New Mixed-Use Development Proposed Near FedExForum Promises Luxury and Vibrancy

Downtown Memphis is set to welcome a transformative mixed-use development, spearheaded by Forum Hotel and Hospitality Development Corp., that promises to redefine the city skyline and enhance the urban experience near FedExForum. This ambitious project, recently submitted for approval to the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, aims to combine luxury accommodations, residential living, dining options, and retail spaces in a prime downtown location.

Rendering Courtesy of Blue Note Hotel Development Group

Prime Location and Cultural Significance

Located at the southeast corner of Fourth Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, directly across from Robert Church Park, the proposed development is poised to become a focal point of Memphis’ cultural and entertainment district. Central to the plan is the 191-key luxury Blues Note Hotel, envisioned as a four-star destination with a distinctive guitar-shaped rooftop pool—a nod to the city’s rich musical heritage.

Blues Note Hotel: A Beacon of Luxury

The hotel, standing 15 stories tall, exceeds the Beale Street Entertainment District’s height limit, underscoring the project's ambition to elevate Memphis’ hospitality offerings. Complementing the Blues Note Hotel will be a nine-story condo complex boasting 65 units, designed to appeal to residents seeking upscale urban living with easy access to downtown amenities.

Comprehensive Facilities and Future Expansion

In addition to the hotel and condos, the development includes a three-floor parking garage to accommodate residents, guests, and patrons of the hotel and retail spaces. Plans also hint at a second-phase boutique hotel adjacent to the main complex, although details on this aspect are yet to be fully revealed.

Development Journey and Community Engagement

The project’s journey began several years ago and has evolved through collaboration with local and national architectural firms, including A2H and Meticulous, as well as Javier Bailey Sr. with Bailey Co. Real Estate Services Corp. The acquisition of the development site from the Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ Inc. in 2022 marked a significant milestone, paving the way for the project's current proposal phase.

Forum Hotel and Hospitality Development Corp. brings a commitment of community engagement to the forefront of the project. The group’s previous endeavors, including a similar Blues Note hotel proposal in the Pinch District, underscore their dedication to enhancing Memphis’ economic landscape and cultural vitality.

Looking Forward: Economic and Community Impact

As plans progress, stakeholders eagerly await further details and renderings expected to be unveiled later this year. William McCrary Jr., principal of Blues Note Hotel Development LLC, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to redefine downtown Memphis, attract visitors, and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding area.

Conclusion

The proposed mixed-use development near FedExForum represents a significant investment in Memphis’ future, blending luxury hospitality with residential convenience and retail vibrancy. With its strategic location, innovative design, and commitment to community enhancement, the project promises to cement its place as a cornerstone of downtown Memphis’ revitalization efforts. As the city continues to evolve, developments like this highlight Memphis’ appeal as a dynamic destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.