2 Downtown businesses to get face-lifts
Paradise Entertainment Center, Tom Martin’s auto shop earn grants for exterior renovations
The Paradise Entertainment Center on Georgia Avenue will soon get an exterior face-lift after a $50,000 grant was approved Wednesday by the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Center City Development Corp.
The grant will help cover the cost of the $94,000 project, which will include new paint, exterior signage, new windows and doors, landscaping, exterior lighting, new railings and a ramp that is compliant with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as parking lot renovations.
The entertainment center was built in the 1960s and in its history has hosted many acts such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Elvis, Tina Turner and Gladys Knight.
The building is still operational today as an event venue.
“Renovations to the exterior of the property will allow for the entertainment center to expand its business model to include educational tours and lectures in an effort to promote the rich history it has played in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, jazz and gospel music genres in a city once known as the ‘Music Capital’ of the world,” a DMC staff report said. “The center hopes to provide additional jobs to the neighborhood, a safe environment for older community members to enjoy music, and an affordable venue for upcoming promoters and entertainers.”
Another $50,000 grant was approved for exterior renovations for Tom Martin’s auto shop at the corner of G.E. Patterson Avenue and South B.B. King Boulevard.
Owner Tom Martin said his goal is to “bring the building up to standards with what’s going on in the surrounding neighborhood.” It is located on the edge of the South Main neighborhood, which has seen massive growth in the past decade.
The project will cost just over $81,000. Martin will repair sidewalks and gutters, repaint the 11,000-squarefoot building and refresh the faded logo facing B.B. King Boulevard.
“The renovations will extend the life of the building and improve its curb appeal in the neighborhood.”
DMC staff report Describing Tom Martin’s auto shop renovation
“The proposed exterior improvements allow Tom Martin’s Inc. to participate in the revitalization efforts already happening in this part of Downtown,” a DMC staff report said. “The renovations will extend the life of the building and improve its curb appeal in the neighborhood.”