Historic district gets seven-story condo project

By Amos Maki
Memphis Business Journal
Updated: 7:00 p.m. ET March 27, 2005

Developer Phil Woodard is set to make another imprint in the South Main Historic District with a new seven-story, 26-unit condominium project on Tennessee Street.

The one-story brick warehouse that now sits at 456 Tennessee will be torn down to make way for an innovative, $6 million steel and glass structure designed by Archimania.

"If you're going to build something, you might as well make it fun," Woodard says of the project, which should begin construction next year and take about a year to complete.

The seven-story structure is set back from the street to give the project a little breathing room, says Archimania principal Todd Walker. Three levels of the project will extend westward closer to the street.

"We've set back the seven-story structure to give it some relief on Tennessee Street, so you don't have this tall, seven-story building that goes up vertically right next to the street," Walker says. "We think it's simple yet cutting edge."

The first level will offer 4,000-6,000 square feet of office and commercial space. Above that, the next two levels, which jut out from the taller structure and the first level space, will be five condos with a spot on the third level that Walker says would be ideal for a roof court.

"The second level creates a shadow line so it shades some of that because we know we have this beating western sun," Walker says.

Each unit has a balcony that in some way provides views of Downtown while limiting the amount of light and heat the sometimes relentless Memphis sun can pump into a space. The top three floors all have river views and the top floor will have two units that will sell for around $470,000, Woodard says.

On the south side of the building, a steel mesh facade will extend out about five feet from the rest of the building.

"That creates some areas for balconies and it acts as a shading device," Walker says. "It's essentially like pulling a sheer curtain over the building which softens the light that comes through."

Walker says they are considering using a terra cotta-colored steel to help tie the new project to the area's historic past as a warehousing district.

"What we're trying to do is pick up on what that whole area was about so we don't lose the identity of that part of town," Walker says. "We're trying to bring some of that identity back."

Besides its innovative design, the structure will stand out because of its height. At seven stories, the new building will be one of the tallest in the area, which is made up of mostly one- to five-story buildings.

The condo project is located just behind Woodard's Archimania-designed home that is under construction on the South Bluffs.

"I wanted to control what happens behind me," Woodard says with a laugh.

Woodard and Archimania have developed a working relationship over the past eight years, including Woodard's home, the G.E. Five condominium development and a new design for Kirby Wines and Liquors on Quince Road, which Woodard owns.

"Phil is really trying to do a good job dealing with new and progressive architecture in Downtown Memphis," Walker says. "He should really be commended for that because I think it brings new life to the city.

"What he can do with that is influence the kind of architecture on Tennessee Street and it's nice to see more progressive development," he says. "Phil is really passionate about modern architecture and he likes doing something that is not cookie cutter. Some people say they don't like cookie cutter, but they do it. For him, it's more about originality and enjoying what he does and having pride in what he does than just making the dollars."

Woodard says he wanted a unique design that projects more of a commercial feel to the building.

"Everything (Downtown) was warehouse, government or whatever," he says. "Now, we've got housing down here but we can make the buildings look more commercial and with a little jazz. That's why I chose (Archimania.)"

The new building is another milestone in Woodard's development of the South Main District, where he owns 12 commercial and retail spaces and is developing 20 more condo units with partner Hank Cowles in a $3.5 million project behind the Blue Monkey on South Main. He also developed 21 condo units in the St. Martin building on G.E. Patterson.

"It already is Phil's little neighborhood," says Chris Garland of Garland Co. Real Estate, who has worked with Woodard on a number of projects. "He was a pioneer in the beginning of the development down there. He went down there when everybody else thought he was crazy and bought the little places."

Tracie Gaia, also with Garland Co. Real Estate, admires Woodard's style and commitment to innovative designs.

"Phil build places as if he were going to live in them," she says. "He wants people to go in and say 'wow.' You definitely wouldn't see his stuff in the suburbs."

Tax increase could hit Shelby County residents hard

Mar 16, 2005, 9:16 AM
The next several months could bring a city tax hike, a county tax hike, and then, on top of that, you'll be getting your house reappraised, which could mean you're paying even more. In some neighborhoods. It's just too much to bear.

"Every day there's something in the paper about raising the taxes, raising the taxes," said Mattie Morgan, who has lived in the same South Memphis neighborhood - the same house since 1932.

She's seen Memphis change and she's seen politicians come and go, but these days-- she says--life here has become downright unaffordable. And talk of tax hikes in Memphis and Shelby County has all of her Elliston Heights neighbors nervous. Maurice Martin's family has lived here since the 60's.

"When we first moved here... It wasn't anything over here. Sidewalk wasn't here. The street was a red gravel road," said Martin.

This year Shelby County reappraised his home by $6,000. That means he'll have to pay more in taxes. Last week, Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton proposed a $.54 cent increase in the tax rate. Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton has indicated the County may add an extra $.24 cents to that. Martin - who works full time - says he worries about his neighborhood, where most of his neighbors are elderly and on fixed incomes. But he also worries about steep cuts in services that might accompany tax hikes.

"I know there's a lot of problems with the city as far as picking up trash and stuff like that. And we don't need more problems. If you start cutting out that there then you're making more problems for the city," said Martin. Meanwhile, Mattie Morgan is watching and worrying.

"Well, I'm about too old to vote... Let alone paying some more taxes. And i'm not working. And I really ain't able to pay no more. Look like I'm going to have a hard time," said Morgan.

Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton is fighting to minimize the property tax increase in the county. He was in Nashville today lobbying for a real estate transfer tax, but so far he's been having trouble drumming up support.