David Lynch Mural at Bari Ristorante

Loeb Properties seeks opportunities to incorporate public art wherever possible to add a sense of place to every property.

Many art installations are taking shape or are in the works for Overton Square. The first piece in production is a mural by David Lynch, on the north-facing wall of the Bari Ristorante building, at 22 South Cooper. Upon first look, the wall has a lot of challenges, with the number of windows, electrical attachments, and wires:

Here are some words about the project from the artist, David Lynch:

"First it was an honor to work with Lou [Loeb] & Carol [Deforest] on such a main-statement mural for Overton Square in which I spent a lot of time in my youth – some good, some bad.  The area is so rich in character with the older buildings and with Overton Park as the backdrop, that I wanted to capture that in the art piece.
As for the Bari Wall itself, some would say that it would be hard to incorporate 13 windows, 2 doors and a lot of meters and wires into a mural, but I envisioned the basis for the final mural from the first time that I saw the wall.  It is actually a combination of art styles, one being my contemporary cityscape style, then I blended in a bit of folk art styling –  in the sense that I layered the buildings to give it a look of depth, but all the facades are facing forward – yet the piece still has depth and dimensions."

Watch this public artwork continue to take shape; we look forward to enjoying the impact it will have on Overton Square’s aesthetic presence. Patrons will be able to enjoy this creative and colorful masterpiece for years to come.

MemShop at Overton Square

In partnership with the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team and Indie Style Market, Loeb has been pleased to help sponsor the very first “MemShop” at Overton Square.

In an effort to activate vacant storefronts for pop-up shops, the Mayor’s Innovation Team and Indie Style Market have organized over 40 local artisans and creatives to come together and sell their goods in a market-like setting (with a single point-of-sale) for the three weekends in December leading up to Christmas.  In addition, Downtown Memphis clothier Sache has set up shop, along with Cosmic Collective, which is a partnership between Cosmic Coconut and Give Yoga Memphis. Bluff City Coffee is also selling coffee on-site.

Quoted in the Daily News article on Memshop, Abby Miller, project manager for the Mayor’s Innovation Team, said the following:

“This MemShop at Overton Square is the first time we’re doing a longer-term sort of pop-up shop,” Miller said. “We do plan to continue this initiative throughout the coming years, looking at other neighborhoods in the Madison/Cleveland corridors, as well as South Memphis and Binghampton. The longer-term vision is to have more frequent and regular pop-up shops to help businesses and entrepreneurs enter the market or test new markets around the city.”

The first Friday MemShop was open, Santa came to light the Overton Square Christmas tree. Mayor Wharton joined us in our celebrations. Loeb Properties is pleased that Overton Square can be used in such a creative and resourceful way for the community and neighborhood, especially during this period of ongoing construction and renovations.

To learn more about MemShop, please visit their facebook page.

More coverage of MemShop can be found at the following links:

Overton Square Updates

Ready to get updated on all that's happening at Overton Square?

Watch the Action News 5 story

Ongoing Renovations

Bar Louie: The air-conditioning units that were removed this past Friday were from the top of the future Bar Louie space, at 2125 Madison. They have already started construction and demo work inside, and are also planning to build a 1,700 SF outdoor patio.  They plan to be open for business in February 2013.

Renovation Plans: Renovations to the “west building” (2087-2097 Madison, the building which includes Memphis Pizza Café & Golden India) are currently underway. We have made extensive structural repairs to each space, internally and externally, and we are painting the exterior with the new color scheme (our designer is Jack Rainey of Rainey Contract Designs). Other changes include added modern commercial storefronts to the Trimble-facing spaces and repaired rear balconies for the Madison-facing spaces. We are making these renovations and changes to bring the buildings up-to-date and more leasable for today’s retailer, while maintaining their historical character.

Other Renovations: The “east building” (the curved building including Bar Louie and the former Friday’s space, 2115-2125 Madison) exterior and interior structural repairs, including painting and art (see below). The middle building (or “atrium building”) will begin major renovations January 1.

Memshop/Holiday Market: The Mayor’s Innovation Team is sponsoring a pop-up holiday market at Overton Square with over 30 artists selling their wares, as well as a community café, a pop-up clothing store, music, and more. It will take place the three weekends leading up to Christmas. See their facebook page for more information.

2116 Madison/”The Cottage”: After demolishing the breezeway that connected this building to the former Paulette’s, extensive structural and exterior repairs have been made to this 1,500 sf former residential building, including the addition of a handicap-accessible ramp. It is now being painted and an outdoor patio is planned for the “front yard” facing Madison Ave. While it is still currently available for lease, we are getting close to signing a lease with a new restaurant concept who would open late winter/early spring 2013.

Public Art Updates

This is being headed up internally by Lou Loeb. Local artist Carol DeForest has been hired as our public art consultant; together with Lou and the Overton Square arts committee, the following projects are underway:

  • Mural by David Lynch on the north face wall of Bari Ristorante
  • Large-scale sculpture by Yvonne Bobo
  • Mosaic by Lea Holland
  • Backlit stained glass by Suzy Hendrix for the upstairs windows above the former TGIFriday’s
  • Interactive music exhibit by Sean Murphy for the Trimble Courtyard

Loeb Properties Finalizes Overton Square Purchase

"Loeb Properties Inc. has closed on Overton Square, paving the way for the Memphis-based commercial real estate firm to move forward with its plans for the historic property.

Loeb Properties purchased the property, which is eight acres spread across multiple parcels, from Colorado-based Overton Square Investors LLC for $7 million.

The land is bordered by Court on the north, Cooper on the east, Monroe on the south, and Florence on the west."

Read more in the Memphis Business Journal

Bar Louie to Open in Overton Square

"Bar Louie, an upscale neighborhood bar and restaurant, is coming to Overton Square, adding another eatery to the Loeb Properties Inc. project.

The restaurant franchise has signed a 5,650-square-foot lease at 2125 Madison. It will occupy part of the curved building at the southwest corner of Madison and Cooper.

This store will be Bar Louie’s 11th franchised location and will be operated by a Chicago-based franchisee, Tony De Salvo and partners. Construction should start in August with a goal to be open by Jan. 1, 2013."

Read more in the Memphis Business Journal

Pat Brown: Overton Square is Important to Broad Avenue Arts District

Pat Brown, Vice-President of the Historic Broad Business Association (HBBA), has been a vital part of the revival that’s taken place on Broad Avenue over the past several years. The Broad Avenue Arts District is a burgeoning arts-focused neighborhood in the core of Memphis whose resurgence has been fueled by the grassroots efforts of the HBBA and the local merchants. Pat is a tireless champion for Broad Avenue, and making Memphis’ urban core a more walkable, bikable, and artist-friendly place.

Pat is also Business Manager & curator of Broad’s T Clifton Art Gallery. In Pat's words:

"Gravitational Pull  – The power of the midtown neighborhoods and attractions becomes even stronger with an active, vibrant Overton Square.  Broad Avenue currently benefits from the “jewels” found in Overton Park – Memphis Zoo, Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis College of Art, along with the grandeur of the park.  Adding the energy of Overton Square will further power the growth of all of these areas, plus everyone coming from “the east” passes by Broad Avenue.

“Staycation” – Instead of thinking about just coming to Broad Avenue for an art walk, consider making midtown your weekend getaway.   Enjoy theatre, art galleries and museums, artist studios, great restaurants and more – all within a few blocks of each other.  (HINT – Ride your bike for added enjoyment.)

Event Planning – Expanded opportunities to partner for creative events.  Art Crawl anyone?

Strengthen the inner city – trends reflect that retirees, new college graduates and those in between are desiring livable, urban communities.  Overton Square’s redevelopment will help further connect several Midtown neighborhoods with Broad Avenue, just as Broad Avenue helps to connect neighborhoods east of the Parkway with Overton Square.

What’s Old is New Again – Broad Avenue gains a great example of how to update facades on older buildings in a way that supports walkable communities full of charming older buildings, public art and an entrepreneurial spirit."

2012 Overton Square Block Party

The 2012 Overton Square Block Party brought together all of the fun elements of Overton Square in one big party to celebrate the renovation and rebirth of Overton Square, and included:

Star & Micey

Carolina Story

Memphis Dawls

Alex DaPonte               

THEDANCE IS HERE

Live from Memphis’ Ink Off Competition

Brooks Square Collage Art Activity

Theatreworks & Playhouse on the Square backstage tours

Moonbounce, face painting, balloon animals for kid

Local Gastropub Comes to Overton Square

"Local Gastropub, a popular downtown restaurant and bar, will open its second location in Overton Square. Following the recent Chiwawa lease at the old Chicago Pizza Factory, Local is the next to lease a spot in the commercial redevelopment of Midtown’s historic arts and entertainment district.

Local Gastropub will open in the former Yosemite Sam’s at 2126 Madison Ave., at the northwest corner of Madison and Cooper.   The 100-year-old, 5,826 square foot, two-story building housed Yosemite’s Sam’s for 39 years.  “It’s always been one of the gateways to Overton Square and that will continue with Local,” said Aaron Petree, vice president of leasing for Loeb Properties. Petree represented Loeb in the lease negotiations.

“We are excited to be part of this exciting vision for Overton Square,’’ Local Gastropub owner Jeff Johnson said. “Downtown is a destination and Overton Square will be, too.  I’m glad to be there from the beginning.”  Local Gastropub, now located at 91 South Main Street, will be replicated in Overton Square, featuring upscale food in a casual, pub-like setting. 

The Overton Square site for Local Gastropub has undergone “significant renovation,” according to Tom Hayes, vice-president of construction for Loeb Properties. “The building had major structural problems when we purchased it, and we knew going in that the rehab would cost as much as the purchase price.  My working concept has been a ‘rebirth’ because the building was at the end of its functional life, but it had good bones and given its history, it was worth saving,” he said.

Matt Prince, senior vice-president of Loeb Properties, said the contract with Local Gastropub is the “first step in an effort that will not only revive Overton Square but surpass our memories of it.”   Loeb Properties will invest about $20 million to revive the arts & entertainment district and Overton Square’s footprint to about 115,000 square feet, including the redesign of existing buildings and construction of new buildings. 

Local is an important and symbolic tenant for Overton Square, said Prince, because “it’s a local company with local ownership and that was, and will continue to be, an important part of the district’s personality and vibe.”  He said Loeb Properties is encouraged by the enthusiasm and the interest of retailers and restaurateurs in leasing opportunities in Overton Square.

“We see Overton Square as the linchpin between Overton Park and Midtown, capitalizing on the hundreds of thousands of people drawn there by Playhouse on the Square,’’ said Prince. “With the relocation of Hattiloo Theater to the Overton Square arts & entertainment district, the number of theater-goers will only grow,” said Prince.

Loeb Properties owns and manages a portfolio of more than two million square feet of retail, office, multifamily and industrial properties in Tennessee and Mississippi, and is the largest developer in the Midtown area."

Read more in:

Commercial Appeal

Memphis Business Journal

Daily News

Memphis Flyer

ABC 24

WMC 5

Mayor AC Wharton: Overton Square is Important to Memphis

We approached Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. and asked for his thoughts on 5 Reasons Overton Square is Important to Memphis.

In Mayor Wharton's words:

"1. Overton Square is the literal and figurative heart of our city, where so many great Memphis neighborhoods intersect.  Its rebirth will have a tremendously positive impact on Tucker-Jefferson, East End, Evergreen, Central Gardens, Idlewild, Lenox, Cooper-Young, and all of Midtown.

2. Mention “Overton Square” to pretty much any Memphian of any age, and they will have a memory or a story for you: seeing Billy Joel at Lafayette’s Music Room, enjoying a cup of coffee at Burkle’s Bakery, celebrating an anniversary at Paulette’s, spending a long summer evening on the patio at Boscos Squared, or being one of the first people in Memphis to see a new independent film at Studio on the Square.  The future of Overton Square is now brighter than ever, with new businesses and organizations getting ready to create indelible memories for a new generation of Memphis families.

3. The developments that will be taking place on what is now a parking lot give us the opportunity to do something truly exceptional in the way of creating a dense, vibrant, walkable district.  We’re presented with a fabulous opportunity to set a new standard of excellence for urban design in our community, and Memphians have every reason to be excited about what will be coming.

4. Overton Square’s resurgence reflects the hard work, faith, excitement, and participation of so many terrific people and institutions coming together.  Playhouse on the Square’s new performing arts complex is outstanding.  Boscos Squared, Studio on the Square, YoLo and the many other businesses in the district are booming.  Great new developments are happening on Broad Avenue to the east and all the way down the rest of Madison Avenue.  With every passing week, more people are investing their time, talents, and resources in our city’s vibrant core, rediscovering the many opportunities and experiences that await them.  The new phase of Overton Square is living proof of that momentum.

5. The strategic decision to make the arts such a prominent part of Overton Square’s identity is so fitting, not only because of the proximity of the theatres, but because individuality and self-expression are what Memphis is all about.  Overton Square will be an area overflowing with live performances, music, and murals, constantly bubbling with the kind of creative energy that the arts produce.  It will be a district of singular significance in a city that is directly responsible for so much of America’s culture. 

I can’t wait to see what comes next for Overton Square, for Midtown, and for all of Memphis."

June West: Overton Square Revival, Good For Midtown

For another installment of our “5 Reasons” series, we contacted June West, director of the private, nonprofit group Memphis Heritage, which is headquartered at Howard Hall, which is just east on Madison from Overton Square.

As a neighborhood stakeholder and Midtown enthusiast, we wanted to check in with June to ask her “Five Reasons Overton Square Revivial Will be Good for Midtown.”

1.      There will be new vitality from the new retail and restaurants, bringing more people and more economic impact to Memphis.

2.     The re-imagined Overton Square will give Memphians a true Heart of the Arts district, combining theater, music, and art galleries in the center of the city. There will be something enjoyable for everyone and I predict Overton Square will anchor one of the fastest growing and most popular neighborhoods in Midtown Memphis and will serve as the vital link between Broad Street, Overton Park and Cooper-Young.  It’s a Midtowner’s dream.

3.     Overton Square will bring new life block-by-block to one of Midtown’s most important neighborhoods. The natural ripple effect will be seen in property values. And who wouldn’t like that?

4.     Overton Square’s new development will prove to naysayers, especially developers,  that Memphians are drawn to historic neighborhoods that give them what they want: beautiful design, authenticity, and exciting quality to life.

5.     My favorite reason: Hey, those old buildings aren’t so bad. Matter of fact, they’re great!

Taylor Berger: Yolo & Overton Square Q&A

We recently contacted Taylor Berger, owner of YoLo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, for a brief Q&A about Overton Square.

His Overton Square location has become a quick favorite in Midtown, filling a niche for local dessert hangout with a comfortably modern vibe. The Memphis pioneer of the self-serve yogurt shop, YoLo is our tenant in three locations: Overton Square, ErinWay, and Park Place.

Loeb: What has been your experience as a store in Overton Square?

Taylor: We have ten stores over three states, and our Overton Square location is by far the most dynamic and profitable. Our customer base is loyal and diverse and extremely willing to try new things; our Overton Square location is our testing ground for new ideas and products.

Loeb:  What do you think the impact of the plans for reviving Overton Square will be?

Taylor: It can only make things better for us. My vision is that Overton Square will become more than just a theater arts district. I envision it as a community center for Midtown and Memphis. I hope the development will entice businesses to open that serve customers all day long, not just for nightly entertainment. This would include yoga and other adult fitness users, and children’s activities such as dance, theater, martial arts, gymnastics, and rock-climbing walls. I worry that the current plan focuses too much on restaurants. While restaurants are vital, the fact is there are already almost a dozen in the area, and Cooper Young has another dozen less than a mile away with other restaurants. There is a saturation point.

Loeb: How has your business been since you opened?

Taylor: Our business started strong and has remained so.

Loeb: What would you tell other retailers who might be considering Overton Square?

Taylor: OS has the perfect mix – central, convenient location and historic charm. People live near it, and they like to go there because it feels good. If you build it, they will come.

Loeb: What do you think Overton Square will be like in 5 years?

Taylor: I hope it becomes the beating heart of Memphis, a gathering spot for all of the city, radiating out to the rest so that Memphis can become the type of destination city it deserves to be.

Jackie Nichols: Overton Square Theatre District

We recently approached Jackie Nichols, Executive Director of Playhouse on the Square, Memphis’ professional actors theater based in Overton Square, and asked him to share his “Top 5 Reasons that Overton Square is the Perfect Theater District.”

Here’s what he came up with:

1. Great restaurants in walking distance to the theatre. Park once.

2. Centrally located for those living out east or downtown.

3. Midtown has a great history of new and exciting theatre created of, by, and for Memphians.

4. Other great cultural opportunities surrounding the Theatre District, such as the Brooks, Levitt Shell, the Zoo, Memphis College of Art…

5. Safe, well-lit parking; this will be even better after the new garage is built.

In Progress: 2126 Madison at Overton Square

Loeb Properties is dedicated to placemaking, and we love to express that through renovation and rehabilitation of existing Memphis gems.

Loeb purchased 2126 Madison, the former Yosemite Sam’s building, last fall. Construction quickly commenced, and lease negotiations with a restauranteur are currently underway. The building has its 100th birthday this year, having been constructed in 1912.

Tom Hayes, VP Construction, has some insights into the building’s structure and history:

From a location standpoint, with this building being a corner post of Overton Square we had to have it.  I would characterize the condition of the building when we bought it as “dilapidated.”  The building had significant structural problems when we purchased it, and we knew going in that the rehab would cost as much as the purchase price.  My working concept has been a “rebirth,” because the building was at the end of its life.
Historically, I know that the building has been many things.  Downstairs, it was a drug store originally, and several other commercial uses over time.  It was also rental housing of various types and arrangements for decades.  At one time, there were four apartments in the building, each having a coal fireplace.  Oddly, it seems that the second floor may have been replaced at some point–the original joist pockets that would’ve held up the actual second floor are empty and the existing floor is located about a foot lower. Very interesting. From the 1960s on, it seems to have mostly been a bar of some type, with Yosemite Sam’s operating there for the last 42 years.
This building has good bones.  It has a nice stature and was well-crafted originally.  It has basic but pleasing design features on the exterior that have stood the test of time.  Notwithstanding the structural repairs and having to replace the entire storefront, the exterior has all the elements of good design. We will just put a bunch of “shinola” on what’s there, leaving the building looking polished and reborn.
The structural issues were a tremendous challenge.  One of the main support columns had sunk 7”, an inbalance which was obvious on every floor.  We had to jack the center section of the building upwards that same 7” and replace the entire column from the bottom of the basement to the roof.  Other parts of the bottom floor were entirely removed down to the bare dirt, then we poured new foundations and started over.  Removing nine full-size construction dumpsters of contents out of the building was not necessarily a challenge, but definitely quite a job.

We look forward to seeing the completed renovation and watching the way a new generation will utilize this building.

Memphis Daily News: Rotary Overton Square Talk

"Among the first of Bob Loeb’s comments when he addressed the Memphis Rotary Club Tuesday, Jan. 10, was that when his firm finishes the redevelopment of Overton Square, the hope is to pass the Rotarian Four-Way Test.

For Rotary, the Four-Way Test is the cornerstone of all action that asks the following questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?

“Our goal will be to pass the test when we finish this development,” said the president of Loeb Properties Inc. “It’s been a labor of love and we think that 2012 is going to be a lot more exciting than 2011.”"

Read more in the Memphis Daily News