Exciting Changes Ahead for Memphis as Landmark Tower Shifts to New Developers!
Memphis, itโs time to get excited! Big changes are coming to our beautiful Downtown skyline as the iconic 100 North Main tower has officially changed hands. After a nearly five-year journey of ups and downs, the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) has successfully transferred this towering gem into the capable hands of 100 North Main LLC, a collaboration rooted in local ambition and innovation.
A Landmark Moment for Memphis
Thatโs right, folks! For the first time in decades, Memphisโs tallest tower is bouncing back into private ownership. This marks a significant turning point not just for the building itself, but for the entire downtown area. The new owners are a dynamic 50/50 joint venture comprising local frontrunners and Kansas Cityโs own Block Real Estate Services (BRES). A blend of local savvy and outside expertise could be just the ticket to rejuvenate this essential piece of our skyline.
The Players Involved
Leading the charge for 100 North Main LLC are Kevin Woods and Aaron Mesmer. Alongside Woods are his partners Billy Orgel, Adam Slovis, Jay Lindy, and Michael McLaughlin, all of whom are deeply rooted in the local business community. These visionaries are set on not just restoring the tower, but transforming it into a vibrant hub that Memphis can be proud of once again!
In addition to the tower itself, the developers are also gearing up to work on several adjacent parcels of land on North Main Street and Jefferson Avenue as part of a second phase of the project. This could mean even more exciting developments are in storeโget ready, Memphis!
Long Road to Redemption
You might remember that the DMC acquired the 100 North Main tower in March 2021 for $10.25 million, navigating a rollercoaster of economic uncertainty and rising costs since then. Initially, the project had to slow down due to these challenges, but the partnership with BRES has reignited hope and progress. They came in as a runner-up for the redevelopment proposal, and now theyโre ready to take action to breathe new life into this historic structure.
Chandell Ryan, the president and CEO of DMC, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Weโre excited about the continued progress of the 100 North Main Street building. This marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of the tallest building in Downtown Memphis, a project vital to our Downtown core that will help shape and aid the growth of our Downtown.” Words like these are sure to spark further excitement around the town!
Big Plans Ahead!
The renovation plan for this incredible skyscraper is set to be a whopping $300 million makeover! Imagine the potential of this propertyโgreater accessibility, more vibrant space, and possibly new business opportunities. This kind of renovation could not only enhance the physical landscape of Downtown Memphis but also contribute significantly to our local economy.
Also noteworthy is the ongoing Building Memphis Awards program, which emphasizes celebrating exceptional construction and architecture in our city. The awards honor projects that not only show extreme professionalism but also contribute positively to Memphis’s economy and community vision.
The Future is Bright!
As the buzz grows around this redevelopment, itโs clear that whatโs happening in Downtown Memphis is more than a simple revamp. Itโs about revitalizing our culture, enhancing our local economy, and bringing people together through beautiful innovations in our cityโs design.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground, Memphis! This may just be the exciting beginning we’ve all been waiting for. Who knows? You could soon be enjoying a coffee or hitting up a new favorite restaurant in the newly transformed 100 North Main. The future looks bright, and we canโt wait to see it unfold!

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.


