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"Overton Square will host a two-day blues festival in October billed as the first of its kind in the city since 1969.
The Bona Fide Blues Festival on Oct. 2 and 3 is being presented by the Memphis Blues Society and will feature two free outdoor stages in the entertainment district. It also will include blues performances in four Overton Square businesses using $25 wristbands. A $100 VIP wristband includes admission to a party before the two-day festival."
"If you eat a plate of ribs at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, you’re likely to walk away with messy fingers. You’re also likely to get messy at a new business in Overton Square, where sisters Anna Vergos Blair and Katherine Vergos Riederer have opened their kid-friendly creativity zone The Art Project.
Only six months ago, the pair dreamed up a place where kids could make art, parents could engage or kick back with adult beverages, and no one’s carpet had to be made a casualty.
“Basically anything that makes a mess, (my daughter Matilda) loves, but I didn’t love the mess in my house,” Blair said. “I started looking for a place to do free art, free in the sense of let them do what they want and explore different materials with no real set projects or no visible outcomes."
"Foreclosed, sold and now reborn — Newby’s is on its way back.
The longstanding bar located at 535 and 539 S. Highland St. was sold to Loeb Properties Inc. in December 2014 after being foreclosed on by Paragon Bank. The then-Newby’s bar was just shy of celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Loeb gave the space some much-needed TLC, and now, the new tenant, Larry Thompson, will finish the job.
Thompson, a University of Memphis graduate, is also a former Newby’s employee, and he owned a wings restaurant in Colorado. He will relaunch the bar under the same signature name and plans to build on its rich history.
“Newby’s was just too good of an opportunity to pass on,” Thompson said. “I want to keep Newby’s alive. I don’t want to change it.”"
"Their breath fogging the glass, the young men and women pressed their faces against the windows of Bombay Bicycle Club. Somebody outside was checking a thermometer, counting down the numbers as the temperature dropped: 30, then 29, then 28. "What's taking them so long?" a man demanded. Inside the crowded club, a woman finally shouted, "Here it comes!" and everyone glimpsed the first snowflakes — first a few, but within minutes, a veritable blizzard. People dashed outside, catching the flakes in their hands, laughing and cheering, and even throwing snowballs. Soon a white blanket covered the streets and sidewalks of Overton Square.
But what a strange snowstorm. Anyone who glanced up could see a bright blue sky overhead, and — even more remarkable — just two blocks away in either direction, Madison Avenue had no snow at all.
It didn't require a weatherman to explain the snow storm that fell on Overton Square that December afternoon in 1976. The blizzard was fake — snow blown by powerful machines mounted on the roofs of buildings. It was a highlight of the Charles Dickens Christmas that year, just one of many unique events that helped make Overton Square the city's premier entertainment district. That was more than 30 years ago, and the intersection of Madison and Cooper has seen many changes since then, some good, some bad. Here's a look back at the early days, when it was hip to be Square."
"Today Loeb Properties announced in a press release their plans to revitalize the old Sears Factory Outlet warehouse space at 2542 Broad Avenue and turn it into a mixed-use development totaling 44,500 square feet. The now vacant warehouse, originally purchased by Loeb in 1995, is across the street from the now vibrant, south side of Broad Avenue which is 100% occupied. Both sides of Broad constitute the Broad Avenue Arts District.
Initial renderings of the repurposing show the warehouse “hollowed out” in the middle for parking on what is now a warehouse floor. Surrounding the parking area will be retail, entertainment, restaurant and even office space for tenants with space needs from 1,700 square feet to 30,000 square feet."
"Susan Ritter had been a Marine and a competitive athlete. Mike Farah had been a successful corporate executive who almost worked himself into an early grave, lost 50 pounds, retired, and began competing in body building competitions.
Along the way, Ritter and Farah worked as trainers at area fitness centers, and started talking about having their own business.
Recently, Farah, 61, and Ritter, 50, opened Trainers Studio in a 1,200 square-foot space in Farmington Centre in Germantown. The complex includes a fitness center and yoga studio, plus a chiropractor, but they don’t see any of them as threats. If anything, they are complementary business models."
"Local retailer, Dixie Pickers, signed a lease with Loeb Properties to open a store in East Memphis.
Located at 964 June Road near the intersection of Poplar and Yates, the 8,400-square-foot building previously housed Tommy Bronson's Sporting Goods. The expansion will mark the second Dixie Pickers location."
"Overton Square is preparing to throw a party 45 years in the making, the commemoration of a milestone for one of the city’s premier restaurant and entertainment districts that’s once again hopping with activity.
A 45th anniversary party for the square is in the works, planned for May 21 in honor of the opening of TGI Friday’s on May 21, 1970. And the square’s official Facebook page lists a few ways the public can participate in the celebration.
Among the things being sought are contact details for bands that played the square in its heyday and that could be approached about performing at the party the square is billing as a “reunion.”
The public also is being asked for any historic photos of the square and of celebratory moments enjoyed there that could be used in display and event marketing."
"Memphians may not have to graduate from Newby's after all. Venerable Memphis developer Loeb Properties Inc.has expanded its retail portfolio with the purchase of the recently shuttered Newby’s bar and music venue on the Highland Strip.
Loeb, operating as Highland University District LLC, paid $450,000 for the two adjacent properties at 535 and 539 S. Highland St. Built in 1927, the properties total a combined 10,200 square feet, according to Shelby County Assessor of Property data. Paragon Bank foreclosed on the buildings in July 2014.
Loeb Properties president Bob Loeb said a record amount of public and private investment in the University of Memphis district prompted his company's interest in Newby's."
Bob Loeb has been honored with the Memphis Magazine 2014 Memphian of the Year award:
"In the heady 1970's days, T.G.I. Friday’s was the heart of the district; revelers often stood three deep at the bar, ramping up their rowdiness for the weekly wet T-shirt contest. Other eateries and clubs — Silky Sullivan’s, Bombay Bicycle Club, Lafayette’s Music Room — also packed in the crowds, while retailers sold candles and body oils, antiques and art, trendy gifts and funky furniture. But the real attraction was the atmosphere itself, fueled by liquor, live music, and the hormonal exuberance of 20-somethings ready to party.
A teenager then, Bob Loeb says today, “Frankly I was intimidated by Overton Square. That was the big boys’ playground. I didn’t feel I belonged there.” Then the 59-year-old with his chiseled good looks declares with an easy laugh, “But I have quite a number of friends who report they went there regularly!”
As years passed, Loeb joined the throngs who filled the streets at night, and, like many Memphians of at least two generations, he has fond memories of such places as Le Chardonnay, Palm Court, Bayou Bar & Grill, and other establishments. Several closed long ago while others, despite the whims of taste and time, have endured four decades. “Some memories I can share,” smiles Loeb, “some I can’t. But like so many folks, I have a sentimental attachment to the Square. People of such a wide age range want to see it successful.”
Clearly they are seeing that now. Though Overton Square’s popularity faded in the 1980s and by the twenty-first century showed dimming signs of life, the now-bustling district boasts growing occupancy of properties along Madison and its environs. Patrons, some who were at the Square in its heyday and others who weren’t born then, relish the revival of a Memphis institution."
"Loeb Properties has acquired an office complex in the heart of East Memphis, the company’s first major acquisition since it bought Overton Square in July 2012.
Memphis-based Loeb Properties purchased Executive Square, a 40-suite professional office complex at Poplar Avenue and Yates Road in East Memphis, from F. William Hackmeyer for $3.85 million.
“Executive Square has all the right attributes, primarily its visibility and location on Poplar Avenue, two blocks from I-240,” said Lou Loeb, executive vice president of asset management for Loeb Properties. “The potential of this property is enormous.”
The four-building, 51,146-square-foot complex was built in 1973 and is currently 70 percent leased. Loeb officials said Executive Square is a good destination for small businesses needing 500 square feet to 2,000 square feet and looking to locate in East Memphis, the city’s premier office market."
"Construction could start next month on Broad Avenue Arts District’s pioneering project to turn a loading dock into shared space, used alternately for warehouse operations by weekday and an outdoor performance stage by night or weekends.
The Water Tower Depot should take about six weeks to build, finishing just in time for the eight-week “Dance on Broad” festival of performances, dance lessons and live music starting May 10. The old Broad Avenue commercial district between Midtown and East Memphis has been resurgent for about five years. New businesses continue to move in and renovate under-used or vacant buildings."
"A venerable Memphis cake decorating and supply store is moving to a new location on Summer Avenue.
Mary Carter Decorating Center signed a 4,800-square-foot lease in Cloverleaf Shopping Center at 733 N. White Station Road.
The father-and-son team of Jim and Chris Faherty have operated the family business out of their current, 2,500-square-foot location at 3205 Summer Ave. for 55 years."
"Jimmy Ishii plans to open a new concept, Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar, in the Overton Square’s historic Griffin House.
The Memphis restaurateur signed a 1,526-square-foot lease at 2116 Madison Avenue, taking a yellow house which remained residential during the district’s commercial heyday.
Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar, taking its name from the Japanese word for “fireside,” is an izakaya bar and grill serving kushiyaki skewers of grilled meat and vegetables, kara-age bite-sized fried chicken, ramen noodle soups and other traditional Japanese items.
Chefs will serve customers seated at the bar using a paddle. This method comes from an old Japanese method of fishermen passing meals from boat to boat."
Loeb Properties Inc. has been riding a leasing hot streak in recent months at Overton Square. The Midtown retail property, once left for dead, is now currently 73 percent occupied. What a difference a year, and a local owner, make.
Overton Square declined for years under Colorado-based Overton Square Investors LLC, but that started changing once Memphis-based Loeb purchased the property.
"Dentists of Midtown might want to brace themselves as Overton Square has landed a local candy shop.
Sweet Noshings, owned by Leena Asbridge, has signed a 1,750-square-foot lease at 2113 Madison Avenue. The sweet shop will offer a variety of sugary options, including candy, cookies, cake, popcorn, chocolate and coffee.
“Years ago, I told my parents that one day I would open a candy shop, and the first thing I would stock is chocolate-covered marshmallows,” said Asbridge. “Today I have executed a portion of that dream — the perfect location. There isn’t a better choice than Overton Square for the family-friendly atmosphere I want to create with Sweet Noshings.”"
"It's Friday night, and it's nearly impossible to find parking around Overton Square. Drivers cruise down Madison, hoping to be lucky enough to spot someone pulling out of a precious on-street spot in the shadow of the still-under-construction parking garage.
Patrons of the newly opened martini lounge Bar Louie sip cocktails on the swanky patio. Others linger on the front steps of a vacant space next door, talking and texting on their phones. A couple holding hands crosses Madison and ducks into Local Gastropub. The windows of Boscos Squared offer a peek at diners eating and laughing.
Three men, who look to be in their mid-to-late 50s, walk past Bar Louie, and one points in the direction of a parking lot beside the Bayou Bar & Grill across the street: "That's where the old Silky's used to be," he says. The men exchange a nostalgic "uh-huh" and "that's right."
Although vacant spaces remain in the previously left-for-dead Overton Square, a handful of new businesses and the promise of more have begun to resuscitate the iconic Midtown corner at Cooper and Madison."
The service station at 1923 Poplar faces Overton Park and neighbors one of Midtown’s cultural mainstays, Memphis College of Art.
In an effort to brighten up a very visible Midtown corner, Loeb formed a partnership with MCA, and a plan was devised to paint a mural on the east-facing side of the building. Visible driving east on Poplar, the bright colors and happy message are a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
The design class put together a booklet on the project, which summarized the project this way:
We first discussed our main objectives, that the mural should be about Midtown and legible while driving down Poplar Avenue. After exploring what we thought captured the spirit of Midtown Memphis, we decided to create a survey to compare our thoughts to others. They were essentially one in the same: that Midtown is lively and blooming. After some deliberation, we felt the mural should have an upbeat Midtown message, which we wanted to portray through geometric forms and bold colors. We chose the text “Midtown is Our Memphis” to transform the original “Midtown is Memphis” expression from an exclusive phrase into an inclusive one.
"There is a lot of moving and shaking going on in Overton Square these days as the area gets a well-deserved face lift.
When many think of Overton Square, they think of the food and beverage scene, but its redevelopment means adding fitness centers and it is all set to open by the end of the year.
"To have a vibrant downtown, you have to have a healthy Midtown," explained Bob Loeb, Loeb Properties.
Loeb says Overton Square is on its way to making a new name for itself.
"We've got food and beverage, we've got theater and film. We want art on the street, so we've got mosaics and murals," he said. Loeb says there is a possibility for a new tapas and crepe restaurant. But restaurants will not be the only attraction."
"The firm redeveloping Overton Square considers its task at hand to be playing to its Midtown audience – not only in building construction, but also in incorporating art.
Loeb Properties Inc. is investing more than $20 million to revive the once-booming arts and entertainment district of the 1970s and 1980s. That includes adding new tenants to expand Overton Square’s footprint, redesigning existing structures and building new ones, and implementing a dozen or so multimedia art projects throughout.
“We’re trying to get a little bit of everything – sculpture, mosaics, 3D interactive pieces,” said Louis Loeb, executive vice president asset management for Loeb Properties. “It’s really been sort of difficult because we haven’t had a budget for it. We want to do a number of things, and it’s just developed a life of itself.”"