(Memphis) Midtown Memphis is on the rise as Overton Square moves forward with its redevelopment.
For a while people feared Overton Square was going to be torn down and turned into a big box store like Target, but the construction going on now is not demolition, but a rebirth.
“I’m glad to see the square coming back again,” said midtowner, Mike Dawson.
He is pleased to witness Overton Square returning to its former glory of the 1970’s, “This was the placed to be.”
Right now It’s in bloom and more than just literally, as new restaurants, shops and live-performance theaters move in near Cooper and Madison.
“I think it’s a lot of fun to be here, be in the atmosphere,” said Norie Cotton. “Spring is on its way so it’s just a beautiful time to be here and enjoy the fine restaurants and shops.”
Cotton enjoyed Local Gastropub Sunday evening with her family. It opened four months ago, but already there’s a new kid on the block. Chiwawa opened its doors on St Patty’s Day weekend.
“I haven’t been down there yet, but I like their sign, ‘Midtown is Memphis’,” said Dawson. “I’ve always been about midtown.”
Many others are about midtown too and they wait anxiously to see what the square will become, as retail space is ready for boutiques and restaurants to move in.
“It’s going to be a big patio district,” said Dawson. “That’s what I think. People will rent out the space and make it happen.”
Cotton believes the redevelopment is just kind of thing Memphis needs, “As a young Memphian it gives you that vibrancy of wanting to stay and really invest your time and money into the city of Memphis.”
To meet the need of growth, the city is also building a $16 million, 435-space parking garage. It’ll also serves as a water retention reservoir to help with flooding in the area during heavy rainfall.
