hour but hopefully, they will end up being a little more.
 
Raiford's Hollywood Disco 
We may have a new patio to add to the city’s list. Raiford’s Hollywood Disco on 115 Vance Ave will soon be home to a new restaurant and bar. Owners of the WKDN Hang Suite Bar and Lounge in Nashville are expanding outside of Nashville for the first time. No projected date for an opening but the owners hope to take over the space by late summer or early fall.
 
Collierville Subdivision 
Collierville will soon have a new subdivision aimed towards retirees. Named “Quinn Ridge”, the subdivision will be located to the south of Collierville. Quinn Ridge will be developed as a 543 residential lot, built in 14 phases over 10 years. The homes will be no smaller than 2,500 square feet with the average price being 500,000 as told by The Memphis Business Journal. The proposal won’t be considered until June 14, 2018.
 
St. Jude
We all know how amazing St. Jude is but it seems that they have decided to take things a little further. In addition to their 2015 expansion plan and $412 million research center that is set to open in 2021, St. Jude just announced a $100 million-plus initiative to expand access of care to children in low and middle incomes countries. (See full article written by the Commercial Appeal) This initiative will help St. Jude help children in places like Nicaragua, Jordan, and Philippines.
 https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2018/05/24/st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-memphis-goes-international/636772002/

Carolina Ave. 
27 W. Carolina Ave could soon be an apartment complex with 57 units and 8,000 square feet of the ground floor being retail space. This complex would be just south of Loflin Yard. According to the Memphis Business Journal, the project’s desired completion date would be the middle of 2019.

Regional One
Regional One (often referred to as the Med) is seeking a 5-6-year $300 million redevelopment plan for the facility. The plan would include demolishing and rebuilding some of the 6 buildings on the hospital’s main campus as published by the Commercial Appeal. With most of the buildings being 45 to 50 years old the trauma center is well overdue for redevelopments. I personally hope they get the funds that they need! The Med has been saving lives since before I could remember, one special life being my oldest sister who was in a car accident in the mid-90s that could have been fatal. This place will always have my respect, support, and love.