Memphis, TN is ruined now?
 

Just returned from a trip to one of my favorite cities, Memphis TN.<BR><BR>I have been there since they erected this "Peabody Place" downtown and didn't like it the last time I was there. However, this time it really got on my nerves.<BR><BR>I used to enjoy downtown Memphis because it was a little "dirty" just as a town that produces the blues should be. It was very touristy and safe....but it still somewhat looked the part.<BR><BR>This mall...Peabody Place may have helped bring the surburbanites in to shop, but I think it has killed the character of downtown.<BR><BR>That's just what I think, I was wondering if anyone had the same thought or other opinions.

I couldn't agree more. It's like DisneyWorld came in and plopped a theme park in the middle of a historic district.

As someone who lived in Memphis as its downtown was just beginning to (again) be a safe place to walk in; I'm glad to hear that it continues to expand as a place where anyone can walk around without fear.<BR><BR>Downtowns are places where real people live and work; not just sites where you leave the safety of your home in order to get a thrill from "dirty" danger.<BR><BR>The crime and drugs in downtown Memphis thirty years ago didn't produce the blues; they almost ruined them. I'm glad the city has turned itself around, so that real music can co-exist with safety, cleanliness, and jobs.<BR><BR>There are many towns where the downtown is still quite "dirty;" feel free to visit them for your thrill and leave Memphis for those who prefer a livable place.

<BR><BR>Cheryl...<BR><BR>I think the poster made the point that downtown was safe before the Peabody Place but now it is a little too canned and artificial.<BR><BR>

I was there while it was being built (well, the outside was finished but the inside wasn't yet). My impression of the downtown Memphis area is that although it still retains it's "feel," the area where I felt comfortable walking at night had increased considerably. It's not right in the middle of the Beale Street area to interfere with the activities there, but close enough to easily walk to. I don't see a problem.

Totally agree with the poster. Peabody Place fits more toward the Pyramid side of town. It has completely ruined the atmosphere of the Beale area

Most historical areas have now been "mall-ed". How sad.

I still love Memphis. It is a quick getaway fro me in St. Louis.<BR>I DO NOt go tothat mall. I still enjoy the same Beale St. atmosphere, the yummy bbq restauants..<BR>I have seen worse.<BR>I enjoy the going to the "wonders" and the last poster was right to say the mall should have been built near the pyramid.<BR>

I live in the Memphis area and I love what downtown has done. Sure, it's a little more "every city USA" but they need to do whatever they can to keep it alive. When I moved to Memphis about 10 years ago, I was warned to stay away or at least go in a big group and only walk on Beale Street. Now it's much safer. The visitors who want to visit a "dirty" downtown atmosphere aen't the ones really supporting it. You need a combination of all sorts of people including locals, visitors, families, etc. Peabody Place doesn't do anything to negatively affect it. If anything, the Hard Rock Cafe did that years ago. Nothing against the Hard Rock...been there several times for bands. If it weren't for new development, Beale Street would be a seedy place that no one goes to except the occassional visitor.

Memphis is like every other city. Some rich developer comes in and destroys hundreds of years of character.

Hello u people I do agree with the remark Memphis is like other cities some good some not so good. But there are lots of fun stuff to do and I love Memphis and right now Memphis in May is wonderful.<BR>

Drugs and crime didn't fuel the blues?<BR>A dull, upper-middle mall gives to musical expression? Only if you teach music in public school.<BR><BR>That being said, the whole "gritty" Memphis thing died years ago, and now only Bono is blown away by it all now. And, yes, downtowns should be places to live and work. And all that tourist money just cannot be turned down.

ttt

Memphis has gone downhill from trying to go uphill

Memphis will never go downhill. I love Mempis. I know some places is a mess like Springfield Missouri.

Summer...me no what you talk about

The spot that is now Peabody Place was formerly surface parking. No history got destroyed to build it. It provides much needed entertainment and shopping for people who live and work downtown as well as visitors.

It's not the fact they bulldozed something down to put it up. (I actually miss the parking lot...for the parking!)<BR><BR>It's just too bland and expected. Memphis was (and kind of still is) unique. Peabody Place is in every surburb from here to Kalamazoo

What ever u may say about Memphis it is still a wonderful place to be. are just to drop in sometime. I love it.............<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR ><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

At the same time that construction took place on Peabody Place, thousands more parking spaces were built than what were taken away by that lot. For anybody to say they "miss the parking lot" shows what a complete and utter idiot he or she is.

U got that right.The Peabody is not the only hotel downtown to stay in. Try another parking lot and let that one go. Memphis got too much other fun stuff to worry about..........

Quit your complaining and go eat some ribs!<BR>I'm a Mem. gal relocated to Cincy 4 yrs. ago....talk about a boring city! Every chance I get I head home to check out whats new in town...and there's alot more going on now than there used to be.<BR>Love my bbq and blues!oh yea...and SWEET tea.

What in the world is everybody talking about? Ruining downtown character? You people must have never been downtown. I lived here my whole life, and there was nothing worth going downtown for until Jack Belz bought the Peabody Hotel. There was nothing but empty buildings before he put the Peabody Place in. If you think that ruined Beale St. you will really hate knowing that they are putting the new NBA arena right behind it, and a Pat O'Brien's on it. Personally, I love what they're doing. And as a Memphian, there is still tons of "dirt" left here, and I won't be sad when it gets cleaned up either.

Amen Bailey:<BR>I live here and before the revitalization of downtown began,I was terrified to get off of Beale street even to walk to the car. So, more power to you Memphis. Has anybody tried the peanut butter and banana sandwich at Elvis Presley's Memphis? It was OK, but the dill pickle chips are to die for. Before Autozone Park, other than the Orpheum, Beale Street and a few other good restaurants, downtown was one empty building after another. I for one am proud of the efforts to improve my city.