Memphis, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The venue at 409 South Main Street in Memphis is set for auction after a decade of operating as an event space, impacted by foreclosure and financial troubles. The auction, scheduled for October 6-8, comes after a bride-to-be lost her $3,600 deposit due to the venue’s sudden closure. Experts advise future clients to take precautions when booking venues to mitigate risks of unexpected closures and financial loss.
Memphis – The historic venue located at 409 South Main Street is set to be auctioned after a decade-long run as a popular event space, including its past use as the headquarters for Lucky Heart Cosmetics. The building will go to auction from October 6 to October 8, with bidding starting at $400,000. The auction will be conducted via the TenX website, indicating a shift in ownership for the century-old property that has fallen into disrepair and financial trouble.
In the wake of its foreclosure, Bonnie Sheridan, a bride-to-be, faces a significant financial loss after her planned December wedding at the venue fell through. Sheridan had made a deposit of $3,600 and signed a contract in March 2024, however, she received no prior notice of the venue’s impending closure. She learned of its status only after prompting from her wedding planner, leading to an unfortunate cancellation earlier than expected.
The sudden closure has left several clients in the lurch, as an email from a venue representative revealed the building was in foreclosure and that all bank accounts related to the venue had been closed. Despite the venue’s social media activity having ceased over the summer, there were no updates provided directly to those who had made reservations. Sheridan is now advised to file a lien against the building in hopes of recovering her deposit; however, the risks of losing out entirely remain high.
This unfortunate situation comes after an incentive loan provided by the Downtown Memphis Commission in 2023, aimed at aiding renovations for 409 South Main St., was canceled, pushing the property into a more uncertain future. The commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Advisors previously attempted to sell the venue, but these efforts did not yield any results, leading to its current auction status.
Experts recommend that future clients take precautions when booking event venues. Advisements from Daniel Irwin of the Better Business Bureau suggest that contracts should include adequate protections for clients to mitigate risks associated with unexpected closures. Additionally, utilizing credit cards for deposits can provide recourse options in the event of such occurrences.
In light of the venue’s closure, Sheridan has found an alternative wedding location to secure her planned ceremony and festivities. However, her situation underscores the importance of caution and thorough research when selecting venues for significant life events.
Background on 409 South Main Street
The building has a storied past, originally serving as the headquarters for Lucky Heart Cosmetics before being transformed into a wedding and event venue. With its brick faรงade and historic architecture, it has attracted many couples looking for a charming backdrop for their special day. Unfortunately, years of financial mismanagement and lack of upkeep have now led to its auction.
Future Prospects
The auction is anticipated to attract interest from potential investors looking to restore the property or repurpose it as a new venture. The outcome of this auction may be pivotal in shaping the future of this historic location in downtown Memphis.
FAQ Section
What is happening to the venue at 409 South Main Street?
The venue is going up for auction due to foreclosure after an unsuccessful attempt to revive the property.
When is the auction taking place?
The auction is scheduled from October 6 to October 8.
What was the starting price for the auction?
The starting price for the auction is $400,000.
Why did the venue close?
The venue closed due to financial issues, specifically entering foreclosure and having all bank accounts closed.
What happened to the couple who booked their wedding?
Bonnie Sheridan, who booked her wedding at the venue, lost her deposit of $3,600 when the venue closed unexpectedly.
What advice do experts give to future clients reserving venues?
Experts recommend including protective clauses in contracts and using credit cards for deposits to ensure options for recovery in case of venue closure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Memphis Magazine
- Commercial Appeal
- Choose901
- Memphis Flyer
- Wikipedia: Memphis
- Google Search: Memphis venue closure
- Google Scholar: Memphis event management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis
- Google News: Memphis wedding venue
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
