Standing across from the Memphian Hotel, a “For Lease” sign stares sits along the facade that once read: B-A-R-I R-I-S-T-O-R-A-N-T-E.
LPI Memphis isn’t sad that Bari left — after all, they only moved down the street. Rather, they’re mulling over a vacant property in what they believe can be the “gateway to Overton Square.”
“We want it to be inviting,” said Jeff Dawson of LPI. “This is the entrance to the space. It needs to be worthy of that sort of greeting.”
The real estate development company headed by patriarch Robert Loeb and his brother Louis Loeb began its construction on Overton Square in 2012. At the time, the area was dilapidated. Today, Overton Square is one of the neighborhood catalysts in Midtown.
Dawson said their team estimates more than a million visitors frequent the Square annually, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Memphis.