Big Flats

Van Vleet-Mansfield Drug Company was one of the leading producers of pharmaceuticals in the south. Located in the heart of downtown Memphis, Van Vleet-Mansfield was part of a large market of drug companies who resided in Bluff City. The downtown building located at Second and Gayoso was built in 1917 and still stands today. This beautiful building is no longer home to Van Vleet-Mansfield Drug Company but it is currently being retrofitted for a new use: mixed use.

In 2010 Henry Turley began working with the Van Vleet building. His company intended to help make this building the newest member in the Flats family. Consisting of Radio City Flats, Main Street Flats, The Cornerstone, and Barbaro Flats, the Flats created by Henry Turley have begun to dominate Main Street between Gayoso and Union. The addition of Van Vleet will help make Turley’s Flats dominance even more known in downtown.

Located in close proximity to the Main Street Mall, the flats provide a great location for future renters and, maybe someday, owners. The Van-Vleet Flats is going to consist of sixty loft-style apartments. The look of the place will be extremely urban.   These apartments are going to contain all granite countertops, concrete floors, and exposed air ducts. Along with these apartments, there will be commercial space available on the ground floor. Some of the commercial space has been occupied for quite some time by places like the Flying Fish and Second Street Shoppers but there is room for more. This mixed use is a popular style in downtown and adds to the increasing walkability in downtown Memphis.

If you are to enter the downtown area from early morning until late night there is a good chance you will see at least a few people walking around. People who live in downtown have a unique experience compared to the rest of Memphis. They are able to walk to restaurants, bars, and shops. This saves a great deal on gas and creates an atmosphere that feels alive along with a perception of safety unmatched in adjacent zip codes.

Very recently downtown Memphis was a place not many people wished to visit. From what I understand, it was unsafe and not very inviting. The initiative to revitalize downtown has come a long way. Along with the development of several apartment and condominium buildings surrounding the Main Street Mall, there has been much development in the South Main Arts District with the establishment of such buildings as the South Bluffs. Downtown has thus transformed into a place where people want to be.

Different events are also attracting people to the downtown area. Aside from the events held at the FedEx Forum and Orpheum, there are several other happenings people can attend. The art trolley tour, which happens on the last Friday of every month, invited people into the South Main Arts district. On this tour people can browse the art galleries and various other shops and businesses along South Main. There is typically complimentary hor d'oeuvres, wine, and great art from local artists. Even the businesses participate by opening their doors and occasionally providing refreshments. Along with the trolley tour there is downtown dining week held downtown each fall. This year nice restaurants such as Chez Phillipe and Itta Bena, along with many more, offered three course meals at an affordable $20.11. This event allows people to eat meals they normally do not get to. It brings people and business to downtown.

The transformation of Van Vleet Flats from a vacant building to a new living space will be just one more great addition to downtown. It will bring more residents who are going to be patrons of businesses. Hopefully with this addition downtown can continue to grow and prosper.