St. Jude Expansion in Memphis to Close 2 Streets: Updates on Downtown Development
Memphis is seeing significant urban development with the expansion of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and new restaurants opening in the city’s downtown area. With an investment of $12.9 billion, St. Jude has an ambitious strategic plan that includes closing two downtown streets to build new facilities.
Addressing Traffic Changes and Expansion Plans
The St. Jude campus expansion is set to close part of Jackson Avenue located east of North Third Street and part of Lauderdale Street along Alabama Avenue permanently. A section of East Danny Thomas Boulevard near Winchester Park is also planned for temporary closure to assist with staff parking and deliveries during the ongoing construction. The Land Use Control Board approved these closures on April 11, 2026 as part of the hospital’s expansion plans.
Newly Proposed Buildings in the Expansion Plan
St. Jude filed construction permits in January 2026 for two new buildings planned for the campus. As part of the strategic expansion, one of the buildings will be a 15-story outpatient center and the other a three-story structure for various uses. The estimated costs for these buildings are $156,997,333 and $22.8 million, respectively. Furthermore, St. Jude inaugurated the $110 million Domino’s Village in October 2023. Notably, this six-story building spanning 307,000 square feet features 140 residential units designed for long-term stays for patients and their families.
New Memphis Restaurants
Amidst city transformation, downtown Memphis is also witnessing the rise of a new restaurant at the historic Hotel Pontotoc located at 69 Pontotoc Ave. A cocktail and wine bar with tapas concept, The Dame, is planned for the site and recently received a $30,000 retail improvement grant from the Center City Development Corp., an affiliate board of the Downtown Memphis Commission, for property improvements. The Dame is set to occupy the basement and lower floors of the three-story building with a signed agreement for a 10-year lease.
Memphis Landmarks Receive Historic Development Grants
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) has announced the 2026 recipients of state historic development grants. Among the beneficiaries are three major Memphis landmarks: the Lowenstein House, Sterick Building, and Dermon Building. The selected developments have each been awarded $300,000 to aid in rehabilitation projects aimed at preserving the city’s historic structures.
As Memphis progresses through this period of development and expansion, it provides ample opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors. The city is committed to preserving its history while also striving to cultivate a vibrant, accessible downtown core that meets the needs and aspirations of the community.
