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Welcome back to Bluff City Biz, where every Monday we speak with someone in the know about our top stories from the previous week. Follow along for insight into key developments and analysis of all things Memphis business.
This week, we’re joined by Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Tourism, and we discuss, yet again, 100 N. Main’s potential for adding Downtown vibrancy, as well as the need for a grocery store in South Main.
Everyone is still talking about 100 N. Main
 The Downtown Memphis Commission’s staff made its final recommendation to its affiliate Downtown Mobility Authority Wednesday, Jan. 19, selecting 100 N. Main Development Partners. (Courtesy 100 North Main Development Partners)
The news that a team led by Kevin Woods and Billy Orgel will take a shot at reviving 100 N. Main brings with it several possibilities, including future living and retail space, as well as a rooftop restaurant, a holdover from the building’s past.
Naturally, as the city’s top tourism official, Kane most anticipates the project’s proposed 200-room, full-service hotel.
“I think (hotel space) will spark a lot of energy on that entire block,” Kane said. “Right now, our hotel quarter really extends from Union toward the Civic Center, and once you get to the Civic Center, the area needs some attention. Obviously 100 N. Main is a big anchor for that end of Third Street and Main Street.”
Downtown Memphis Commission president and CEO Paul Young told The Daily Memphian that a sticking point of the DMC’s initial request for proposals was a development team that could bring 18 hours of vibrancy to the Downtown block, which is mostly dormant in the evenings.
“You’ve got a pretty big, quiet block there,” Kane said. “Our visitors that are coming from the convention center that want to head towards Union Avenue, once they hit that 100 N. Main block, everything is pretty quiet.
“At certain times of the day, and certainly on weekends, you have to travel through a no man’s land before you start seeing energy and excitement again,” Kane said.
During its most recent meeting, members of the DMC’s affiliate Downtown Mobility Authority unanimously voted in favor of the estimated $267 million proposal from the team that includes Woods and Orgel, as well as Jay Lindy, Adam Slovis and Michael McLaughlin.
“I know Billy (Orgel) cares about Memphis,” Kane said, “and so does Kevin (Woods). I know they’re going to do something we can all be proud of.”
New Downtown grocery store could open in March
 Display cases at the soon to open downtown grocery store South Point Grocery on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
By March 2022, South Point Grocery is expected to open one block from Central Station at 136 Webster Ave., the site of the former Liberty Cash Grocers.
While Downtowners have been clamoring for new grocery stores for some time, Kane says the market will be a needed amenity for tourists as well.
“I know the importance of a quality grocery facility, not only for the people who live Downtown, but also for the visitors who stay in the 4,000 hotel rooms,” he said.
“Everybody thinks these amenities are always for residents, but people who are staying in hotels need access to grocery stores too.”
Tom Archer, owner and president of Archer Custom Builders, bought the 100-year-old building in 2017 with the intention of eventually opening a new grocery store.
The venture is a partnership between Archer and Castle Retail Group, which owns three local Cash Savers and High Point Grocery.
South Point Grocery will offer staples like fresh produce, frozen foods and meats, as well as wine and beer.
More Bluff City Biz:
 Jim Russell, managing partner for CCClub Holdings and a member of Colonial Country Club for more than 40 years, says now is the time for development. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
Spanning 170 acres, The Legacy at Colonial will include a residential neighborhood, a senior living campus, office space, retail space and a hotel.
“The new trolley stop will complete the mission of the Downtown Mobility Center by bringing key transportation means together at one site in Downtown Memphis,” said Jason Weeks, senior associate at architectural firm LRK.
The proposed seven-story parking garage on the north side of A.W. Willis between North Third and Fourth streets would have been designated for ALSAC-St. Jude employees.
 After more than 40 years in the business, Joe Birch is honored as top communicator. (Submitted)
The Memphis Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America honored Birch and his more than 40 years of service at a ceremony Thursday, Jan. 27, via Zoom.
In its report, Board of Adjustment staff referred to the project as “exemplar of urban design.”
Republican state senators question whether everything on the list is truly needed.
 Griffin Moss, with Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors, at the Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament in 2019. (Submitted)
The Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) annual Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament is the single-largest external fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Mid-South, exceeding $500,000 in the event’s 11-year history.
The Tennessee Valley Authority has to turn over material about the 20-year contract agreement it wants Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division and all the other local utilities in its system to sign.
Dr. Colby Poston has joined the team of chiropractic physicians at Cole Pain Therapy Group.
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