Monthly Events……Join Us!
Member Socials/Meetings- 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month and are held at different venues throughout the area, featuring speakers starting at 6:30 p.m. on topics of interest to the community and opportunities to network with your neighbors. We also host members-only gatherings and other special activities throughout the year.
South Main locationsLast Friday of every month for Trolley Night & SMA member & guest social starting at 6 p.m. Grill Out/ Social with burgers, beer, wine, and hot dogs located in the open outdoor space next to Bluff City Coffee. Sign up at our membership table and find out about volunteer opportunities to help South Main continue to be a trendy and vibrant area to live and play.
Community Events/Happening:
What do long time Memphians’ and reporters say about our area?
A lively, artsy neighborhood in the heart of downtown Memphis, the South Main Historic Arts District is home to some of the most important cultural attractions in Memphis. The National Civil Rights Museum, the Orpheum Theater, and historic Central Station are all in the area. Hip restaurants and boutiques as well as cutting-edge art galleries complete the scene, making South Main an attractive place to spend an afternoon. For more info check out the following link to the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Website: www.downtownmemphis.com
Our History…
The South Main District is an area that is “coming back.” Coming back from boarded up and dark and deserted. This district grew up in the hustle and bustle of the boom era of the train stations – Union Station and Central Station. Most of the South Main buildings were built between 1910 and 1920. The area’s businesses catered to the railroad passengers and employees – hotels, bars, restaurants and other small businesses. But when railroad days ended in the 60s that marked the end of South Main. It became warehouses and empty buildings.
In 1982 eleven blocks and 105 buildings were designated as an Historic District and the early 90s the district started it’s comeback. Today there are restaurants, upscale apartments, galleries, photographers, graphic designers and retail with more and more buildings being renovated for lofts, condos and apartments.
The South Main Arts District attracts a diverse group of people who love the urban living experience. Whether you want to live in something old or something new, a period place or contemporary chic, lease or own, South Main has it all. The views of the Memphis skyline and the Mississippi River are breathtaking. Residents can enjoy downtown activities just a few short blocks away or take a stroll on the Riverwalk. Living and playing on South Main is a full time job and the sense of community among those living in the area is a strong attraction.