Edge District development to go before Design Review Board

644 Madison Ave Rendering | PKM Architects

John Halford of cnct. development believes smaller, infill projects are just as important to revitalizing the Edge District as larger pending projects like Orleans Station and The Ravine. 

That includes ventures like the adaptive reuse commercial project at 644 Madison Ave., which will go before the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Design Review Board Wednesday, January 5. 

Because cnct. received an Exterior Improvement Grant from the Downtown board in January 2021, the DRB is required to approve the plans for the 0.22-acre site, which contains a 13,200-square-foot, two-story building and an adjacent 0.44-acre lot, previously used for MLGW service vehicle parking.

“I think the big projects that act as anchors for the district are coming now that they’ve seen some of the culture and some of the life that’s been coming to the Edge over the last few years,” Halford said. 

The development team also includes Pat Magruder, Anntonia Magruder and Austin Magruder. 

The current building at 644 Madison Ave. was built out to serve as a dog daycare center, but it never opened.

The renovations will convert the building into 10,500 square feet of rentable commercial space and 3,000 square feet of residential space. 

Two tenants have signed with cnct. — a wine merchant and bar operator. 

Rootstock Wine Merchants will sell small production, family-owned brands, some of which will be served at the adjacent bar, Three of Cups, which will be owned and operated by a father-and-son team. 

A DMC staff report noted support for the project. 

“The scope of work dramatically transforms and enhances a highly-visible site along Madison Avenue,” the report reads. “The landscaping improvements, lighting, and transparent storefront provide needed vibrancy and added pedestrian comfort along a strip of commercial activity.” 

A linear park is also planned for the site, which the development team hopes will increase walkability and the pedestrian experience overall. 

Halford plans for more development projects in the Edge District, which he believes will help activate even more growth. 

“There’s still more work to be done, more connections to be made in the Edge District,” he said. “But I think it’s headed in the right direction and it’s really being shaped by our partners. The big developers see what’s percolating in the Edge, and they’ve started anchoring. It’s this type of ecosystem that makes a neighborhood really vibrant.” 

CREDIT: Rob Moore | Daily Memphian