What does Memphis, Tennessee share with major cities like Chicago? The answer would be: an exceptional number of historic buildings. The city can boast of over eleven thousand national register listings. While historic examples can be seen everywhere, Memphis doesn't feature just one style. As the city has experienced ups and downs financially and the effects of both World Wars and the Great Depression, the design of both commercial and residential buildings has been altered. An attempt to apply modern principles can also be seen throughout the wider urban area.
A series of yellow fever epidemics ravaged Memphis during the late 1800's cutting the population in half. Everything slowed down, including building projects as the city worked hard just to survive. Homes prior to the epidemics can still be viewed, especially in the midtown area. Clano Hall (1853), the Hunt-Phalen House (1830), and Annesdale (1855) are a few examples of everything from antebellum Federal brick architecture to Italian Villa style..
By the 1890s, functionality had become more important in architectural design. Superfluous architectural flourishes died off as an emphasis on regularity and volume came into vogue. The influence of modernism spread from residential to commercial and even industrial properties. Steel buildings replaced older structures along the venerable Memphis streets of Union Ave,Main st., and Madison. Memphians also would alter the facade of older building to be more in keeping with modern styles. Memphis counted it's first skyscraper by 1914. The emergence of the streetcar also allowed the first development of Memphis's future historic home in subdivisions such as Central Gardens and Annesdale Park.
These new suburban residential areas became middle class modernist communities. Higher end properties can also been seen with expensive materials and spacious yards. The cottages and smaller homes were either Craftsman style or a modern version of Greek Revival design. Occasionally, an imitation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School style was also interspersed, boasting bands of wooden casement windows, horizontal lines, and deep overhanging roofs.Very utilitarian housing projects were also included, but it wasn't until 1924 that the city started designating certain areas to be residential, commercial, or industrial.
Atypically for Memphis, Memphis led the nation in focusing on the design of smaller affordable homes. The Memphis small builder's association published a catalogue with more than a hundred design plans costing less than six grand. Also, local architects offered their services at a reduced rate. Such was the community concern for helping residents secure their own homes after the Great Depression.
In some ways, WW II dampened enthusiasm for modern European architectural styles. International styles lost popularity with the association with the feuding Europeans. A small historical oddity was the late 1950 attempt by Mies van der Rohe to reestablish modern design with steel framed houses and glass curtains. Remains of this can be seen in Memphis even today.
Today, Memphis has had a prolonged buyer's market, and hopeful home owners can choose from fine homes in the downtown and riverfront areas. Memphis has rejuvenated itself starting with a downtown renaissance and working its way west. Older commercial buildings are being renovated while the Midtown area has salvaged its southern charm. In the far east, faux-estates with acreage abound. While there are homes for sale in every price range, values are appreciating, and the higher the price the more the competition. With pro-sports teams, museums, year-round festivals, cultural activities, and southern ambiance, Memphis Tennessee offers a great place to settle in and raise a family.
There's the history of Memphis architecture for you.
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