HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM

Meeting in Pictures

Slideshow by Katie Hannings and Danielle Wilburn/MicroMemphis reporters 

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French Quarter Hotel Meeting
Overton Square

by: Katie Hannings/MicroMemphis Reporter

The deteriorating building, formerly known as the French Quarter Hotel, on the corner of Cooper and Madison, is a hot topic of debate in the Overton Square community. 

New owners, Jay Kumar and Rishi Chopra held a general meet and greet with the community, knowing residents had questions on what was to become of the property.

"The main focus of the meeting, "said Gordon Alexander, founder of the Save Overton Square project, "is to see what the proposed new owners of the French Quarter is [planning] to see if it fits in with the revitalization of the square."

Accompanying the new owners was a host of potential investors, architects and lawyers, including Choice Hotel's representative, Dennis Dharty. 

Comfort Suites is a , "upper to mid-scale brand [hotel], all suites'" says Dharty. 

Many residents were concerned the property would turn into something that looked like a highway side hotel. An audience member commented, "Let's go for a signature Memphis style with this hotel," which was followed by cheers from the crowd. 

Resident's that had done their homework on Choice Hotel brands, were curious as to why they weren't choosing Ascend, another part of the Choice brand.

"Why wouldn't it work with Ascend, the local boutique type hotel?" asked an audience member.

Chopra responded, "We're going to target the business type by bringing in corporate."

The men plan to invest approximately $3.7 million into the renovation of the building and surrounding property, and the total they plan on spending, including the purchase of the property is $6 million. 

Every room will be a suite and "most likely we're going to offer a valet service, so with the parking garage we might be able to work something out" says Kumar. 

They are interested in working with Bob Loeb of, Loeb Properties, to continue with the same style of revitalization of Overton Square.

Another major concern from the audience was local involvement.  "Are you budgeting to incorporate local art and artists into the decorations?"asked a nearby resident. 

Chopra seemed more than willing to try and work local art into the Comfort Suites regulations.  

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Storify of the Meeting
by: Katie Hannings

When asked how many jobs the new hotel would bring to the community, they estimated at about 30 full-time jobs with benefits.   Community members were still wary at the end of the meeting and requested another get together after Kumar and Chopra go to city council with the proposal.

Related Articles:

Redevelopment of Overton Square
Overton Square Overhaul

Danielle J. Wilburn/ MicroMemphis reporter

Danielle Wilburn covers Community for MicroMemphis.
You can send her story ideas here.
Follow her on Twitter (@Daniellej_08).

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Katie Hannings /MicroMemphis reporter

Katie Hannings covers Lifestyles for MicroMemphis. 
You can send her story ideas here.
You can follow her on Twitter 
(@K_Hannings)
 

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