Saving Franklin’s Memphis home an ongoing saga
Efforts to preserve the Memphis childhood home of Aretha Franklin continue, and those involved say they’re “in a pretty good place.”
The dilapidated 1920’s clapboard cottage, at 406 Lucy in South Memphis, has become more of an eyesore than landmark. But those recognizing the historical significance of the residence have worked to preserve it as part of the city’s rich musical heritage.
Franklin, reportedly gravely ill in a Detroit hospital, is more readily identified with that city. Her family moved there when she was 2 years old.
However, the Queen of Soul became interested in preserving the Memphis home where she was born after retired Shelby County Environmental Court Judge Larry Potter in June 2016 saved it from the wrecking ball.
Potter cited “the history of R&B in this city and this country” and his own love of the music in postponing a demolition order.
Jeffrey Higgs, executive director of the LeMoyne-Owen College Community Development Corp., became involved. A complementary organization, the South Memphis Renewal CDC, is working to improve properties that represent the culture and music of the area, including the Franklin home.
“We’re in a pretty good position to move forward,” Higgs said Monday of efforts to protect and promote the home.
Though little has been done so far, a fence has been erected around the house to secure it and Mayor Jim Strickland last year unveiled a plaque outside the home.
Higgs said multiple issues have slowed any plans for the house – untangling ownership issues, getting permission from Franklin’s family to use names and likenesses, and deciding what direction to go in promoting the house.
“We’ve finally figured that last one out,” Higgs said, “but we can’t talk about it yet. We think we have a very positive message to tell. We have some grant money.”
The Knoxville-based DIY Network also got into the act, expressing interest last year in paying for restoration and a possible relocation of the house where Franklin was born on March 25, 1942.
Higgs said, however, that local entities would prefer to have control over what to do with the house.