I've been very neglectful in updating this blog.  But I often post architecturally interesting photos on my Instagram page.  Follow me at jason_miles.  Thanks!  I hope to update this blog very soon.

Germantown Municipal Center

I was covering a meeting of the Germantown Mayor & Board of Aldermen last week for my day job and thought the Germantown Municipal Center would be blog-worthy.  I've always liked the building.  It's almost church-like.  In fact, I understand the architecture firm that designed it has done many churches.  Apparently, one of the principals was also a well-respected city leader in G'town.  The building was completed in 1978.  Cool features include a circular conference room which sits in "people street" - the atrium area.  Ficus trees used to be planted in this area as well.. But were recently replaced with lighted discs on the floor.

Beale Street Landing

Once known by some critics as the Beale Street "Boondoggle" because of cost and schedule overruns, the first phase of the Beale Street Landing  project is nearing completion.  I thought the progress was worth sharing given the interesting design of the structure.  It stands at the foot of Beale just north of Tom Lee Park.  There is a sloping grass-covered roof above what will be a glass-enclosed restaurant and ticket office.  Both a daily excursion steamboat and the American Queen will use the docking facility.  The latter is the largest paddle-wheel steamboat ever built.  Its parent company is now headquartered in Memphis as well.

The MED

The Regional Medical Center at Memphis is more commonly known as The MED.  The hospital's history dates back decades.  It serves the area's indigent population but also includes the only level one trauma center in the Midsouth (named after Elvis Presley).  The MED's campus is comprised of multiple buildings of varying ages.  However, the most prominent part of The MED is located on Jefferson Avenue and features a number of "pavilions."  Glass-enclosed pedestrian walkways connect the structures.  One of the pavilions actually straddles Jefferson Avenue.  Completed in the early 1980's, this area recently underwent some cosmetic improvements.  There has long been interest in the construction of a new MED.  A master plan is currently in the works.

Mud Island River Park

Featured in the chase scene from "The Firm," Mud Island River Park is not quite as busy as it was portrayed.  But it truly is a gem in downtown Memphis.  The park sits on the southern tip of Mud Island and is accessed by both road and a Swiss-made monorail.  The park was opened in the early 80's and features a scale model of the Mississippi River which feeds water into a mini Gulf of Mexico.  There is a marina, outdoor theater, and several restaurants at the park.  The Memphis Belle WWII bomber was once housed on the island but was moved to Dayton, Ohio.  Mud Island River Park was designed by noted Memphis architect Roy Harrover.

Main US Post Office

The main US Post Office in Memphis is located at 555 South Third, just south of the downtown core.  The building is one of the few true examples of a brutalist architecture in Memphis.  It features bush-hammered concrete and a very austere design.  It is reminscent of other government buildings of the late 60's and early 70's.  The main post office was completed in 1972 and replaced the grand Memphis Union Station train terminal which dated to 1912.  The main post office was named a few years ago in honor of longtime employee and civic leader Rev. Kenneth Whalum, Sr.

Sheffield High School

I'd like to take a more comprehensive look on Memphis City Schools in the future.  There are dozens of examples of mid-century modern buildings throughout the district.  Sheffield High School happened to be the focus of a recent story I was reporting..hence this post.  Sheffield is located in the Fox Meadows neighborhood of SE Memphis.  Sheffield was constructed in the 1960's.  It features three circular domed buildings.  Two house the gymnasium and cafeteria.  The other is for classrooms.  One thing I've noticed over the years is how the school district has preserved the look of many of its buildings.  That may be a result of budgetary constrictions more than anything.