Pinch District Staying Alive

Apr 23, 2005, 10:52 PM

We've told you about Pinch District merchants feeling "the pinch" before. They sit in the shadow of the now, mostly quiet, Pyramid. "Since the FedEx Forum's been here, it's been pretty hard," says Precious Cargo owner Gary Gilles.

But things could soon be picking up thanks to places like Uptown Memphis. This residential development just north of "the pinch" is one popular place. There was a crowd clamoring for new lots Saturday morning. Girish Patel was one of them. "We came here a week ago, looked around many places, and we come here and instantly fell in love with the place," says Patel.

Some believe new residents will translate into new revenue for the surrounding area. "An event at The Pyramid every now and then is one thing, but a thousand new families living within walking distance of your restaurant is another matter all together," says marketing manager Alexandra Mobley.

In addition to the Uptown development, new apartments were recently completed at the corner of Front and Auction. And luxury condos will soon go up right next door. "Downtown is booming," says Memphis Councilman Myron Lowery. "This area is experiencing the fastest growth of any part of the city," he adds. Lowery is confident merchants won't be the only ones benefiting from the boom. There could also be a pay-off for the beleaguered Pyramid. "Because of the growth in the downtown area, this could again be one of the anchors for the downtown area," says Lowery.

Only time will tell if things are truly on the right track.

The Pyramid's immediate future includes the Art of the Motorcycle exhibit. It's part of the "wonders" series. Last month Shelby County Commissioners voted to have the county attorney file a lawsuit against HOOPS and the Memphis Grizzlies over the Pyramid's future.Commissioner John Willingham claims the Grizzlies want to keep the Pyramid shuttered.