New Development Planned Next to Gus's Fried Chicken in Downtown Memphis

Construction begins on mixed-use project in historic district

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:33pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of crispy fried chicken drumsticks, a vintage Gus's Fried Chicken sign, and architectural blueprints, conceptually representing the intersection of Memphis' historic food culture and its evolving urban landscape.A new mixed-use development project aims to build on the success of the iconic Gus's Fried Chicken restaurant in downtown Memphis.Memphis Today

The Downtown Memphis Commission has announced a new mixed-use development project planned for a vacant lot next to the iconic Gus's Fried Chicken restaurant in the heart of downtown. The project will bring a combination of retail, office, and residential spaces to the area, aiming to further revitalize the historic district.

Why it matters

The new development represents a significant investment in Downtown Memphis, which has seen a renaissance in recent years with the growth of small businesses, restaurants, and entertainment options. The project is expected to attract more foot traffic and economic activity to the area surrounding the beloved Gus's Fried Chicken location.

The details

The new development will feature a multi-story building with ground-floor retail spaces, upper-level office suites, and residential apartments. Developers say the design will complement the existing historic architecture in the district. Construction is slated to begin in the coming months, with a targeted completion date sometime in 2027.

  • The Downtown Memphis Commission announced the new development project on April 2, 2026.
  • Construction on the mixed-use building is expected to begin in the next few months.

The players

Downtown Memphis Commission

The Downtown Memphis Commission is the primary economic and community development organization focused on revitalizing and promoting the downtown area of Memphis, Tennessee.

Gus's Fried Chicken

Gus's Fried Chicken is a popular fried chicken restaurant chain that originated in Memphis and is known for its signature crispy, spicy fried chicken.

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What they’re saying

“This new development will build on the momentum we've seen in Downtown Memphis, attracting more residents, businesses, and visitors to the heart of our city.”

— Paul Young, President and CEO, Downtown Memphis Commission

What’s next

The Downtown Memphis Commission plans to share more details about the project's design, timeline, and tenants in the coming months as construction gets underway.

The takeaway

The new mixed-use development next to the iconic Gus's Fried Chicken restaurant represents a significant investment in revitalizing Downtown Memphis, building on the area's recent renaissance and aiming to attract even more residents, businesses, and visitors to the historic district.