The Chisca on Main (Memphis, Tennessee) | restaurant, mixed-used building, apartments

USA / Tennessee / Memphis / Memphis, Tennessee / South Main Street, 272
 restaurant, mixed-used building, apartments

www.thechisca.com/

The Chisca on Main stands eight stories tall at 272 South Main.

The Chisca, originally built as a high-class hotel, has wonderful, interesting architectural elements and a place in Memphis history. Built in 1913, it stood as the largest hotel in its district. However, it was more utilitarian than luxury. The authors of Memphis: An Architectural Guide point out that "it was clearly built on the cheap." But, "on the cheap" in the 1900s was far better than most upscale new build today.

The building's historic significance comes partially from its connection to Elvis. From 1949–56, its mezzanine was the broadcast base for WHBQ radio's "Red, Hot, and Blue" program. It was from there that Dewey Phillips broadcast Elvis' first record on July 7, 1954. Elvis' first radio interview was also conducted in the hotel by Phillips.

The building was donated by the Snowden family to the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) for $10 in 1971. COGIC acquired the hotel along with other downtown properties with the intention of creating a group of developments to be called Saint Center. These plans never materialized but COGIC made the hotel their headquarters from the early 1980s to the late 1990s when it was abandoned because of its expensive upkeep in favor of Mason Temple.

In 2015, restoration began on the Chisca. The windows were replaced, letters repainted on the building, and a new sign added at the top. The building is now an apartment building.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   35°8'17"N   90°3'20"W

Comments

  • My interest in this hotel was spurred by an episode of Route 66, 'Give the Old Cat a Tender Mouse' filmed in 1962 and guest starring Julie Newmar, in which the Chisca is featured. Sad to learn of its current dereliction.
  • Couldn't agree with you more, Mike.
This article was last modified 7 years ago