Crosstown Concourse

Imagine a unique "vertical urban village" where art, commerce, education, and residential spaces live together in harmony under one roof. Crosstown Concourse is a majestic mixed-use complex in Memphis, serving as a shining example of architectural rebirth in the USA. The 1.5-million-square-foot building impresses with its Art Deco style and monumental 14-story tower.

This site is much more than just a restored historical monument. It is a vibrant community hub, housing over 40 different businesses: from craft breweries and cozy coffee shops to modern art galleries and medical centers. The use of reinforced concrete and brick cladding gives the structure an industrial charm that attracts thousands of tourists and locals every year.

The renovation, completed in 2017, transformed a once-abandoned warehouse into the vibrating heart of the Midtown district. Today, it is recognized as a symbol of the region's economic and cultural prosperity, offering visitors a unique experience of interacting with contemporary art and community in a historic setting.

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In this space, everyone will find something to their liking—from gastronomic discoveries to immersion in a creative environment. Start your journey with a walk through the floors, where you can taste handmade craft gelato, visit local breweries, or pick out unique souvenirs in boutiques run by local artisans. The atmosphere here is infused with creativity, and the layout of the space encourages unexpected and interesting encounters between artists, entrepreneurs, and tourists.

Special attention should be paid to the cultural program. The complex regularly hosts themed events, such as the Record Swap & Zine Fest, Crafts and Drafts Market, and vibrant seasonal celebrations. The walls of the building are often decorated with rotating art exhibitions, while open areas become stages for musical performances and artistic displays.

Even if you don't plan on shopping, the building's architecture deserves an exploration of its own. Discover the open atriums and walkways that connect the various zones of this "vertical village." It is the perfect place for a family outing or an inspiring solo walk, where every turn reveals a new perspective on the city's industrial past and creative present.

Getting to this iconic Midtown landmark is easy. The complex is located at 1350 Concourse Ave, just a few miles northeast of the city's central business district. If you are traveling by car, you will be pleasantly surprised by the availability of ample free parking.

For those who prefer public transportation, the complex can be reached via local buses, with routes passing through the intersection of Watkins and North Parkway. Taxi or Uber services are also popular and quick ways to get there from downtown — the ride takes just a few minutes.

If you are staying nearby in the Midtown area, a walk or a bike ride would be a great addition to your itinerary. The building is harmoniously integrated into the urban environment and is designed for maximum accessibility for all visitors.

The history of this grand structure began in 1927 when it opened as Sears Crosstown. It was a colossal distribution center and retail store for Sears, Roebuck & Co. On its opening day, more than 35,000 people visited, and the event was broadcast on the radio. Due to the enormous variety of goods that could be ordered here, the building was affectionately nicknamed the "Wish Building."

After more than sixty years of successful operation, the complex closed in 1993 and stood abandoned for a long time, gradually falling into disrepair. However, in 2015, its massive revival began. An interesting fact: during the laying of the foundation for the renovated building, metal from the old heating system was used—symbolically linking the site's past and future.

The reconstruction cost $200 million and was completed in 2017. The project became a unique example of how an abandoned industrial giant can be transformed into a thriving cultural and economic center. Today, Crosstown Concourse is a symbol of architectural triumph and a new lease on life for the city, having received numerous awards for its contribution to urbanism.

To fully appreciate the scale and diversity of this space, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 5 hours for your visit. This is enough time to take a leisurely stroll through the floors, browse the unique shops, and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.

If your visit coincides with one of the many cultural festivals or art exhibitions, you could easily spend an entire day here. The complex is designed so that visitors can constantly discover something new in every corner.

The complex is open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in your travel itinerary any day of the week. The main public areas and walkways operate on the following schedule:

• Monday — Sunday: 08:00 – 21:00

Please note that individual restaurants, shops, and galleries within the complex may have their own operating hours, which may differ from the building's general hours.

Exploring the surrounding area after visiting the complex will allow you to dive even deeper into the region's atmosphere and find entertainment for every taste. Nearby, you'll find everything from historic estates to modern parks for active recreation.