Memphis' 1913 Hotel Chisca--conversion to Hilton

[sleepy]

This rusting old hulk has been sitting on Main Street smack between the center of downtown and the SouthMain area and right on a streetcar line. Plans have been rumored for years. Finally something happens.

Excerpts from:

http://memphis.bizjournals.com/memphis/sto...tml?jst=b_ln_hl

"The $80 million project is a joint venture with a Florida-based development firm, Group One Productions Inc., and Area Hotels LLC, a developer of Hilton Hotels.

The project will include a new 110-unit Hilton Homewood Suites and the redevelopment of the Chisca Hotel into a 150-room Hilton Garden Inn that will also include meeting and office space. The planned development includes four square blocks surrounding the hotel.

The Chisca was built in 1913."

Pics:

The 1960's addition will be replaced by the Hilton Suites. The Hilton Garden Inn will be lodged in the original building.

[RiversideGator]

Sounds like a good project for Memphis and it's good to see an old structure like this saved. I also LOVE to see 1960s additions/buildings destroyed. Their architects cared nothing for the buildings which came before them and they richly deserve to have their monstrous creations razed.

[mandrws1]

Any word on when any of this is scheduled to take place. That is going to be great!

[bobliocatt]

Great news. I really enjoyed staying in the newly opened Residence Inn by Marriott, a couple of months ago, that was also housed in a historic highrise. These type of places on add to the unique feel of Memphis.

[tombarnes]

It's great to see this old landmark being renovated. I was afraid it would meet the wrecking ball.

[Clobber]

This combined with the tentative proposal for the Sears building is exciting news. If only the trend can continue to encompass the Tennessee Brewery and Sterick. Then, most of the obvious large beautiful historic buildings will have been saved and restored (trying to think of others I may have missed).

[tnse]

COGIC, Area Hotels LLC Break Ground on Hilton

http://www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/...e=11%2f9%2f2007

[sleepy]

COGIC, Area Hotels LLC Break Ground on Hilton

http://www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/...e=11%2f9%2f2007

[DoctorGonzo]

But if you read the article, it says the hotel will be on the southwest corner of 2nd and Linden. That's not on the old Chisca site, but across the street. So it looks like the Chisca itself remains abandoned.

[Clobber]

Is that the site of the COGIC bookstore?

Anyone have any renderings?

[DoctorGonzo]

I thought the COGIC bookstore was on Main.

[tnse]

Wow.

I thought that project was as dead as this thread.

But if you read the article, it says the hotel will be on the southwest corner of 2nd and Linden. That's not on the old Chisca site, but across the street. So it looks like the Chisca itself remains abandoned.

[sleepy]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/...-stake-in-city/

More info on the Hilton GI and Chisca. Sounds like it might be a Homewood?

[tombarnes]

I'm trying to remain optimistic about the future of the Chisca. The blurb above does mention the possibility of doing something with the building. I just hope that won't include demolition. Is the building protected in any way?

[sleepy]

I'm trying to remain optimistic about the future of the Chisca. The blurb above does mention the possibility of doing something with the building. I just hope that won't include demolition. Is the building protected in any way?

[ponderjb]

Any idea when the renovation of the Chisca Hotel is suppose to take place? I know that Hilton is looking to develop the property. I was just hopeing to see some contruction in the near future. God knows it really needs it!

[Memphis Love]

my understanding is that the hilton garden inn will be constructed on one of the parking lots immediately east of the old chisca hotel, the actual hotel has no plans as of right now.