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Source Collection
Alan Karchmer collection, Special Collections Department, University of Memphis Libraries
Identifier
23_7.B
Description
102 S. Main, Memphis, Tennessee. Photographer: Alan Karchmer. © Alan Karchmer.
Because it has been evolving ongoing with the city's development, Main Street is something of an architectural museum in itself. Walking along the Mall, from Gayoso to the Civic Plaza, one can encounter structures representing a wide range of styles ... and history. In the 1950's and 60's, in an attempt to compete with the new suburban shopping centers, many shop owners 'modernized' their store-fronts, in effect vandalizing most of the significant Victorian and Commercial Style structures on the street.
Perhaps the greatest positive effect of the Mall is that it allows the pedestrian room to look up above the defaced storefronts and study what remains of the handsome details.
In other cities Community Development funding through the Department of Housing and Development has been used to preserve and restore architecturally significant buildings in downtown areas. However, such a program has not been instituted in Memphis.
Date Created
2021
Date
undated
Recommended Citation
"102 S. Main, Memphis" (2021). Images. 53.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-karchmera2/53
Keywords
Architecture--Tennessee--Memphis.
Rights Statement
Archival Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2026, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. This material is part of a digital archival collection and is not utilized for current University instruction, programs, or active public communication. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.
