so I live next door and see it every morning as I drink my coffee, but the last 2 days an INSANE amount of work has been going on over there...they're removing all the overgrown trees, taking everything not bolted down out and throwing it away, tearing up all the worn pavement, etc.

I do hope they end up doing something useful with it like a Bed and Breakfast, or that Veterans Center they were talking about.

they've filled 3 dumpsters in 48 hours...

I thought after the comic con thing got shot down they didn't couldn't find any use for it. Who is footing the bill for the reno?

^ no one will say...it's ridiculously secretive over there...I asked a couple of the workers and they were told they can't say who's paying them, or what they're removing/installing.

Feels like something odd is going on over there...

(03-17-2015 06:11 PM)UofMemphis Wrote:  ^ no one will say...it's ridiculously secretive over there...I asked a couple of the workers and they were told they can't say who's paying them, or what they're removing/installing.

Feels like something odd is going on over there...

It's being remodeled into a Chick Fil-A.

It's a mystery. What a great view.

I have friends in the know. I will check on this. This is either very good or very bad.

BTW, have you all seen what is happening in the renovation of the 19th Century Club? They have taken out so much rotten fascia and wood, it is amazing that there is anything left to save. They are going great guns to repair it the right way, and it will be a rock solid new home for what I hope is a kickass Chinese restaurant and upscale venue for events.

(03-17-2015 11:48 PM)21-17 Best Time I Ever Ha Wrote:  I have friends in the know. I will check on this. This is either very good or very bad.

BTW, have you all seen what is happening in the renovation of the 19th Century Club? They have taken out so much rotten fascia and wood, it is amazing that there is anything left to save. They are going great guns to repair it the right way, and it will be a rock solid new home for what I hope is a kickass Chinese restaurant and upscale venue for events.

I was going to mention the 19th century club - they are doing a ton of work on it. Someone bought and is restoring the smaller historic church behind the 19th century club too.

I hate union avenue between the medical district and kroger - hopefully the city will start enforcing beautification and really look at any future plans. I know some of the linkous family doing construction on the midtown kroger and it should be nice with a very nice streetscape/amenities.

Should add developers seem to be all very discreet in town about projects- when the tract of land by the highland strip changed hands and the church was demolished all of the construction workers were hush hush about the new owners. One wonders if Citizens to Preserve Overton Park is still remembered by developers.

50 year old Chicago native Keith Williamson is hoping to turn it into Faces Supper Club & Lounge, hopefully by the 4th of July. It's intended to be a family friendly, but reservation only restaurant with about six dining rooms serving New Orleans inspired food. Two rooms upstairs will have hibachi type grills similar to Benihana. He plans to have a specially ventilated cigar room, live local music, especially jazz.

The problem is these new plans have not been approved by the Environmental Court, which has oversight on this parcel due to all the code violations and fines. Next EC meeting is Monday.

More detail can be found in an article in the Commercial Appeal today by Thomas Bailey, Jr.

How in gods green earth do you go from community veterans center to reservation only restaurant and lounge?

It's too bad that the Frago guy couldn't get it worked out (sounds like he couldn't). That was a great, innovative idea that could've rippled to benefit many both individuals and the region as a whole.

The restaurant idea sounds like it could work -- houses have worked as restaurants in Victorian Village, along Central (there was that Indian place), and around Overton Square.

I would've preferred the coworking/coliving startup space for veterans transitioning to civilian life, as that would be unique to at least the area, if not (probably not) the country, but more important is a productive use that preserves the facility.

(03-17-2015 10:03 PM)mapdude Wrote:  

(03-17-2015 06:11 PM)UofMemphis Wrote:  ^ no one will say...it's ridiculously secretive over there...I asked a couple of the workers and they were told they can't say who's paying them, or what they're removing/installing.

Feels like something odd is going on over there...

It's being remodeled into a Chick Fil-A.

While I'm not a fan of their politics, as long as they stick to food, I'd welcome them as a neighbor.

(03-18-2015 09:37 AM)UofMemphis Wrote:  How in gods green earth do you go from community veterans center to reservation only restaurant and lounge?

More to the point - cigar lounge, jazz, hibachi, new orleans in the same restaurant? Very strange...

I wonder if they will offer sand volleyball on the grand lawn, lol

(03-18-2015 10:50 AM)tiger2000 Wrote:  

(03-18-2015 09:37 AM)UofMemphis Wrote:  How in gods green earth do you go from community veterans center to reservation only restaurant and lounge?

More to the point - cigar lounge, jazz, hibachi, new orleans in the same restaurant? Very strange...

Jerome Hardaway (dude that was going to do the Vet Center through Frago) was interviewed on the CreativeMemphis podcast. Sounds like he's no longer pursuing Ashlar Hall, it never came up. So there's the opportunity for the restaurant opening up.

I worked there when it was the Conestoga Steak House in the 80's. The city made them cover the balcony to prevent the air from being sucked in and causing a updraft through the kitchen. The master bedroom upstairs had a huge shower with copper pipes and different levels shooting water towards the center. Huge water tank was located in the attic for the plumbing. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

(03-18-2015 03:04 PM)Mick Light Wrote:  I worked there when it was the Conestoga Steak House in the 80's. The city made them cover the balcony to prevent the air from being sucked in and causing a updraft through the kitchen. The master bedroom upstairs had a huge shower with copper pipes and different levels shooting water towards the center. Huge water tank was located in the attic for the plumbing. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

Copper in a vacant building in that area of town??? Bet that didn't stay long

(03-18-2015 10:50 AM)tiger2000 Wrote:  

(03-18-2015 09:37 AM)UofMemphis Wrote:  How in gods green earth do you go from community veterans center to reservation only restaurant and lounge?

More to the point - cigar lounge, jazz, hibachi, new orleans in the same restaurant? Very strange...

throw in "family friendly" on top of a cigar lounge & jazz club?

I'm not buying just yet, but places like Lafayette's run the gamut as far as clientele goes based on the time of day. I would take my 5 year old to brunch there, so maybe it's a fit.

(03-18-2015 03:13 PM)MemphisTiger15 Wrote:  

(03-18-2015 03:04 PM)Mick Light Wrote:  I worked there when it was the Conestoga Steak House in the 80's. The city made them cover the balcony to prevent the air from being sucked in and causing a updraft through the kitchen. The master bedroom upstairs had a huge shower with copper pipes and different levels shooting water towards the center. Huge water tank was located in the attic for the plumbing. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

Copper in a vacant building in that area of town??? Bet that didn't stay long

ah, the thug hardened streets of Central Gardens...

they brought out a backhoe, today:

right next to lamar.
not exactly the best part of "central gardens"

hope y'all got a carry permit if youre headed that way.
Sheesh. I delivered dominos in that part of town once upon a time.
bleck.