Knockout Year for Businesses Cooper-Young Added Eclectic Shopping Selections in 2013
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lamplighter.cooperyoung.org FEBRUARY 2014 KNOCKOUT YEAR FOR BUSINESSES COOPER-YOUNG ADDED ECLECTIC SHOPPING SELECTIONS IN 2013 Dustin Starr throws his weight into a punching bag at Memphis Fitness Kickboxing, one of about 18 new businesses that opened in Cooper-Young in 2013. Photo by Julie Wright ooper-Young added at least 18 new businesses in or near Memphis Fitness Kickboxing became one of Cooper-Young’s NEIGHBORHOOD NEWCOMERS LAST YEAR: the neighborhood in 2013, while commercial vacancy newcomers May 16, when it opened at 2813 Young Ave. Addison, Arthouse T-Shirts, Ballet on Wheels Dance School, Cdeclined, according to numbers from the Cooper-Young Cowork Memphis, Glennys Cowles Interior Design, Green- The business, which already had a gym in Bartlett, had been Business Association. cork, The Growler, Halford Loudspeakers, Kindred Spirit looking for a central location to accommodate its fitness clients, The growth outpaced both 2012 and 2011, when about 11 Style, Langford Market, Loaded for Bear, Memphis Fitness who were making long commutes from not only Midtown, businesses opened in the neighborhood each year. Much of the Kickboxing, Memphis Made Brewing, Midtown Music, Mid- but DeSoto County and West Memphis to experience the growth in 2013 came from retail and service businesses, adding town Yoga Too, Phillip Ashley’s Midtown Chocolate Bou- unique, intense workouts that come with kickboxing training. to the neighborhood’s healthy stock of entertainment and din- tique, Sadhana Sound Studios and Wish. Since opening, the partners have added more equipment and ing options, said Tamara Walker, executive director of the CYBA. expanded into an adjacent space to keep up with the growth in “Cooper-Young continued to be a strong presence in the The CYBA reported 14 unleased commercial spaces, down their client base, which now numbers above 350 at the Coo- entertainment and dining arena in Memphis 2013,” Walker said. from 23 last year, as of early January. per-Young location. “We have seen our retail venues grow substantially and this will The growth comes as Cooper-Young faces increasing compe- Co-owner Eric McMahon said he’s been surprised at the continue in the future. The number of retail stores in Cooper tition from nearby Overton Square, which is undergoing a $20 growth, noting that Midtowners seem especially eager to sup- Young is 45, stocking everything from antiques to hats and paint million redevelopment and recently opened a city-financed port locally owned Midtown businesses like his. to watches.” multilevel parking deck. Overton Square reported an 85 percent “It’s honestly been crazy, the growth we’ve had in this loca- Several more businesses — Tart bakery, Jay Etkin Gallery and occupancy rate at the end of 2013. tion,” McMahon said. “Midtown has a very unique vibe to it and Peridot boutique — have announced their intent to open in Citywide, Memphis’ retail vacancy rate had increased slightly we thought this would fit in with it.” early 2014. Longtime veterinary center Central Animal Hospital by mid-year 2013, from 14.8 percent to 15.3 percent, according also is undergoing a major expansion. to the Memphis Business Journal. - LampLighter staff PAGE 5 PAGE 12 PAGE 19 POLICE, COURT REPS TO VISIT CY INSIDERS GUIDE THIS READING LIFE Author and Burke’s Book Store DE Memphis Police Col. Russell Our annual listing of businesses in I Houston will discuss recent and around Cooper-Young has been owner Corey Mesler looks back crimes in Cooper-Young, while updated for 2014. Shop local! at his Best of Lists from 2013, from fiction to film. Plus, find out what INS Judge Larry Potter will talk about blight, at a public meeting. classic he’s been reading. LampLighter FEBRUARY 2014 1 2014 LAMPLIGHTER AD RATES REACH THOUSANDS OF MIDTOWN CUSTOMERS AND SUPPORT COOPER-YOUNG CONTACT SUSAN TODAY 901-652-7092 [email protected] 2 LampLighter FEBRUARY 2014 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT: If you want change, get on board Last month, for the third year, that we are presently talking to a number I had the honor of leading the CYCA Board of residents that might be willing to join in our annual planning retreat. Sometimes us to try to make a difference. Some of the FEBRUARY 2014 I think that residents expect so much from interest is in response to the recent break- the board that I like to speculate about ins, and it got me thinking about how it all what they think we really do all year ... like started for me. if we had unlimited resources and magic Last month, for the third year, I solemnly STAFF&VOLUNTEERS wands, maybe we could completely rid our choked down a glass of Tab mixed with FOUNDER Janet Stewart neighborhood of crime, blight and rabid pink box wine, looked through old photos, EDITOR David Royer dog packs; reunite every single lost dog, cat, and remembered the beautiful soul that LAYOUT ARTIST David Royer chicken and turtle with their responsible inspired me to get more involved. Beverly WEBMASTER Patrick Miller owners; create a number of free, eco-friend- Greene was the kindest, funniest and most BUSINESS MANAGER Chris McHaney ly, parking structures covered in colorful giving woman I have ever met, and I am DISTRIBUTION Rich Bullington murals painted by neighborhood children; reminded daily of how lucky I was to share AD MANAGER Susan Jaynes and offer free beer to anyone that ever has homes, husbands and dogs with her for a bad day. For good measure, maybe we so long. She showed me how important CONTRIBUTORS: Mary Baker, Ben grant our executive director the powers of it was to not complain about problems in Boleware, Mary J. Burns, Kristan clairvoyance, running at the speed of sound, the community if I wasn’t willing to help Huntley, June Hurt, Kathy Katz, and shape-shifting! change them, and embodied everything Renee Massey, D. Jackson Maxwell, In reality, a lot of what we do involves good about Cooper-Young. Corey Mesler, Josh Spickler, Tamara She was always there for me, and I know Walker, Wes Williamson, Julie Wright just coming together to exchange ideas on all types of issues and projects. Luckily, as Beverly Greene taught me everything I know about that she is still with me every day. She had taking awkward photos. Truly an inspiration ... a whole, we all get along well and find it the most fun trying to convince us to have interesting to figure out ways to address issues involving everything her ashes blown out of potato cannon at the CY Gazebo as long as it from getting a blighted property torn down to deciding on what kind wasn’t windy enough to carry her to Germantown … ah, Beverly … no of copier Kristan needs. one will ever take your place in our hearts. DEADLINES FOR THE Serving on the CYCA Board is not the easiest thing to do in a MARCH LAMPLIGHTER neighborhood as dynamic and demanding as Cooper-Young, but can Love and Joy, ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: February 15 be incredibly fun and rewarding for the right people. I’m excited to say June Hurt ADVERTISING COPY: February 21 DISTRIBUTION BEGINNING:February 28 Please send all articles and submissions to [email protected]. For advertising THIS MONTH IN rate sheet, or to submit ads electronically, Business association has new president please email [email protected]. COOPER-YOUNG Feb. 2 First Thursday Night Out, 5-9 CONTENT p.m. 901-297-6527 | [email protected] AD SALES Feb. 8 Sixth Annual Cooper-Young/ 901-652-7092 | [email protected] Peabody PTA Chili Cook-off, noon at DISTRIBUTION Peabody Elementary. Registration 901-726-4635 | [email protected] still accepted. See story, Page 21. Cooper-Young Community Association Kristan Huntley, Executive Director Feb. 11 Neighborhood meeting, 6:30 901-272-2922 | [email protected] p.m. at CYCA office, 2298 Young. Col. Cooper-Young Business Association Russell Houston of Memphis Police Tamara Cook, Executive Director Department and Hon. Judge Larry 901-276-7222 | [email protected] Potter of the city’s Environmental Court will speak to residents. See CYCA BOARD OFFICERS Story, Page 5. President June Hurt Vice-President Mark Morrison Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day. Take your Secretary Renee Massey Treasurer Kevin Ritz date out to dinner. CYCA COMMIttEE HEADS Feb. 18 Cooper-Young Community Art Auction June Hurt Association board meeting Beautification Demetrius Boyland Beer Fest Mark Morrison June Hurt, Cooper-Young Community Association president (left), congratulates Steve Womack, the Block Clubs Liz Royer new Cooper-Young Business Association president, at the monthly CYBA meeting at Greencork. Feb. 27 Safety Committee meeting, 7 Building Debbie Sowell Womack owns a State Farm Insurance agency in Cooper-Young. p.m. Code Awareness Vacant Communications Patrick Miller March 1 Get your belongings en- Festival 4-Miler Richard Coletta, graved with your name and informa- Michael Ham, Chris McHaney, tion to keep it safe for free, 11 a.m. to Libby Flynt 3 p.m. at CYCA office, 2298 Young. Finance Kevin Ritz See story, Page 22. Safety Wes Williamson Membership Vacant The LampLighter is published by the CYCA. The opinions and information presented here are those of the volunteer authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of LampLighter At-Large staff or the entire Cooper-Young community. The LampLighter assumes no responsibility Board Members Vacant for errors or omissions. However, we commit ourselves to providing current and accurate information. LampLighter FEBRUARY 2014 3 CY NEWS Long-vacant building may get new owner By Kristan Huntley/CYCA Many in the neighborhood have been concerned about the status of the blighted building at the corner of Cox Street and Young Avenue. We are happy to have some positive news to share.