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Renderings released, excitement builds for proposed Snuff District north of downtown Memphis

There are high hopes and new energy, about big plans for a vacant industrial area north of downtown Memphis: the Snuff District.
Snuff District – Exterior 1_1560897153866.jpg.jpg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – There are high hopes and new energy, about big plans for a vacant industrial area north of downtown Memphis: the Snuff District.

Developers plan to add apartments, offices, and stores in the Uptown neighborhood. The proposed 55-acre project would be along the Wolf River Harbor to the west, Front Street to the east, Saffarans Avenue to the south, and Henry Avenue to the north.

Developers told Local 24 News they hope to begin the project within a year by restoring the Conwood Building, a former tobacco warehouse.

Those who live close by are excited after seeing the project’s first drawings.

“I can see the future down there, I know what it’s going to look like,” Edward Wilson said.

From Wilson’s back patio, there’s a front row seat of what one day could be a thriving, mixed-use development: the Snuff District.

“It’s an eyesore now, but I think it will be better,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s enthusiasm intensified when he saw the new renderings of the proposal.

“I think it’s going to be awesome,” Wilson said.

Within the year, developers plan to renovate a vacant, former tobacco warehouse into apartments, offices, and stores, and breathe new life in Memphis’ Uptown neighborhood, just north of downtown.

“Adding all this new stuff, it could be a big improvement,” Wilson said. “I think it would make this side (of Front Street) look good.”

Later phases of the Snuff District would transform open areas into a plaza, and add or renovate other buildings on North Front St. near the Wolf River Harbor. The project would also compliment the future Grind City Brewing Co., which broke ground in March.

For Wilson, he’s glad his new neighborhood of a year could soon be more lively and prosperous.

“A good gamble (to move here)?” Wilson said. “Yes, because we did live in Cordova for a long time, but I said I want to move downtown because you know, we had never done it.”

Right now, the Snuff District developers are applying for tax incentives, securing financing and recruiting the potential first tenants. A spokesperson for the project said it will likely take five years to fully build out.

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