A little piece about an increasingly popular jetport. This being 1 of 4 alternative jetports that the Memphis metro has to offer to MEM Int'l (Olive Branch, Tunica, Millington & West Memphis).

Taking off: Olive Branch airport sees clear skies ahead
By Yolanda Jones
Memphis Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...08/taking-off/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...port_t607.jpeg
Photo by Stan Carroll
Dave Taylor Jr. refuels a single-engine plane during a layover on its way to Louisiana. The Olive Branch Airport has grown over the last few years to become a haven for chartered flights and different aviation events.

Baptist, Methodist, UTHSC join to create transplant center
Memphis Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...to-create.html

New city planner has eye for Memphis' irreplaceable, oft-hidden assets
By Tom Bailey Jr.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...-for-the-past/

Photo by Dave Darnell
http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...josh_t607.jpeg
The I-55 sidewalk along the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge is one of the more amusing sights Josh Whitehead, director of the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development, has found in his search for "anachronisms and anomalies" on Memphis streets.

Center City OKs Pyramid Financing
By Andy Meek

At the city of Memphis’ request, the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. Tuesday morning decided to issue up to $125 million in bonds to redevelop The Pyramid arena and surrounding Pinch District.

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54109

Great news for sports & entertainment in North Memphis. Along with Justin Timberlake's new breath-taking Miramichi golf course, Memphis Motorsports Park is a great asset for the north side and I'm glad Dover Motorsports won't be around anymore to run it into the ground.

Motorsports Park Set for Auction Block
By Sarah Baker

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54128

Memphis Motorsports Park will soon have a new owner after being out of commission for the past year. Situated on 375 acres in unincorporated Shelby County south of Millington, Memphis Motorsports Park is near the Millington Regional Jetport. The multi-track complex includes a 0.75-mile asphalt oval, a 0.25-mile championship drag strip and a 1.77-mile road course. The park opened in 1987, and is the former site of more than 150 annual events including NASCAR Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series races, as well as a number of NHRA races. Consistently ranked as one of “Tennessee’s Top 10 Attractions,” Memphis Motorsports Park attracted more than 500,000 guests annually. In addition, the site is eligible for consideration as a test track by NASCAR teams, an amateur track, driving school or racing simulation attraction.

A great move with the Pyramid/Pinch redevelopment on the horizon. Memphis has a solid convention market with the Cook Convention Center being the metro's primary facility. The main hall has aged well with a previous $100 million renovation that included the construction of the beautiful Cannon Center concert hall. Also, the anchor hotel, Dowtown Memphis Marriott had a $55 million expansion tower added as well as the Crowne Plaza returning to an adjacent building, also renovating -all of this within the past decade. Now the TDZ has been expanded to include the huge Bass Pro Shop/City Of Memphis redevelopment of the Great American Pyramid and the city is looking to increase its' market share of convention business.

SMG out as Cook Convention Center manager in 2011
Memphis Business Journal - by Michael Sheffield

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...r-in-2011.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/memphi...ionCtr.jpg?v=1
MBJ | File Photo

Power Center Academy plans expansion with $50 million mixed-use development
Memphis Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/p...expansion.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/memphi...RENDER.jpg?v=1
COURTESY ASKEW HARGRAVES HARCOURT & ASSOCIATES
Artist’s rendering of 900-seat performing arts center, part of Power Center Academy’s plans to create a community around its school expansion.

Financing for stalled Highland Row project in Memphis imminent, developers say
By Tom Bailey Jr.
Memphis Commercial Appeal

The recession-delayed Highland Row mixed-use development may finally have some traction. Developer Poag & McEwen is “really optimistic” it will close on a construction loan by Dec. 31, chief operating officer and general counsel Bob Rogers said today. The lifestyle center developers have expressed optimism throughout the recession that has frozen financing for new construction around the nation. But this time the upbeat words for their $70 million project near the University of Memphis have consequence.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...t-memphis-imm/

http://www.koseneandkosene.com/highlandrow/highland.jpg
http://www.pm-lifestyle.com/lifestyl..._Page_1low.jpghttp://www.pm-lifestyle.com/lifestyl..._Page_2low.jpg

Sweet Jesus!

New station, new technology ease Memphis auto-inspection ordeal
By Amos Maki
Memphis Commercial Appeal

The $6 million station, the city's fourth, is at 2355 Appling City Cove near Appling Road north of Interstate 40. It features six lanes -- two of which accommodate large commercial and recreational vehicles. In response to complaints over the spring and summer about long wait times for inspections, city officials said the three existing stations didn't provide enough lanes to serve the 416,000 cars inspected annually.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news.../wait-control/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...ect3_t607.jpeg
Photo by Jim Weber
Artist Carol DeForest puts finishing touches on one of 14 collages she created using old signs and car parts to decorate the new vehicle inspection station. The six-lane station is expected to reduce motorists' time in line, and the artwork will give them something interesting to view as they wait.

Lab firm spending more on Memphis headquarters
The Commercial Appeal

When it received its PILOT a year ago, AEL reported it would spend $1.75 million to fill the new regional office it's building at 1701 Century Center Parkway. However, AEL is actually spending nearly $6.4 million on the personal property. Employment there will increase from 460 to 530 over three years, the company says.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...up-for-season/

http://memphisdailynews.com/Editoria...9&maxWidth=300 Rendering courtesy of Evans Taylor Foster Childress Architects

'Green' La Quinta Financed for $6 million
The Daily News Online & Chandler Reports

The hotel is on three parcels totaling 1.73 acres on the west side of New Brunswick Road south of U.S. 64 in St. Charles Place subdivision. The hotel was slated to be 45,000 square feet and include 67 rooms on three floors, as well as a windmill and solar panels, according to the 2008 report.

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria...id=54247#54247

http://memphisdailynews.com/Editorial_Images/5850.jpg
NEW AGE: Memphis-based CBH Hospitality LLC is building the city’s first LEED-certified hotel, a La Quinta Inns and Suites that will rise on 1.7 acres at 2839 New Brunswick Road near the Wolfchase Galleria. The $6-million, 67-room hotel will have a windmill and solar panels to generate its power. -- RENDERING COURTESY OF CBH HOSPITALITY LLC

I hope this project gets going soon. This would be great for the U of M area and for the Highland Strip.

Broad Ambitions
Residents promote, celebrate Broad Avenue revival
JONATHAN DEVIN | Special to The Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54312

(Photos: Lance Murphey)
http://memphisdailynews.com/Editoria...7&maxWidth=250
Sarah Newstok of Livable Memphis walks down Broad Avenue with vendors from Enchanted Florist to prepare for this coming weekend’s “A New Face for an Old Broad” event.

Rebirth of Cleaborn Homes project provides spark for architects, general contractors
Memphis Business Journal


The demolition of the 460-unit Cleaborn Homes will begin before the end of the year, with construction on a $93 million, 400-unit apartment complex beginning next July. The project, first announced in 2007, is expected to be completed by September 2015.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/p...s-project.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/memphi...RENDER.jpg?v=1
COURTESY LRK | SELF TUCKER ARCHITECTS
Artist’s rendering of proposed Cleaborn Homes Hope VI redevelopment, a 460-unit apartment community managed by Memphis Housing Authority.

Daisy Déjà Vu
History returns to Old Daisy stage
Memphis Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54366

(Photos: Lance Murphey)
http://memphisdailynews.com/Editoria...1&maxWidth=490
Randle Catron, executive director of Beale Street Development Corp., stands in front of the Old Daisy Theater, which will be opening on Nov. 26 as Purple Haze, a retro dance club.

http://memphisdailynews.com/Editoria...2&maxWidth=490
Historic memorabilia lines the walls near the upstairs bar in the Old Daisy Theater, which will be opening on Nov. 26 as Purple Haze, a retro dance club. There also are plans to make the theater an interpretive center on the history of the Beale Street Entertainment District.

Some highlights of the healthcare industry's investment & expansion in Memphis during the Great Recession.

Healthy Industry
During feeble economy, health care business thrives
Memphis Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54389

http://memphisdailynews.com/Editorial_Images/10593.jpg
Meri Armour, president and CEO of Le Bonheur, and Gary Shorb, president of Methodist Healthcare, help Le Bonheur patients untie the giant bow to open the new Le Bonheur Children's Hospital building last summer. Thanks to investments like the one made at Le Bonheur and elsewhere, the health care industry is performing well. (Photo: Courtesy of Le Bonheur Children's Hospital)

Further expansion of Le Bonheur into the Legends Park redevelopment.

New Le Bonheur rehab clinic is designed with kids in mind
Therapeutic play area part of brighter, spacious facility
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...igned-with-in/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...hab1_t607.jpeg
Caryline Adkins

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...hab2_t607.jpeg
Photo by Dave Darnell
Physical therapist Stacy Talley works with Mary Quay Wilson at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital's new outpatient facility at Poplar and Decatur. The new space is nearly double the size of the old clinic.

City Market, a new boutique grocery will be opening soon Downtown.

'Eat and Enjoy'
City Market opening to Downtowners’ delight
By Andy Meek

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54419

Photos: Lance Murphey
http://memphisdailynews.com/Editoria...3&maxWidth=490
Pedestrians pass Downtown’s new grocery store, City Market, which will open Nov. 30 at the corner of Main and Union.

http://memphisdailynews.com/Editoria...2&maxWidth=490
Hamida Pirani and husband Suleman “Sunny” Mandani unpack boxes inside Downtown’s new grocery store, City Market, which will open Nov. 30 at the corner of Main Street and Union Avenue.

Hey, I saw that theater on Beale St., truly a beautiful building. Probably one of the neatest old theater buildings Ive seen.

Demolition will yield needed parking for Southwest Tennessee Community College

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...parking-plans/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...rage_t607.jpeg
Photo by Nikki Boertman
Workers secure the perimeter of the Alabaster Building for the Thanksgiving holidays. The structure will be razed to make room for a parking garage for Southwest Tennessee Community College students. Chandler Demolition is surgically salvaging the brick.

^
YAY, just what our cities need, more ugly parking garages that replace beautiful historic buildings.

Owners to rebrand the Park Place Hotel
Memphis Business Journal - by Michael Sheffield

Owners of the Park Place Hotel are hoping to gain a foothold in the East Memphis market with $3.5 million renovation and rebranding of the property into a Four Points by Sheraton.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/p...ace-hotel.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/memphi...,Linda.jpg?v=1
ALAN HOWELL | MBJ
Linda Speer, general manager of the Park Place Hotel

A great article on the future of America's largest urban park.

Shelby Farms: Urban oasis is a carefully planned 21st century kind of park
Sprawling 4,500-acre park's planners push ahead with $65 million in projects -- most of them funded by private dollars.
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...ntury-kind-of/

Complete photo gallery: http://www.commercialappeal.com/phot.../shelby-farms/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...kayak_t607.jpg
Photo by Jim Weber
Shelby Farms - July 7, 2010: Kayakers with Memphis Whitewater play boatball at Patriot Lake, a regular Tuesday evening outing for the paddling club. The park conservancy plans to continue work on phase one of it's master plan next year which includes enlarging Patriot Lake from 54 to 150 acres.

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...ridge_t300.jpg
Photo by Jim Weber
Shelby Farms - October 10, 2010: Construction continues on a 200-foot-long pedestrian and cycling bridge that spans the Wolf River connecting trail systems in Shelby Farms to the Wolf River Greenway.

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...erall_t607.jpg
Photo by Jim Weber
Shelby Farms - October 10, 2010: The sun sets over Beaver Lake and Patriot Lake, a pair of Shelby Farms' larger lakes. Shelby farms has over 20 bodies of water, but years of under-funding at the park has led to a degrading of the system of sloughs that connected many of the lakes. The smaller ponds have suffered from lower water levels as a result.

Complete photo gallery: http://www.commercialappeal.com/phot.../shelby-farms/

Bold as Brass
Owner readies Irish pub for spring opening Downtown
The Memphis Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54540

(Photo: Lance Murphey)
http://memphisdailynews.com/Editorial_Images/10637.jpg
Alan Coulston, bottom, hands cross braces to Silas Dunaway and Eric Hernandez, top, of Structural Waterproofing and Restoration as they set up scaffolding on the facade of The Brass Door Irish Pub at 152 Madison Ave.

Greenway Phase 2 to open Wednesday
Flooding left project under water, behind schedule
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...artner=popular

Photo by Mike Brown
http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...idge_t607.jpeg
David Blair prepares a 200-foot pedestrian bridge over the Wolf River for its debut as a link in the Wolf River Greenway project. The bridge will connect Shelby Farms with the greenway, a section of which opens Wednesday along Humphreys Boulevard between Walnut Grove and Shady Grove roads. The bridge opens Sunday.

I just got back from Memphis about a week ago and posted a photo thread on here.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=186993

Thought some of you might like to check it out.

Really good pics, photolitherland. Thanks for the link.

St. Peter Villa in Memphis is sold to Signature HealthCARE
The Commercial Appeal

New owner Signature HealthCARE is promising $2 Million in renovations at St. Peter Villa.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...signature-hea/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...ter2_t607.jpeg
Photo by Alan Spearman

The pinnacle of Tennessee healthcare continues to climb ever higher because "No child should die in the dawn of life".

ICU at Memphis-based St. Jude wins prestigious award for critical care excellence
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...gious-award-c/

New Tourism Trail Created in West Tennessee
AP

State officials are trying to spur tourism in West Tennessee by establishing a new driving trail featuring 196 points of interest and historic sites. The concept is similar to the White Lightning Trail, established in June. That trail retraces a network of roadways that spans across nine counties in northeast Tennessee.

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54603

It appears the dam is breaking in light of the announcement that Highland Row financing is imminent. This project removes an eyesore as well.

Highland Family Dollar Could Spur Area Development

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54567

This project should be breaking ground very soon as well as a new parking ramp for SWCC's Union Ave. campus in the Memphis Medical Center.

Southwest gets $8.4M for nursing school
Memphis Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...ng-school.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/story_...4041-0-0-1.jpg
COURTESY SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Memphis Farmers Market hits fund-raising goal, readies for expansion project
The Commercial Appeal

The project will extend the pavilion roof and surface toward Front Street, creating a T-shaped covered space for vendors. It will match existing design, include electricity, lighting and ceiling fans, and provide covered space for at least 16 vendors. The pavilion also serves as a bus transfer site for Memphis Area Transit Authority.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...ing-goal-read/
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http://www.memphisfarmersmarket.org/...ut_support.jpg
http://www.memphisfarmersmarket.org/pavilionexpansion

I hope this optimism includes movement on the planned Sportsman Casino, an $80 million redevelopment of the former Isle Of Capri property, which would put the Tunica gaming market at 10 casinos. I haven't seen anything in the press as of recent, but I know they were trying to start by the end of this year.

Despite slight decline in casino revenue, Mississippi gaming industry optimistic
Memphis Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/p...in-casino.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/memphi...oCHART.jpg?v=1
LEE SWETS | MBJ

From abc 24 news with video.

Overton Square Development Plans Getting Serious

http://www.abc24.com/news/local/stor...qpPMMiU2g.cspx

Building on art: Rhode Island experience points to possibilities for Crosstown
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...ilding-on-art/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...own2_t607.jpeg
The long-vacant Sears building has come to symbolize Crosstown's commercial struggle, but the Crosstown Arts group is seeking to transform the neighborhood through art.

My New Home: A new first down
Ex-Ole Miss punter lands his first pad Downtown
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...ew-first-down/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...ark6_t607.jpeg
Photo by Nikki Boertman
Park enjoys the convenience of his condo on South Front: "It's a five-minute walk to Beale."

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...ark7_t607.jpeg
Photo by Nikki Boertman
The roof deck entertaining area in the condo building has gas grills, seating and views of downtown and the river.

Industrial development on Memphis' ever growing rail system.

CMI Freight to build facility near BNSF line
Memphis Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...-facility.html

Court Square annex attains Memphis' first gold-level LEED certification
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...c/07/greenest/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...7c1a_t607.jpeg
Roman Greene/Looney Ricks Kiss
The CA2 building used the foundation walls of the old Court Annex and the 124-year-old Lowenstein Building as a fourth wall as part of its design that achieved the city's first gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

Two Downtown businesses seek expansion incentives
Memphis Business Journal

A guitar manufacturer and health care organization both looking to expand their Downtown presence are going before the Center City Development Corp. on Dec. 15 seeking incentives.

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

Developers of the Downtown Hilton & Highland Row are also fighting for time to aquire the FRZ bonds and probably won't make it without an extension. The article states that projects all over the country are going hellbent for financing & asking the U.S. Congress for an extension with the looming deadline of Dec. 31st.

More Time Needed for Projects Seeking IDB Approval
Memphis Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54819

Free: Big building with river view
Memphis Business Journal

A historic 186,000-square-foot commercial building with choice Mississippi River views is available for free to a willing 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/p...iver-view.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/memphi...MAILED.jpg?v=1
COURTESY JOHN KIRKSCEY
Former Nylon Net building at 7 Vance has commanding views of Mississippi River.

Grand opening for the $67 million plant.

Riviana Foods opens new plant in Memphis, hints at future expansion

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...-hints-future/

Suburban cities record more than 50 new or expanded developments
Memphis Business

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/p...e-than-50.html

http://assets.bizjournals.com/memphi...rtlett.jpg?v=1
ALAN HOWELL | MBJ
The expansion of Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett was one of numerous developments recorded by the city of Bartlett in 2010.

Memphis gauges strong interest in an arts district, with S. Main still top contender
The Commercial Appeal

A proposal to develop 50-70 affordable live/work apartments just for Memphis artists has received a strong and positive response from the arts community, art supporters and city officials said this week.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...9/main-course/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...pace_t607.jpeg
Photo by Brandon Dill
The South Main district is deemed the "natural" spot for an Artspace development by Memphis city officials, but they are urging the arts community to respond to an online survey on the topic so artists' preferences will be clearly expressed.

Memphis Motorsports Park, up for auction Tuesday, attracting potential bidders
The Commercial Appeal

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...day-attractin/

http://media.commercialappeal.com/me...-park_t300.jpg
Photo by Dave Darnell
Sam Hornish Jr. tests his car at the Memphis Motorsports Park track in 2007. The park is up for auction Tuesday.

‘Positive Signs’ Abound in Retail Market
Memphis Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54870

(Photo: Lance Murphey)
http://memphisdailynews.com/Editorial_Images/10700.jpg
Construction continues on outlying parcels of the Ridgeway Trace center, near Poplar Avenue and Interstate 240. The retail development also features a Target, Best Buy and Sports Authority.

Seeking Stability
CRE market strives for recovery after brutal slump
Memphis Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54869

(Photo: Lance Murphey)
http://memphisdailynews.com/Editorial_Images/10699.jpg
The Crescent Center, left, and the Triad Centre, both owned by Highwoods Properties Inc., form one of the hottest areas in Memphis commercial real estate along the Poplar corridor.

Toyota completes Fulton, Miss., plant
Memphis Biz Journal

Toyota Boshoku Japan has completed construction of its Fulton, Miss., plant and is preparing to begin production at the $46 million facility. The new facility will produce seats and door panels for Toyota Motor Corp.’s Corolla sedan, which will be manufactured in Blue Springs, Miss.

http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/n...ings-miss.html

Sounds like good news for racing fans. Seems MMP will be getting upgrades as well.

Revving Up
Memphis Motorsports Park Sells for $1.9M
Memphis Daily News

http://memphisdailynews.com/editoria....aspx?id=54887

(Photo: Lance Murphey)
http://memphisdailynews.com/Editorial_Images/10704.jpg
Auctioneer G.A. Bryant of Morris Auction Group conducts an auction for vehicles and items from Memphis Motorsports Park on Tuesday morning.