Historical Buildings Walking Tour (Self Guided), Memphis

The James Lee House, also referred to as the Harsson-Goyer-Lee House, is a historic residence located on Adams Avenue in Memphis. This property holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the neighboring Woodruff-Fontaine House, and both structures are part of the Victorian Village historic district.

Built in 1848, the house boasts an impressive 8,100 square feet of space and was originally constructed by William Harsson. In 1852, Charles Wesley Goyer, who was married to Harsson's daughter Laura, acquired the property. Goyer enlisted the services of the architectural firm of Edward Culliatt Jones and Matthias H. Baldwin in 1871 to expand the house, inspired by their work on the nearby Woodruff-Fontaine House.

In 1890, James Lee, a riverboat captain with a Princeton University education, became the new owner of the house. By 1925, it had transformed into the James Lee Memorial Art Academy, a precursor to the Memphis College of Art (formerly known as the Memphis Academy of Art). The city of Memphis took ownership in 1929, and after the art school relocated in 1959, the house remained vacant for an extended period. Interestingly, it gained some pop culture recognition when Canadian indie rock group Tokyo Police Club used it as a backdrop for their 2008 music video "In a Cave."

In 2012, the vacant house found new private owners, and the following year marked the beginning of a substantial construction and renovation project. This transformation converted the house into a luxurious bed and breakfast. The city of Memphis supported the renovation effort by providing a property tax abatement to encourage the restoration.

Consequently, in April 2014, the bed and breakfast officially opened its doors for business. Today, visitors to Memphis have the opportunity to experience the charm of The James Lee House by staying as guests in this splendid historic establishment.

The Mallory-Neely House is a historic mansion located on Adams Avenue in the renowned Victorian Village district of Memphis. The residence was built in 1852 for banker Isaac Kirtland and his family. The house name comes from two of the families that lived there, the Barton Lee Mallory and James Columbus Neely families. The home features an Italianate villa-style design, turn of the century furnishings and decor, stained glass windows, artwork, and statutes from the around the world.

From 1852 to 1969, several prominent families lived in the home. The last person to live in the house was Daisy Neely Mallory. The dwelling was deeded to the Daughters, Sons, and Children of the American Revolution upon Mrs. Mallory’s death. The home became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was turned into a museum in 1973.

The Mallory-Neely House is now a museum managed by the Memphis Park Commission and Memphis Museums, Inc. have managed the house since 1987.

Located on Adams Avenue in the Victorian Village is the Magevney House, one of the oldest residences in the city. The house was built in the 1830s by Eugene Magevney, an Irish immigrant, and includes an herb garden and grape arbor. Magevney emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1828 and settled in Memphis in 1833. He worked as an educator and civic leader until his death from yellow fever in 1873. The house contains many personal effects of the family and gives an accurate glimpse into their lives.

The clapboard house is an important part of Catholic history in Memphis. It is the site of the first Catholic marriage, the first Catholic baptism, and the first Catholic mass. Magevney also helped to found the first Catholic Church in Memphis. The house was donated to the city of Memphis by the family of Eugene Magevney in 1941 and became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

One important landmark in Memphis is the Burch, Porter & Johnson's Law Firm. Located on Court Avenue, the building has played a significant part in Memphis history. The firm is composed of two buildings, the Tennessee Club Building and the Goodbar Building. Construction joined the two together in 1982.

The firm represented Dr. Martin Luther King during the Memphis Sanitation March in 1968, and was in court representing him when they heard of the assassination attempt that took his life.

The Tennessee Club Building was erected in 1890 by Edward Terrell, and functioned as an art gallery, library and social club. Carrie Nation gave a speech on the club’s front stairs and William H. Taft and Teddy Roosevelt visited the building. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since April 22, 1982.

The Dermon Building is an impressive 10-story 10,000 square foot building in downtown Memphis. Located at the junction of Court Avenue and North Third Street, the building is famous for its dark brown brick and yellow, green, and white terra cotta exterior. Although many buildings featured terra cotta design, most terra cotta buildings in the 1920s were white in color. The multi-colored design of this building makes it a remarkable contribution to the Memphis skyline.

The building was constructed in 1925 by architects Charles Pfiel and George Awsum, designers of the Tennessee Trust Building, the Fire Engine House #1, and the Memphis Police Station. The building housed the Dave Dermon Company, a real estate company, and Dave Dermon Insurance until 1983. In addition to the beautiful terra cotta design, the building is an important part of Memphis history because of its contribution to the real estate development of the city.

Dave Dermon played an important part in the development of downtown and mid-town Memphis between World War I and the Depression through his realty company. He constructed apartment complexes, auto dealerships, and subdivisions. Because of this contribution to the city, the building became a part of the National Historic Places in 1984. The upper floors of the building offer spectacular views of downtown Memphis.

The Sterick Building is the fifth tallest building and was the tallest building in Tennessee until the early 1960s. Featuring a Gothic Revival style, this 29-story building was designed by Wyatt C. Hendrick and Company. It was named for its first owners, R.E. Sterling and Wyatt Hedrick. The building was constructed in 1930.

Located on the corner of Madison Avenue and North Third Street, this building was known as “The Queen of Memphis” and “the most complex, most fabulous building in Memphis.” Some of the businesses this rare jewel contained included a pharmacy, beauty parlor, bank, barber shop, stockbrokers’ offices, and a Regency Room restaurant.

The building began to lose its luster during the 1960s and has been vacant since the 1980s. Although the Memphis Center City Commission placed the Sterick Building on its list of "Top Ten Center City Redevelopment Sites in 2006, there are no plans to renovate or reopen the building.

The Sterick Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The Madison Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Memphis. What sets this hotel apart is its fascinating history, as it occupies a building that originally served as the Tennessee Trust Bank, constructed in the year 1905. This 14-story structure marked one of Downtown Memphis's first skyscrapers, representing a combination of historical significance and contemporary luxury.

Designed by the architectural firm of Charles O. Pfeil and George M. Shaw, known for their intricate and classical designs, the building stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural style. It boasts distinctive design elements like a scroll pattern on its western facade, a characteristic it shares with other buildings in the area designed by Shaw & Pfeil. The building's historical charm includes a converted bank vault turned hotel gym. Recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The Madison Hotel represents sophistication and modern conveniences, positioning itself as a top selection in the heart of the city's business hub. The rooms are beautifully designed, showcasing a blend of stylish wall decorations and lively color schemes. Several rooms provide stunning views of the river, particularly those located on the upper floors facing the west.

One of the hotel's standout features is the Twilight Sky Terrace. Here, guests can enjoy drinks and small plates while taking in the picturesque Memphis skyline. For dining options, the hotel's restaurant now offers outdoor patio seating on Main Street, perfect for a quick meal or a drink before exploring Memphis's vibrant music scene.

Located on the famous Beale Street, the Old Daisy Theater is known as the “#1 tourist attraction in the State of Tennessee". Built in 1902, the venue was a major stop on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” from the 1930s to the 1960s. The “Chitlin’ Circuit” was the only safe way for Rhythm and Blues artists to perform in the segregated South. George Benson, Ike and Tina Turner, Duke Ellington, the Jackson Five, Lena Horne, the Temptations, Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Pickett are just a few of the many musical artists who toured the South in this manner.

The theater reflects a Nickelodeon-Style design and features a horse-shaped balcony that is supported with iron rods, and a stage and screen located on the sidewalk. In the 1980s, the building was converted into a Blues Museum.

A new Daisy Theater was built across the street in the 1930s featuring live entertainment from established and up-and-coming artists, such as John Lee Hooker, Al Green, Sam and Dave, Bob Dylan, Alice in Chains, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, and the Cult.

Currently, the Old Daisy Theater serves as a banquet hall for meetings, events, and banquets. Catering services are available.