Sunday, February 3, 2008

Downtown Living, Fit for King Cotton...


For many years in Memphis, as in many Southern cities along the Mississippi River, cotton was king. Cotton was the leading cash crop of the South, and Memphis was one of the leading cities in the processing, classing, sale, and shipping of cotton, with its easy access to the Mississippi River shipping venue. The multi-level buildings along Riverside Drive in downtown Memphis, overlooking the banks of the Mississippi, were once the hub of the busy cotton district. My maternal uncle started his career in this district, as a cotton classer, and later in his career was a cotton executive and farmer.

Many buildings, such as this one shown, have been restored and are now being used as restaurants, shops, offices, and as loft and condominium space. Downtown Memphis has a unique urban energy and is a fun choice for those wishing to live "at the heart of it all."

13 comments:

Janet said...

So glad this old cotton building has been restored. I'd say it's not just fair to middling...but fine!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi,Andrea! So this is where you have been spending your time. Now I get it. I did see that you had added another blog, but didn't come by here to see what you were up to. It's so evident that you love your city & these pics are amazing. No wonder you only have limited time to keep up with both. It does get difficult to go visiting to all our favorites. I will be back to see what you're up to over here too. Hope you can still keep the other one going too. I can't believe the year flew by so fast!

xo,
Rhoda

Joy said...

Looks like an interesting building. I like buildings with a lot of history to go with them.

Thanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo and your kind comments. Have a wonderful weekend. Drop by again!

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Jim Klenke said...

I love the building. Do the balconeys look over the river?

J. Andrew Lockhart said...

Yes, Memphis is quite a place. :)

Annie said...

It is fun to be downtown and I imagine it would be even more fun to live right smack downtown.

Anonymous said...

What is it like inside. Hove the kept original features?

Jennifer said...

Hi Andrea,
I really love the way you have chosen to showcase your photography. You have such an wonderful eye when it comes to photography! Memphis is a beautiful city and I have absolutely enjoyed the view you have shared. Hope you are well.
Hugs,
Jen

Anonymous said...

Gosh that looks really nice.

Fénix - Bostonscapes said...

Large windows make all the difference, don't they?

That and high ceilings are the two main selling features converted old buildings have. Chief problem with them, though, is the often extremely deficient/non-existing sound proofing - dividing walls tend to be paper thin.

Have a nice week ahead. :)

Kunal Bhatia said...

mumabi too was a hub of cotton trade once... but then the land values sky rocketed, and it didn't make economic sense to continue cotton production within the city. almost all the old mills, factories, offices and housing are being demolished for new residential and retial development; and hardly anything is going to be conserved, as is the case here.. its a pity...
- Mindless Mumbai

Chris said...

They're trying to convert here, too. Time will tell if this effort pays off.

smilnsigh said...

Great photo of a beautiful old building. Put to great use now. I so love to see such!!!

What a place to live, for those who want to be "at the heart of it all," as you said.

'Miss Mari-Nanci'