Memphis: A Day in the Life at Crosstown Concourse
If you think Memphis is just about music and barbecue, you haven’t been to Crosstown Concourse! This once-empty distribution center for Sears, Roebuck & Company has blossomed into one of the most vibrant hubs of activity in the city. Let’s take a stroll through a typical day packed with life, creativity, and community in this remarkable space!
The Early Bird Gets the Biscuit
As the dawn breaks at 4:37 a.m., the smell of fresh baked goods wafts through the air at Lucy J’s Bakery. Owner Joshua Burgess is up early brushing honey butter onto freshly baked biscuits. This buzzing kitchen isn’t just about pastries; it’s also a place of second chances, partnering with Dorothy Day House to help parents transition out of homelessness. Yes, you can savor that scrumptious cinnamon roll while also doing a good deed!
Morning Workout Motivation
Skip ahead to 5:18 a.m., and you’ll find Brandon manning the front desk at the Church Health YMCA. Membership comes with multiple perks, like a lively community gym where early risers pump iron or join the morning Boot Camp class. Everyone here thrives on the collective determination to stay fit, making it just as much about community as it is about health.
Brewing Community Connections
Fast forward to 7:51 a.m., and the atmosphere at French Truck Coffee is buzzing. The espresso machine is cranking, and conversations flow as freely as the coffee. Locals often bump into friends or colleagues here, reinforcing that sense of connection and camaraderie that Crosstown fosters. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your latte in peace or chat up a storm!
Organizing Education for All
As the sun climbs higher, nonprofit teams get busy strategizing for a brighter future. By 8:13 a.m., Memphis Education Fund staff are already hard at work planning projects to improve local schools. Down the hall, Teach for America members are gearing up to place new educators in underserved classrooms, all while sharing an office space filled with creativity and collaboration.
Music, Art, and More!
By 9:25 a.m., the airwaves are alive with creativity as WYXR radio hosts Willy Bearden for a show that mixes music with storytelling. It’s an inspiring way to wake up, and who doesn’t love a good tune to start the day? And if you crave creativity, the Crosstown Arts galleries are alive with artist studios and exhibitions. Get ready for art mingling with great coffee as you explore!
Lunching Local
When noon rolls around, the culinary scene takes center stage. At The Mad Grocer, chef Max Hussey crafts his famous po’boy sandwiches while ensuring that his cooking allows him quality time with his young son. Meanwhile, the Global Café transforms into a melting pot with international dishes celebrating diverse cultures. Here, everyone comes together over food!
An Afternoon of Fun
The afternoon is a busy one! By 2:48 p.m., the salon at Gloss Nail Bar is abuzz with clients enjoying pampering treatments and catching up. Just a bit later, as Crosstown High School students spill into the halls after 3 p.m., the atmosphere bursts with youthful exuberance, with students mingling and reflecting on their project-based learning.
Evening Entertainment Awaits
As night approaches, event spaces like the Crosstown Theater start to hum with the promise of films and performances. The Memphis Listening Lab is gearing up for a music listening event, providing an intimate setting that music lovers adore. By 7:15 p.m., the Green Room is set for a performance where artists showcase original works against stunning acoustics that make every note shine!
All the Way to Midnight
As the clock ticks past 9:40 p.m., the Crosstown Brewing Taproom invites locals to grab a craft brew and enjoy live music. With events from trivia nights to bluegrass jams, there’s never a dull moment. And as the night wraps up, the cozy Art Bar is quiet but charming, offering a haven for late-night discussion over carefully crafted cocktails.
Where Community Thrives
By the time 11:30 p.m. rolls around, you’d be surprised to learn the Concourse is not just a working hub; it’s home too! Many residents enjoy stunning views of Memphis from their apartments. In fact, local creator Craig Brewer admits the space is perfect — a vibrant neighborhood where he can live, work, and play without leaving the complex.
Crosstown Concourse has emerged from its storied past into a living hub that unites people through creativity, culture, and community. With each hour bringing new energy and activity, it’s truly a place of inspiration for Memphians and visitors alike. Ready to dive into this dynamic environment yourself?
