At a height of 131 meters (37 floors), 100 North Main is the tallest building in Memphis city. Its construction started in the early 1960s and was completed in 1965. The 100 North Main building had offices, restaurants, and apartments that were all occupied back then. Today, the building is deserted standing between Adams Avenue and North Second Street.

The rise and fall of the tallest building in downtown Memphis

Official construction of the building started on 30th June of 1963 and was completed in 1965. On top of the building was a restaurant that attracted many as they liked the spectacular view of the city while enjoying their favorite meals. The restaurant was owned by different people over the years and names until when it closed. Behind the restaurant was a Japanese garden that attracted Japanese nationals from all over the world. Being strategically located within the central business district, the building attracted government officials and other professionals involved in courts and other government businesses.

Hazards brought about by the building

Specialists say the building is not safe for the public as chunks of concrete have been seen falling from the building walls. Due to the lack of electricity in the building, the elevators and fire safety alarms are not in use posing a threat as fire might break out anytime. On top of that, flammable debris is said to be all over the building rooms adding to the faulty wiring which is now out of date.

Does the building still stand?

The building is now neglected and left to decay. Pavements around the place are cracked with grass growing in between them. In 2013, owners of the premises at the time vacated the residents intending to restore it into an apartment complex and hotel. Unable to do so, they sold it 2 years after purchasing it. As if that is not enough, 100 North Main changed ownership again when it was auctioned in 2018 to its current owners, who are planning to continue with previous restoration and conversion of the building to an apartment complex and hotel.

What is next for the building?

With all the big plans that different owners had with the building over the years, 100 North Main is still deserted. No construction work has been witnessed to prove that it will be up and running soon. The building has had so many owners with the same plans of bringing it back to life yielding no fruits, it won’t be a surprise if the new owners are unable to revive it. Although fenced, you can drive past the building at any time and have a look at the building up close or even take a picture. Just don’t trespass!