Chronicle of events of Memphisreal estateDevelopment of Memphis Buildings
You might ask yourself if Memphis shares any similarities with truly urban centers such as Chicago. The answer would be: an exceptional number of historic buildings. In fact, the city ranks near the top when it comes to national register listings, with over 11,500 properties, most of which are located in the Midtown and Downtown areas. While historic examples can be seen everywhere, Memphis doesn’t feature just one style. The monetary cycles, plagues, and wars of the wider country have all effected the architectural style of the urban center. A not-always successful effort to inject Modernism into architectural design can also be evidenced in structures throughout the inner city and suburbs.
The predictable growth of Memphis, central hub for Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee was hampered in the 1870s by a series of epidemics that cut the population almost in half, reducing it to 32,000. Everything slowed down, including building projects as the city worked hard just to survive. Homes from the years prior to this stall, the 1830s – 1850s can be still seen today especially in the Midtown area. Federal Brick architecture and Italian Villa style can be seen around Memphis. Victorian, Italian, and French designs can be appreciated in Central Gardens, the Evergreen Historic District, and Annesdale Park.
By the 1890s, functionality had become more important in architectural design. Unnecessary applied decorations were eliminated, buildings were to be “regular” looking rather than symmetrical, and volume was more important than mass. The influence of modernism spread from residential to commercial and even industrial properties. Steel buildings replaced older structures along the venerable Memphis streets of Union Ave,Main st., and Madison. Memphians also would alter the facade of older building to be more in keeping with modern styles. Skyscrapers started appearing by 1914, and streetcars encouraged the development of subdivisions such as Central Gardens, Estival Park, and Annesdale Park.
Blue collar communities established themselves in that area. Higher end properties can also been seen with expensive materials and spacious yards. Smaller dwellings tended toward Craftsman style or a modern version of Greek Revival design. Wood casement windows of the Prairie school can even be occassionally seen.Very utilitarian housing projects were also included, but it wasn’t until 1924 that the city started designating certain areas to be residential, commercial, or industrial.
Interestingly, Memphis realty and design was the first in the nation to really focus on more rob homes for more reasonable prices. The Memphis small builder’s association published a catalogue with more than a hundred design plans costing less than six grand. Local architects offered low rates to aid in the rebuilding. Such was the community concern for helping residents secure their own homes after the Great Depression.
In some ways, WW II dampened enthusiasm for modern European architectural styles. International styles lost popularity with the association with the feuding Europeans. A small historical oddity was the late 1950 attempt by Mies van der Rohe to restablish modern design with steel framed houses and glass curtains. Remanants can be seen in Memphis even today.
Memphis currently benefits from a slow and steady appreciation in the housing market. Memphis has rejuvanated itself starting with a downtown renaissance and working its way west. Older commercial buildings are being renovated while the Midtown area has salvaged its southern charm. In the far east, faux-estates with acreage abound. While there are homes for sale in every price range, values are appreciating, and the higher the price the more the competition. If you’ve got a family to wean Memphis offers professional basketball, museums galore, a packed annual festival calender, a variety of cultured activities, and a laid back southern drawl.
There’s the history of Memphis architecture for you.
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