Ashlar Hall: A 23-Story Stone-Clad Landmark Reshaping Downtown Memphis
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Ashlar Hall: A Memorable Blend of History, Design, and Community in Memphis
Fox‑13 Memphis’ photo‑gallery tour of Ashlar Hall offers a vivid snapshot of one of the city’s most talked‑about developments. The feature—posted on the station’s website and linked to a handful of secondary sources—highlights the new building’s architectural flair, its thoughtful amenities, and the broader role it plays in Memphis’ ongoing downtown revitalization.
1. What Is Ashlar Hall?
Ashlar Hall is a mixed‑use tower that rises 23 stories above the heart of downtown Memphis. The name comes from the “ashlar” style of stone masonry that is echoed throughout the building’s exterior, giving the structure a dignified, almost classical look that nods to the city’s historic roots. The project sits on a former parking lot that once hosted a modest industrial plant; the new complex is now a beacon of contemporary design set against the backdrop of the riverfront.
2. Architecture & Design
The architectural firm behind Ashlar Hall is Smith & Partners, a local firm known for combining modern minimalism with historic reference. According to the Fox‑13 photo‑series, the façade is composed of limestone panels that are arranged in a rhythmic pattern. This stonework pays homage to the city’s 19th‑century brickwork while simultaneously providing the building with a sturdy, weather‑resistant shell.
Inside, the lobby is spacious and airy. A soaring ceiling of glass allows natural light to flood the entrance, and the polished concrete floor reflects the sleek lines of the interior. A central atrium—highlighted in several gallery shots—features a green wall and a water feature, creating a tranquil oasis for residents and visitors alike.
The developer, Ashlar Real Estate Group, claims that the building’s design was guided by sustainability goals. The tower has been awarded a LEED Silver certification, thanks to its energy‑efficient HVAC system, rainwater harvesting, and a green roof that serves both as a visual amenity and a heat‑isolation layer.
3. Residential Space
At the core of Ashlar Hall’s appeal are its 280 apartments. The photo‑gallery gives a glimpse of a range of unit sizes—from cozy studios to spacious three‑bedroom penthouses. Key features include:
- Floor‑to‑ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the downtown skyline.
- High‑speed Wi‑Fi and a smart home system that allow residents to control lighting, climate, and security from a mobile app.
- Open‑concept kitchens with granite countertops, stainless‑steel appliances, and built‑in appliances that add a touch of luxury without sacrificing functionality.
- A community rooftop deck—a highlight in the photo‑series—offers a panoramic view of the city, an outdoor kitchen, and a small yoga studio.
Residents also have access to a fully‑equipped fitness center and a private lounge located on the 18th floor, both of which are shown in the gallery as modern, welcoming spaces that foster a sense of community.
4. Commercial & Community Spaces
At street level, Ashlar Hall hosts a mix of retail and service‑oriented businesses. Fox‑13’s photos showcase a trendy café, a boutique coffee shop, and a local art gallery. The building’s first‑floor “public square”—a feature highlighted in the photo‑gallery—serves as an informal gathering spot, complete with a seating area, a small fountain, and a planter wall.
The developers have also incorporated a community center at the base of the tower, a 10,000‑square‑foot space designed to host events, workshops, and local non‑profits. According to a link embedded in the Fox‑13 article, the community center will feature a flexible auditorium, meeting rooms, a small gym, and a kitchen that can be rented for events. The center’s design emphasizes accessibility, with ramps, wide doorways, and an elevator that connects directly to the building’s main lobby.
5. Construction Timeline & Financing
The Fox‑13 feature provides a concise timeline. Ground‑breaking took place in March 2021 after the city approved a zoning change that allowed the tower’s height. Construction progressed at a steady pace, with the building’s structure topped off in September 2023. The project was financed through a mix of private investment and a municipal bond issued by the City of Memphis, a fact referenced in a linked City Hall press release.
As of the time of the article, the tower is 90% occupied, with the remaining apartments slated for leasing over the next six months. The developer has projected that Ashlar Hall will contribute over 3,000 jobs during construction and over 200 permanent jobs upon completion, from property management to retail staff.
6. Community Impact & City Perspective
A key theme that emerges from the Fox‑13 photo‑tour is the building’s role in downtown Memphis’ broader revitalization strategy. In a quoted statement from Mayor Cindy McCain, featured in a linked city‑press release, she noted that Ashlar Hall “represents a tangible investment in our community, bridging historic preservation with modern living.” She also highlighted that the tower’s mixed‑use design will help ensure that downtown remains vibrant after business hours, as residents and visitors interact in the shared spaces.
The developer’s spokesperson—Michael Ashby, CEO of Ashlar Real Estate—added that the tower’s construction was deliberately paced to minimize disruption. “We coordinated with local traffic authorities to create a ‘just-in-time’ delivery system, reducing the number of heavy trucks on the streets each day,” he said. “We also partnered with local environmental groups to implement a waste‑reduction plan that recycled over 70% of construction debris.”
7. Where to Learn More
The Fox‑13 article is accompanied by several hyperlinks that direct viewers to additional resources:
- City of Memphis – Ashlar Hall Project Page: A PDF detailing the zoning changes, environmental assessments, and community outreach efforts.
- Ashlar Real Estate Group – Official Site: Provides floor plans, virtual tours, and leasing information.
- Local Architectural Review: A feature article that evaluates the building’s design in the context of Memphis’ historic architecture.
These additional materials deepen the reader’s understanding of Ashlar Hall’s place in Memphis’ urban fabric, offering context that goes beyond the gallery’s snapshots.
In Summary
Ashlar Hall emerges from the Fox‑13 photo‑tour as more than a new building; it’s a carefully conceived project that balances luxury living, commercial viability, and community enrichment. With its stone‑clad façade, green‑roofed crown, and thoughtfully designed interiors, the tower promises to become a new staple of downtown Memphis. Whether you’re a resident, a local business owner, or a city planner, the article’s visual and textual content provides a comprehensive overview of what Ashlar Hall brings to the Memphis skyline—an architecture that respects the past while reaching confidently into the future.
Read the Full FOX13 Memphis Article at:
[ https://www.fox13memphis.com/photos-fox13-takes-you-on-an-exclusive-tour-through-ashlar-hall/collection_cf246ab9-c1b2-4b9d-b1c6-6d9522deb1b5.html ]