Memphis’ Iconic Stone-Stacked Building Set for Demolition to Make Way for Bojangles

Memphis Loses a Landmark: Old Stone-Stacked Building Set for Demolition

Memphis, a city rich in history and character, is saying goodbye to one of its notable mid-century structures. Nestled at 5138 Park Ave, the circular, stone-stacked building that has been part of the East Memphis skyline since 1965 is preparing to meet its end. Many in the community are feeling a twinge of nostalgia and sadness as it will soon be replaced by a new 3,000-square-foot Bojangles.

A Look Back in Time

Sherry Greene, a lifelong Memphian, recalls vividly the buzz that surrounded the construction of the building. Greene was just a young ten-year-old when her father, a contractor, spoke animatedly about this unique design being built for Union Planters Bank. “It was just so different,” she said, reminiscing about the charm that the building brought to the area. For Greene and many others, the structure became a cherished landmark, a testament to the architectural creativity of its time.

Mellow Mushroom Leaves a Void

The last tenant to occupy this notable space was Mellow Mushroom, a funky pizzeria known for its creativity and quirky decor. The 9,989-square-foot building had beautifully decorated interiors with vibrant murals and an adorable mushroom mascot standing sentinel outside. Lifelong local Katie Mars was a frequent visitor before it closed, and she fondly described the building’s incredible character: “The inside has really cool windows, and when you look up, it is almost like what you would see in a cathedral.”

New Plans for the Site

Now, just as the memories linger, plans to demolish the building are already underway. The property, located on less than an acre within the Eastgate Shopping Center, has been marketed by The Shopping Center Group for the past year. With the building remaining vacant, it seems the odd shape and size of the place made it tough to find a new tenant. Katie Mars notes, “It’s really sad to see a building that has a lot of history, especially in East Memphis, when there’s not a ton of those left, be demolished for a fast-food restaurant.”

Community Response

The demolition has sparked conversations among residents about preserving the history behind the structure. Some have even reached out to the Memphis Heritage Association in hopes of saving the property. Unfortunately, the organization cannot legally intervene in privately owned buildings, leaving those with fond memories feeling helpless.

Where Do We Go from Here?

As Memphis embraces change, many are questioning the impact on the community. The construction of a fast-food restaurant raises concerns over traffic increases in the area. While change is often welcomed, the loss of a recognizable feature in the city resonates deeply with many who’ve grown up alongside it.

Final Thoughts

Memphis, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, will soon see a new chapter unfold as the stone-stacked building makes way for the popular fast-food chain. As the city continues to develop and evolve, let’s take a moment to cherish the memories housed within those walls, and perhaps make a fresh batch of memories at the new Bojangles. The story of this landmark reminds us of how cities shift and change over time, but also how they hold onto pieces of their past.