FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 1/11/2010) In the heart of Midtown Memphis, the battle over Overton Square is over.
Preservationists like June West are one of the big winners. West is the executive director of Memphis Heritage.
West said, "I know a lot of critics say all we want to do is hold on to old buildings and that's not the case. We want good development for our city."
Opponents were able to convince Overton Square's property owners, Univest and Fisher Capital, not to give its developer more time to seek city approval to demolish the old buildings and redevelop the area.
West said, "Mid-Towners would love to see the area developed in high density with retail below and residential above to bring people to Midtown to use the restaurants and to use the new theater, Playhouse On The Square, rather than have a big box grocery store."
Inside Memphis Pizza Cafe, some say redevelopment is needed. David Boone is the manager of the restaurant. He says Overton Square has seen better days.
Boone said, "Right now this place is abandoned. It's an eyesore kind of like the Mid-South Fairgrounds, the Pyramid. You want them to do something."
Some customers agree such as Gary Barnette of Collierville. Barnette said, "There's a lot of empty buildings so the integrity is less important. You can't cut off your nose to spite your face. I think they need to do something to get it back to where it needs to be."
In recent months, opposition to the plan has been strong and the message was heard not only by developers, but also at Memphis City Hall.
Still, some city leaders such as Memphis Mayor A C Wharton hope the right redevelopment deal can be reached.
Wharton said, "I'm hopeful the parties will get together and come up with some accommodations we can all live with. It's sort of tragic to stand here and see the vacant buildings and investment dollars are hard to come by."
There will be a community meeting Saturday to discuss special guidelines developers will now have follow in future projects in Mid-Town. It'll be from 10 until noon at Memphis College of Art auditorium.
- Overton Square Redevelopment Plans Put On Hold
- Memphis Heritage And Other Groups Claim Victory
- City Mayor Hopes Some Deal Can Still Be Reached
(Memphis 1/11/2010) In the heart of Midtown Memphis, the battle over Overton Square is over.
Preservationists like June West are one of the big winners. West is the executive director of Memphis Heritage.
West said, "I know a lot of critics say all we want to do is hold on to old buildings and that's not the case. We want good development for our city."
Opponents were able to convince Overton Square's property owners, Univest and Fisher Capital, not to give its developer more time to seek city approval to demolish the old buildings and redevelop the area.
West said, "Mid-Towners would love to see the area developed in high density with retail below and residential above to bring people to Midtown to use the restaurants and to use the new theater, Playhouse On The Square, rather than have a big box grocery store."
Inside Memphis Pizza Cafe, some say redevelopment is needed. David Boone is the manager of the restaurant. He says Overton Square has seen better days.
Boone said, "Right now this place is abandoned. It's an eyesore kind of like the Mid-South Fairgrounds, the Pyramid. You want them to do something."
Some customers agree such as Gary Barnette of Collierville. Barnette said, "There's a lot of empty buildings so the integrity is less important. You can't cut off your nose to spite your face. I think they need to do something to get it back to where it needs to be."
In recent months, opposition to the plan has been strong and the message was heard not only by developers, but also at Memphis City Hall.
Still, some city leaders such as Memphis Mayor A C Wharton hope the right redevelopment deal can be reached.
Wharton said, "I'm hopeful the parties will get together and come up with some accommodations we can all live with. It's sort of tragic to stand here and see the vacant buildings and investment dollars are hard to come by."
There will be a community meeting Saturday to discuss special guidelines developers will now have follow in future projects in Mid-Town. It'll be from 10 until noon at Memphis College of Art auditorium.
