Brenda Rogers Parent Resource Center
The new Brenda Rogers Parent Resource Center is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Memphis, TN, and is a 3,200 SF expansion of the Nonprofit organization Memphis Lift. Named after a longtime community advocate, it has been designed as a place of parental empowerment and Guided by the mantra “Making The Powerless Parent POWERFUL”. The project mission was to integrate education, resources, and placemaking in all facets of the design. Our approach primarily included strong use of the organization’s brand colors and adjoining the existing facility holistically with the New Construction. This was done by incorporating a “portal” (extended covered porch) to merge the existing 2,190 SF structure to the new $1.4 million resource center. We put intentionality into keeping with the residential fabric of the neighborhood while creating an immediately recognizable local anchor. The expansion adopted and enhanced this residential character with a gabled roof, a raised composite wood deck, and vertically oriented board and batten siding to accentuate the concept of ‘lifting’. The building also physically “lifts” to a second story, while predominantly surrounded by single-story homes, further enhancing and reflecting the organization’s mission. The development brings ample support and programming space to the Memphis Lift adding a Multipurpose Space, Food Pantry, Counseling Rooms, Uniform Closet, Kitchen, Offices, and a Media Center. A soaring atrium space in the multipurpose room lifts viewer’s eyes to the exposed trusses accented with square-pendant lighting that represent the forms of neighborhood blocks. The stenciled mission statement of “Making The Powerless Parent POWERFUL” sets a tone of education and parental engagement. Overlooking the atrium, a media center wraps around the elevated walkway. Adjacent to the multipurpose space are sliding doors to the porch that visually tie into the added sliding doors of the existing structure. A further acknowledgment of the concept at the porch is an overhead door – orange branded – that separates the public street-facing side, to the more private patio and backyard. Overall, this project successfully takes on the organization’s programming, providing spaces for daily check-ins, team meetings, research, call-centers, and fellowships. The energetic atmosphere keeps students, parents, workers and volunteers alike engaged in what is sure to be a long-lasting asset to the Hyde Park neighborhood, City of Memphis, and Delta-Region.
City of Memphis Civic Complex 2 – Main Building
Elevating the City of Memphis Public Works division, this transformative workspace promotes comfort, operational efficiency, and synergy between work groups. Light, open, and elegantly interconnected, the offices and communal spaces engender a sense of community and collaboration. An adaptive reuse of a former Coca-Cola bottling and distribution facility, this 153,000-square-foot building is situated on a 17.5 acre site that will also be home to many additional City functions. A complete gutting of the building allowed for a reimagining that conveys optimism and meaningful investment, highlighting contemporary design alongside historic elements and premium materials from the building’s original 1954 construction. This first phase sets the tone for a positive and enthusiastic work environment that will benefit every citizen of Memphis.
Green Leaf Organic Market + Deli
The Grocery and Deli will restore an existing blighted corner store into a vibrant environment for all. It features fresh meat and organic produce, locally sourced goods, and affordable prices.
Kingsbury Elementary School
This project added a separate two-story building with 12 classrooms to the school campus, improving learning experiences and opportunities for the students. The first floor includes classrooms for pre-k, functional skills, and music, along with a resource center. The 5th-grade classrooms, STEM lab, and teachers’ lounge are on the second floor. The addition’s design includes elements of the school’s culture through the use of color, texture, and bilingual signage. ADA accessibility is prioritized throughout the building particularly in the restrooms and with the addition of an elevator. Because buildings contribute to 40% of all carbon emissions, sustainable features were incorporated including light-colored roofing membrane to reduce heat island effects, energy-efficient windows, high-performance HVAC, low-flow toilet fixtures, and low VOC paint and sealants. Ultimately, our sustainable design approach should result in a comfortable, healthy, learning environment for teachers and students as well as energy savings and lower operating costs for MSCS throughout the life of the building.
Jett Funeral Home Renovation & Expansion
The existing H.C. Jett- H.C. Ford Funeral Home at 203 Washington Street, Collierville, TN will be renovated to better meet the needs of the historic business. Proposed improvements include adding a new porch on the front façade with an ADA-compliant access ramp. A new Morgue Building is to be built to replace the existing facility. The exterior and interior renovation of the existing funeral home and the new Morgue Building will improve the aesthetics and functionality of the uses but intentionally keep within the footprint of the existing buildings.
Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA and Early Learning Center
Scope: Located within the Whitehaven community of Memphis, TN, the Georgette and Cato Johnson Family YMCA is a vital public amenity serving families throughout the community for over 50 years. The design of this new replacement facility consists of the renovation of an existing 1-story 7,000 SF daycare center that remained from the original building, the construction of a new 25,000 SF 2-story addition, and a new pool enclosure. The development also includes exterior site improvements, a playground, a large public art installation, and landscaping. The project makes use of a responsive building design that is open and engaging, keeping in mind all members. Community venues, including multipurpose meeting rooms with a Child Watch coupled with a kids adventure center are designed to better foster community togetherness and serve younger members and families. A state-of-the-art 2nd-floor wellness center, gymnasium, and indoor glass-enclosed instructional pool allow health-seekers to achieve a wide variety of fitness goals year-round. The use of glass and open-concept spaces around the facility not only brings in maximized natural lighting but also allows for visibility and transparency throughout the design. The site, building, and interior were designed to be cohesive and embody the YMCA’s holistic approach of spirit, mind, and body.
Alcenia’s Restaurant Renovation
For 23 Years, Alcenia’s Southern Style Cuisine has been a bright and flavorful icon in Downtown Memphis’ Pinch District. Chef B.J. Chester Tamayo founded Alcenia’s as a place of healing after the untimely death of her son and named it in honor of her loving mother Alcenia Chester Clark. The project included the building acquisition and renovation of the beloved community restaurant. Exterior improvements include exterior building repair, tuck-point masonry, exterior painting, window and storefront repair, new awnings, a new wood deck with ADA-compliant ramps, exterior lighting, and mural/art components. Interior renovations included a revamped interior design, two new ADA-compliant toilets, HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing upgrades, and new finishes throughout.
North Memphis Grocery Store & Resource Center Development
This mission-driven project will enhance the quality of life for residents living in North Memphis by eliminating a long-standing food desert. The proposed development consists of a new grocery store, social service facilities, and new affordable housing along with investments in neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and community facilities, in addition to social, health, and fitness activities for all ages on a 15-acre site. This vibrant mix of community-focused uses will help to spur revitalization in the Chelsea corridor while adding transformative vital amenities.
Historic Melrose School Revitalization
As part of the $200-million Accelerate Memphis investment in neighborhoods, one of the first projects underway is the redevelopment of the Historic Melrose Building. The 40,000 SF Building was built in 1938 and closed in 1981. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Its redevelopment is a Public Private Partner between the city of Memphis, John Stanley, and Self + Tucker Architects. STA is both a Project Developer and Architect. It is intended to be a National Model of Historic Preservation, Adaptive Reuse, and Sustainability. The building will be multi-use with the Orange Mound branch of the Memphis Public Libraries including a Genealogy Center and 26 senior apartments on the Second and Third Floors. Amenities provided for the Senior Residents include a Leasing Office, Movie Room, Fitness Center, laundry, and an Expansive Outdoor Deck. This innovative mix of uses will allow the building to be active and vibrant beyond the hours of the library and the genealogy center will provide opportunities for lifelong learning, historical research, youth programs, and cultural enrichment.
Historic Clayborn Temple
At the crossroads of 19th Century Architecture and The American Civil Rights Movement, Clayborn Temple is an essential icon of Memphis’ Architectural and African-American History. Originally built by the Second Presbyterian Church in 1891, the building and surrounding property were deeded to Clayborn Temple A.M.E. Church of Memphis in 1949 and soon became a rallying place for the Civil Rights Movement in addition to the famous “I AM A MAN“ protests. The Building entered the national register of historic places on September 4, 1979, as authorized by the National Historic Preservation act of 1966. After decades of vacancy, this iconic building is now being reactivated into a multifaceted community hub. Phases 1-3 include restoration of the interior and exterior. The roof structure and stained-glass windows have been stabilized and reimagined to enhance the Civil Rights Legacy. Self + Tucker Architects is the Architect for Clayborn’s preservation, restoration, and building addition.
Memphis Innovation Corridor BRT Stations
The Memphis Innovation Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is the first BRT line in the City of Memphis. The Memphis Innovation Corridor connects Downtown Memphis, the Memphis Medical District, Midtown Memphis, and the University of Memphis district with 31 modern transit shelters. The project adds numerous street safety, walkability, and accessibility improvements in addition to sustainable features such as bioswales, improved stormwater management, and Electric bus charging infrastructure. The intersection improvements and modern transit shelters, green infrastructure, and all-electric vehicles are designed to increase environmental sustainability and transit access. The shelters themselves incorporate the latest in transit engineering, manufacturing techniques, and materials innovation, as well as state-of-the-art transport technology. Station and site amenities include benches, trash and recycle receptacles, bicycle racks, lean rails, CCTV cameras, ticket vending machines, emergency call stations, ADA-compliant real-time arrival signs with voice annunciation, concrete level boarding platforms, and pylons with signage and interactive screens with bus route and local amenity information. We believe the new shelters will be appreciated for their iconic, attractive design, engineering soundness, and extensive passenger conveniences. The Bus Rapid Transit system will improve mobility, connectivity, safety, and accessibility, as well as help spur local economic growth and improve the public perception of passenger transit.
First Congo Fellowship Hall and South Entrance Pavilion
The Sonia Louden Walker Center for Social Justice occupies approximately 69,000 square feet of the buildings located at 1000 South Cooper. It represents both physical spaces leased from First Congregational Church and a network of not-for-profit partners, bringing together advocacy, direct service, and justice organizations. STA has designed a new glass South Entrance Pavilion that will serve as a striking, transparent, and fully accessible entrance to the Walker Center. After descending the Monumental Pavilion Stair, one enters directly into the 9000 SF Renovated Fellowship Hall. This Flex Space has movable partitions that allow it to be configured to accommodate a variety of different types of meetings and events. The Food Pantry, prominently located across the main corridor from the Fellowship Hall, has the amenities and aesthetics of an upscale market. It is important to convey a welcoming and positive message to all who visit the Walker Center.
Leadership Preparatory Middle School
Through creative planning with all members of the design team, school leadership, and the students themselves, Leadership Prep Middle School was successfully completed in time for students to begin learning at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. STA worked with the Leadership Prep “Student Design Team” to engage them in the design process and they in turn shared their experience with classmates. The exterior design of the new school was crafted to fit in the neighborhood context, while effectively establishing its presence as a new and modern community school. Spaces for learning include 12 state of the art classrooms, administrative spaces, a gymnasium, cafeteria, and an outdoor education and play area. A new Cafeteria and Gymnasium will accommodate the entire K-8 school of 180 students. Designing Leadership Prep as a high-performance building was a fundamentally important aspect of the design process. Balancing building performance and strict carbon targets against the limited budget was identified early as a challenge.
Fleet Maintenance Facility
The former Walter Simmons Housing Site is a 32+ acre property being developed as a Municipal Complex. Working with the City of Memphis Leadership and Staff, new site infrastructure has been completed along with the Property Maintenance Facility (41,000 SF) and the Fleet Maintenance Facility (62,000 SF). The aesthetics of the Fleet Maintenance Facility building are contemporary and refined featuring a blend of Burnished Concrete masonry units, Metal Panels, Aluminum storefronts, Metal access and overhead doors, Metal and membrane roofing. The building has a Heavy Fleet Shop, Parts Warehouse, Light Fleet Maintenance Lanes, as well as Administrative Offices, Training Space, and other support spaces. Sustainable features have also been effectively incorporated throughout the building.
First United Methodist Church
One of the missions of First United Methodist Church is to host ministries to the homeless. The church gathers volunteers and provide food at the alley located beside the church. The homeless people would gather there to eat and conversate with one another. As there are deteriorating tables, non-accessible spaces, depreciated elements, and dazzling direct sunlight, the pastor of the church wants to renovate the alley and approached STA to come up with a design solution. The solution was to provide a screen that would diffuse the direct sunlight, play with profile of the church, and provide a more welcoming feel. The alley is designated into three different zones which include the Lounge, Serving area, and the Dining area. In the Lounge space, people can gather and meet while the food is getting ready to be served. The Lounge space showcases a Donor wall to appreciate the sponsors.
Southern Elegance Event Center
This project involves developing a 5-acre parcel for the Southern Elegance Event Center. The aesthetics of the new 9,400 sf building are consistent with the owner's vision to create an event center that is an expression of southern elegance. The structural framing is a combination of traditional steel construction and pre-engineered steel framing. The building has a multi-purpose lobby, office, conference room, one of the two event spaces has a mezzanine and monumental stair for bridal parties. Support spaces include a commercial kitchen, laundry, mechanical and storage spaces, and ADA compliant restrooms. For outdoor affairs, a large concrete patio with gazebos is located outside the event spaces.
NAACP Headquarters
This project is a prime example of how a small project can be a catalyst for reviving Memphis Neighborhoods. The highly targeted scope focused on Energy Efficiency upgrades and Facade Improvements to create a neighborhood Icon and beacon that would provide more visibility for the NAACP Headquarters. While the energy upgrades were made to the building systems, part of STA’s design team focused on the exterior design and worked to highlight it on Vance. The streetscape has a mix of active and properties; however, renewed growth in the area has made re-activating spaces along Vance an important precedent for further improvements to the neighborhood. The building was painted a bold white color to contrast with the neighborhood and increase visibility. The front entry was opened up by adding large windows and lighting, restoring the original openness of the south facade. The eyebrow and planter were highlighted in contrasting black and gray to create a portal entrance that attracts visitors to the door. Landscaping was added to accentuate the flow and massing of the eyebrow, add a welcoming green touch. STA then created a vertical spine off the eyebrow emblazoned with a bold contrasting NAACP logo. The Memphis NAACP is more than just an advocate for equity and justice throughout the region, they are also core community members, improving the lives of all who visit. The NAACP has programming for all ages throughout the year. Developing a welcoming atmosphere for the building creates a more fun and environment for their students. Creating a landmark in the rapidly developing mixed-income neighborhood helps existing businesses
New Albany-Union County Airport Terminal Building
STA is currently designing a new 2,700 sf municipal airport located in Union County, Mississippi. The pre-engineered building will include a main lounge that opens to the airfield; main hall that contains customer service desks and a small gallery displaying the county’s aviation history; flight planning and pilot lounge; community conference room; and administrative offices.
Crenshaw Library
Thanks to generous funding from the Kresge Foundation, Memphis Library Foundation and its team spent time listening to the neighbors who live near the Cornelia Crenshaw Library in South Memphis and the Randolph Library in Highland Heights. The goal of the Libraries Inside/Out project has been to engage the community in a series of conversations about these branches that will ultimately transform their exteriors to better serve their customers and reflect the hopes and dreams of their respective neighborhoods. Based on the input gathered, a group of dedicated Design Leads for each branch created renderings for the exterior improvements articulated by the stakeholders in each neighborhood. The exterior improvements, which include lighting, color, landscape, signage, and accessibility, have been implemented at the Randolph branch and were unveiled December, 2018. Improvements are being implemented at the Crenshaw branch with an expected unveiling in 2019.
Aretha Franklin Center
In honor of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin’s birth home will be preserved, restored, and relocated to a more appropriate area of South Memphis for ease of access to services and the public. The new program to the relocation and addition includes spaces for performances, gathering, offices, and exhibit spaces to honor Aretha Franklin’s career and preserve her birth home.
Mason Village
$12.5 million project to build 77 affordable rental townhomes. The project is a public-private partnership with the City of Memphis Division of Housing Community Development (HCD) and the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA). Mason Village’s two and three-bedroom town-homes will be reserved for low-income families whose annual household incomes are at or below 60 percent of the Shelby County area median income. Amenities will include a playground, BBQ area, sitting areas and a 2,500 square foot community building that will accommodate a lounge, kitchen, flex room, gym, computer/class room and a laundry facility.
510 MLK
The 510 MLK Avenue project is being developed by Self Tucker Properties and will feature 36 apartments, each containing 760 square feet is expected rent at about $1.35 per square foot. One and two-bedroom apartments will be built across four buildings on the .83-acre parcel resulting in 42 units per acre. Amenities include an common outdoor space and laundry facilities within each units. The market rate residential development feature roof top solar panels. As multifamily developers, we already know that residents crave common areas that create a sense of community, and we take this into account when programming amenities and designing spaces tailored to each development’s residents. It is urban living just minutes away from many downtown attractions including the FedEx Forum, The Orpheum, The Riverfront and Beale Street. With the completion of the Universal Life Insurance Building, the 200 unit Forum Flats, a new hotel and anticipated new Senior Apartments, we expect this will be a vibrant and thriving community.
Memphis Music Initiative
Transformed the former Fire Station No. 3 into an innovative and highly interactive office for Memphis Music Initiative. The existing building has two stories totaling 10,469 SF. A new elevator has been added to connect the two floor levels. The elevator is integrated into the First Floor and becomes an addition at the Second Floor with a new TPO roof over the new elevator shaft. Along with elevator addition, exterior improvements include upgrading the Front Entrance with new storefront and glazing to ft the historic character of the building. Other interior improvements include new metal stud and drywall partitions, extensive interior glazing to allow natural light and views to the exterior from interior corridors.
Pinnacle Loan Production Office Whitehaven
The renovation has transformed a vacant end bay of an existing Whitehaven retail strip center. Located a mile-and-a-half from Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the 3,000-square-foot Pinnacle Loan Production Office (LPO) is a now a full-service bank branch. LPOs allow Pinnacle to expand into communities without the added investment, security concerns and complexity of deposit gathering facilities. The LPO features an entry vestibule, reception area, learning center, art walls, open workstations, private offices, conference room and kitchenette. The LPO follows Pinnacle’s standard design aesthetics, including light blond woods, modern metal and glass fixtures and a great deal of natural light. The extensive use of glass partitions allows visual connection between the spaces throughout the customer service area. It is a smooth-flowing, consumer-friendly financial environment. The Learning Center will be used for financial workshops and classes and will be available for the community to use. People can reserve the space free of charge for activities such as group and association meetings. It includes video conferencing technology for client, associate and community events. The Loan Production office is brightened by colorful, modern artwork locally sourced from Memphis artists.
Pinnacle Loan Production Office Whitten Road
The renovation has transformed a vacant bay of an existing Raleigh retail strip center. Located a mile-and-a-half north of interstate 40, the 1,500-square-foot Pinnacle Loan Production Office (LPO) is a now a full-service bank branch. LPOs allow Pinnacle to expand into communities without the added investment, security concerns and complexity of deposit gathering facilities. The LPO features an entry vestibule, reception area, art walls, open workstations, private offices, conference room and kitchenette. The LPO follows Pinnacle’s standard design aesthetics, including light blond woods, modern metal and glass fixtures and a great deal of natural light. The extensive use of glass partitions allows visual connection between the spaces throughout the customer service area. It is a smooth-flowing, consumer-friendly financial environment. The Loan Production office is brightened by colorful, modern artwork locally sourced from Memphis artists.
Riverside Missionary Baptist Church
The design focused on transforming a 129 year old church from traditional to a modern worship facility. The exterior of the entrance is designed as lantern representing the light on the hill as referenced in the bible. The entrance is walled with 25 feet of African patterned glass windows allowing the maximum amount of light in the space. The grand foyer is oriented at a 45 degree angle to attract and invite oncoming foot traffic to the open communal space. The previous design had limited communal and sanctuary capacity and inefficient utilities and power structures. The sanctuary comfortably seats 800 and has a more open design creating an intimate feel between the congregation and the pulpit. The new development allows for more service and operational functions to occur as well as includes sustainable features to better manage and utilize utilities. The design team had to consider materials, systems, and assemblies from various perspectives to deliver a spiritual environment.
Property Maintenance Building
The 42,500 square foot Property Maintenance Building (PMB) has been designed to replace an outdated and inefficient existing facility at another location. As the first building on a 32 acre master planned site, the PMB will establish an aesthetic for the entire development. The site is being developed as a municipal complex for six City of Memphis Facilities. The predominant design approach for the PMB was to create a building with form and mass to compliment the scale of the site. However, ultimately the building must be a functional and comfortable work environment. Therefore, sensitivity to the environment, durability and low maintenance were also all key design factors. Sustainable features include a 1,400SF glass enclosed Interior Courtyard to allow natural light to access spaces in the center of the building. In addition, roof mounted skylights permit extensive daylighting into the warehouse to greatly minimize electricity use. The pre-engineered structural system has also been designed to accommodate the weight of the future installation of solar panels.
Teach For America
Teach For America (TFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that finds, develops, and supports a diverse network of leaders who are committed to reimagining public education. To do this, they first make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools. Then, they go on to become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. TFA selected Self+Tucker Architects as the design team charged with relocating its former Toyota Plaza office to a unique new space at Crosstown Concourse. The project required the reduction of 5,486 RSF of office space, as well as the visible infusion of Teach For America’s core values into fresh, modern design elements. Recycled materials were used in the furniture, steel countertops, and finishes. Recycling stations were also added. Other features such as the plywood panels and concrete floors were preserved in their raw form. Energy efficient fixtures and the use of non-VOC paints helped to maximize daylight and allow more natural light to fill the space. A new concept called “hoteling” was incorporated into the design to allow for more flexibility with respect to how and when space is accessed by the many staff, corps members, and program alumni who use the office as their home base.
Tri-State Bank
For more than 22 years, the Tri-State Bank of Memphis branch has operated as a full service Brick and Mortar location in Whitehaven. The existing building is approximately 3,800 square feet and has been expanded to approximately 4,500 square feet by adding two conference rooms under an existing canopy. This full service bank was renovated to accommodate additional administrative offices. The space for existing banking operations was significantly reduced to make room for the administration offices. The Universal Banker Workstations were custom designed by Self+Tucker Architects and were installed to allow a new approach to banking at this location.
Memphis Health Center
The entrance on the west side of the building was redesigned to allow in natural light and create openness. A combination of glass and metal panels were incorporated in the design of the façade. The lobby has a two story ceiling with clerestory. Site work includes, new pedestrian walkway, new ramp and new stairs.
Grizzlies Garden Project Pavilion
The Green Leaf Learning Farm (GLLF), a strategic program of Knowledge Quest (KQ) since 2010, is a 2/3-acre certified USDA Organic urban micro-farm located in the historic South Memphis neighborhood. The farm operates to promote its three strategic pillars: education, community development, and food access and security. Green Leaf Learning Farm involves the ongoing conversion of 25 formally vacant lots and abandoned buildings. In 2013, STA received funding from the Mid-South Regional Greenprint Sub-Planning Award to work with KQ to develop a Master Plan that guides the sustainable expansion of GLLF as a green asset for the South Memphis community. KQ is now in the process of executing this plan that transforms unproductive vacant lots into productive green assets while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Self + Tucker Architects also partnered with Knowledge Quest to secure over $300,000 in Qualified Energy Conservation Bond (QECB) funding for the renovation of a vacant 10 unit apartment building that is being converted into the Residences at Green Leaf. STA employed a proactive and strategic approach to help gain funds for the project that we are striving to replicate with other clients. This building will be an anchor for the future Agri-tourism initiative being implemented by GLLF. The building will have a 10kW Solar Array and will meet the requirements for Enterprise Green Communities Certification. Most recently, STA completed the design of the new Grizzlies Garden Project Pavilion that is the centerpiece of the expansion of the farm through a partnership with Knowledge Quest and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pavilion is located adjacent to the main entrance to the Garden and is easily accessible on three sides. The Pavilion encircles an existing tree and provides an exceptional view of the surrounding organic garden and neighborhood. The facility is approximately 1500 square feet and will comfortably seat up to 40 people at tables. It will be available for use each day by students and for special occasions such as the recent Fall Festival. Knowledge Quest continues building additional infrastructure and growing their learning gardens in support of the after school programming they provide in the South Memphis area. STA is dedicated to the revitalization of South Memphis and excited to continue to support the vision and growth of one of the community’s vital assets, Green Leaf Learning Farm.
Uptown Property Development
Proposed design of a mixed income housing apartment complex with an industrial loft feel. This development consists of three new three-story apartment buildings located to the north of Downtown Memphis.
Post Higher Education Academic Building
The proposed design is a two story building as stipulated by the Guideline for Commercial Buildings. The new building reflects the height of the existing high school. Special care was taken in incorporating details from the existing school while modernizing them for the contemporary building. The design of the Educational Building appears as multiple buildings instead of one large building. The composition also took into account the ratio of window to play up the storefront. In addition, proposed finishes that were appropriate to the neighborhood were incorporated in a more contemporary manner. The exterior materials are a direct response to the historic context and materials utilized in the surrounding neighborhood.
T. O. Fuller Interpretive Center
The site of the new interpretive center which is within T.O. Fuller State Park is located in the North quadrant of the Levi/West Whitehaven Neighborhood of Memphis, TN. T.O. Fuller State Park was the frst state park open for African Americans east of the Mississippi River. A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the area initiated construction of the park facilities in 1938. It was designated Shelby County Negro State Park in 1938 and was later changed to T.O. Fuller State Park in 1942 in honor of Dr. Thomas O. Fuller, a prominent African-American educator, pastor, politician, civic leader and author, who spent his life empowering and educating African Americans. The project site is located atop a scenic hill adjacent to the original golf course to the East and an empty feld leading to the picnic areas to the West. The golf course has since been converted into a nature reserve. The existing Club House located on the site was converted into an event space catering to family reunions, receptions, and meetings. The project scope included minor renovation of the existing club house, demolition of the existing feld equipment storage building, the un-used storage shed, the fuel tanks and the Golf Cart storage building. The demolition of these building cleared the site for the construction of a new Interpretive Center. The center serves as an indoor and outdoor educational classroom in the Memphis/Shelby county area. Built to be as environmentally friendly and energy conserving as possible, the center is ideal for demonstrating energy effciency techniques such as photovoltaic cells and geothermal heating and air conditioning. The center houses fight cages, outdoor classroom, conference room, a gift shop and information about the native wildlife of West Tennessee.
Universal Parenting Place
STA has developed a concept for a pilot site where parents receive professional guidance regarding parenting. Marlon Foster has described the proposed center as a cross between "Starbucks and the Children's Museum". Parents and their children will be welcome at the site. The entire space will provide opportunities for family style gatherings, interactive learning and creative play--where parents and children can play together. Designated areas shall facilitate pockets of interaction. It is to be a relaxed / yet vibrant environment with comfortable seating for adults as well as creative child-oriented furniture. The room is intended to communicate fun/ yet mature. The room is also intended to communicate a high regard for parents and the work of parenting.
Tunica Airport Corporate Hangar
The Corporate Hangar ll is a new aviation facility that is the current phase of the continuing expansion of the Tunica Municipal Airport. The new heated hangar is approximately 20,000 square feet in total area and will accommodate various types of aircrafts for both on-call and scheduled maintenance services. The building also has office space for administrative functions, as well as, storage areas located throughout. The aesthetic of the building exterior is a combination of aluminum composite panels with a striking 4 foot grid pattern and corrugated sheet metal surfaces that fit seamlessly into the current array of buildings located on the site. Additional highlights of the hangar is that it has strategically located windows that provide natural light supplemented by highly efficient LED lighting. The pre-engineered structural system has been designed to accommodate the weight of the future installation of solar panels that could supply 100% of the building’s energy consumption. The building has also been designed to be expanded on the South side as the need arises for more space in the future.
LeMoyne Owen College - Brownlee Hall
LeMoyne Owen College is an inner-city, 4-year educational institution of higher learning and accredited nationally as a Historically Black College & University or HBCU. As an HBCU, LeMoyne is an ongoing source of first-rate education & development for all students in the mid-south, regardless of race. As a campus landmark, the Brownlee Hall Administration building was designed & built in 1936 in the Colonial Revival Style and was listed by the U.S. Department of Interior in 2005 as a ‘contributing structure’ of the greater LeMoyne Owen College District in the National Register of Historic Places. Since 2006 Brownlee Hall has undergone a series of accessibility improvements with assistance from Title III funding of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Self+Tucker Architects has been engaged with the university from the beginning, assisting with historical landmark status, design & construction administration as funding becomes available. These photos represent Phases 3 & 4 covering office and classroom upgrades & additions, hardware upgrades to doors & frames and fire alarm system improvements meeting ADA compliance. New finishes were provided for the first floor public areas such as the Main Entry Corridor, Lobby, Conference and Presidential Suite on the first floor level.
Multi-Family Housing
Living in close proximity to others demands architectural design that fosters privacy and individuality. Providing each resident with a separate and distinct front door, that is, an individual address, helps establish a smaller scale of building, and a sense of personal space vital to apartment dwellers and condominium owners. Likewise, having an individual private outdoor space can greatly extend the apparent size and livability of an apartment or townhouse. Self Tucker Architects considers multi-family design as a collection of “attached homes”, with each dwelling shaped according to the same principles of light, space, balance, and architectural character we use for our single-family designs. A Self Tucker multi-family residence respects individuality, enhances privacy, and feels like “home.”
Duplex Homes
These affordable homes are designed to fit and enhance the quality and experience of urban living at affordable market rates and to meet the construction budget of clients.
Custom Homes
A home should respond to its physical, architectural, temporal, and cultural context. It is neighborly, and recognizes the importance of the relationship between itself and its surrounding that confers a special character and identity to the home and its entire neighborhood. Rooms and spaces facilitate their owners’ patterns of daily living. We strive to create a sense of openness, space, and light while including both communal and special individual spaces for everyone. We make rooms that welcome, invite, surprise, and delight. We seek to achieve a balanced composition with a perceivable order. The result is readable, understandable, and peaceful, enhancing the experience of being “at home.”
Affordable Homes
These affordable homes are designed to fit and enhance the quality and experience of urban living at affordable market rates and to meet the construction budget of clients.
Move-up Homes
These affordable homes are designed to fit and enhance the quality and experience of urban living at affordable market rates and to meet the construction budget of clients.
First Baptist Church Broad Avenue
This project concentrated its design efforts on expanding the worship and administrative spaces of the existing congregation of First Baptist Church Broad. A spacious south lobby with monumental staircase and a bookstore welcomes the visitor upon entry. New Sanctuary, which seats almost 1,500 people, and a Chapel were designed to provide intimate worship spaces for the growing number of church members. A new baptistery became an important part of the Sanctuary’s area. Other support spaces, such as the choir practice room, usher’s room and administrative offices were strategically placed towards the north entry of the Broad Avenue to create a smooth connection between the existing administrative offices.
Habitat for Humanity Uptown Memphis Housing Prototypes
6 prototype homes built on multiple sites in the Uptown Memphis community. These homes had to fit on narrow sites in an existing neighborhood context. In addition, the homes had to meet the Uptown design standards and Habitat sustainability standards. These prototypes are three, four and five bedroom homes all with two baths. One bath is fully ADA accessible. The homes feature open plans that combine the living, dining and kitchen areas. Sites are typically rear loaded with parking pads. A slab-on-grade foundation allows for full ADA accessibility. Simple shading, orientation and ventilation principles were used to maximize the dwelling’s responsiveness to the environment. The rear entry was positioned in such a way to create usable outdoor space and encourage families to spend more time outdoors. The homes meet MLGW EcoBUILD requirements to reduce energy consumption and incorporate sustainable practices. In addition, the designs align with Memphis Habitat’s mission to build simple, decent homes and communities for people in need.
Greenlaw Community Center
The project was prompted by a goal to make the Greenlaw Community Center and Greenlaw Park more highly utilized amenities within the Uptown Community. The aesthetic and functional enhancements are intended to transform the appearance and appeal of the park. The architectural improvements to the exterior of the building include a new canopy to increase the prominence and visibility of the main entrance. In addition, new aluminum and glass entry doors will allow a view directly into the interior or the Community Center. Site improvements include repaving the parking area, new sidewalks, new landscape, grading and erosion control, fencing, site furniture and lighting.
Memphis Business Academy Expansion
The new Gymnasium and classrooms is located on the Memphis Business Academy Overton Crossing campus. A new pedestrian plaza located connects the new and the existing buildings and is an important new amenity for the campus. The 22,000 Square Foot building embodies the institutional vision of MBA and help inspire pride from students and the community. Eight new high tech classrooms have easy access to the Gymnasium and an Outdoor Learning Area. The Gymnasium is a flexible space for use by the elementary, middle and high school students, as well as, the surrounding community. An elevated walking track is located on the mezzanine level of the Gymnasium.
South Main Design Challenge Long Term
South Main Transformation and Heritage: The long-term concept plan is a response to the history and trends that are transforming South Main, all while respecting the rhythm and transparency of its historic storefronts. Our goal was to design a vibrant new venue that would respond to the South Main Historic Art District, its trolley line main artery, the art galleries, shops, restaurants and prominent tourist attractions, such as the Arcade Restaurant, Earnestine & Hazel’s and the National Civil Rights Museum. The vision for the site is to connect it with its larger context, such as the city’s plan for the development of Memphis Heritage Trail, the new Harahan bridge pedestrian/bicycle route, and the newly designated Blues Trail.
South Main Design Challenge Short Term
South Main Urban Art Projections: The short-term concept plan strategically transforms the site into a community asset through the use of Digital Urban Art projected onto the south wall of the adjacent building. These Projections, rendered by Memphis College of Arts and Local Artists, will use public space as a platform for creation and cultural exchange. The artwork can have site-specific thematic relations to the space, engaging and reflecting upon the unique architectural, historical, and interpersonal context of the South Main Area.
South Memphis Farmers Market
The South Memphis Farmers Market is dedicated to providing access to healthy and affordable foods in the South Memphis community. It also strives to create an atmosphere that contributes to the success of local growers and producers. This area in which the building is located has been defined as a “food desert”. There is no easy access to fruits and vegetables. The South Memphis Farmers Market will provide a way for the residents of South Memphis to have an easier way to improve their health through better nutrition. This will be Memphis' first year-round full-time farmers market that will turn the once a week seasonal market into a six day a week, year round business. The SMFM has expanded into 3,600 square feet of the former Carter’s Fish Market as a Green Grocery and will include a 1200 Square Foot Demonstration and Education Kitchen.
Spencer Residence
Integrating high-end modern design and a commitment to green building, this new house was designed for dramatic living spaces that flow into the agricultural landscape. The material palette includes, cedar siding, stained concrete mixed with fly-ash and Fin-Ply panels. Passive ventilation, radiant floors, solar hot water and photovoltaic power dramatically reduce energy use. The home also utilizes a waste water irrigation system that uses grey water to irrigate the grounds. With the owner being an avid swimmer, the home was design around the proportions of the lap pool. The design incorporate a series of radiating planes that spin out into the landscape. These planes aid in directing views as well as concealing utility services. The main concrete wall that slices though the home divide the public living spaces from the private areas as well as acts as a thermal mass wall.
Greater Mt. Calvary
The church currently own an existing 5 acre site and are preparing to expand their outreach ministry. The project is a new Family Life Center which will include a gymnasium,10 additional classrooms, a fitness center, commercial kitchen, an attached picnic pavilion and ball field. The church also plans to construct a new sanctuary in the distant future, therefore a Master Plan was created to determine the best locations for these program elements.
Central Gardens
Central Gardens is an assisted living units apartment building with Alzheimer’s assisted living units on the ground floor. There will be an attached common building which houses the offices, dining rooms, kitchen, crafts and other spaces that support the apartment units. The site will contain parking, Alzheimer’s courtyard, an assisted living courtyard and other site amenities related to assisted living facility.
Eighth Avenue Townhomes
Eighth Avenue Townhomes is a residential planned unit development located on Eighth Avenue North between Garfield Street and Buchanan Street in north Nashville. The project consists of 36 condominium units comprised of 5 unique unit types. The unit types are two and three bedrooms ranging from 618 square feet to 1350 square feet. Access to the units is from Eighth Avenue and the service drive in the rear. The entrance drive contains 4 visitor off street parking spaces, resident mailboxes, and gated entry to residential units and covered parking. The character of the units is urban townhouse with brick veneer, corrugated metal siding, glass, covered porches, balconies, fenced yards, and landscaping.
Cleaborn Pointe at Heritage Landing
The revitalization of Cleaborn Pointe at Heritage Landing is a redevelopment of the site, transforming it from dilapidated, outmoded, and expensive to maintain barracks-style public housing into a new neighborhood of elegant, stately and modern homes and apartments typical of the best neighborhoods in Memphis. Cleaborn Pointe at Heritage Landing offers a neighborhood with a new clubhouse, parks, recreational facilities and green ways to reconnect the community.
Consolidated Ground Transportation Center (CGTC)
To accommodate current need and allow for future growth, The Memphis International Airport decided to expand its parking garage by over 6,000 spaces. The scope will consist of an expansion on the north side of the existing garage of around 3,900 spaces. The phase includes a seven-level “Squeelix” structure for vehicular circulation and three main open stair towers for pedestrian circulation. Also included are a 6,000 SF state-of-the-art Toll Plaza & Parking Office and a four-car elevator tower directly in line with the center of the terminal. A 2,400 space parking garage structure will be located directly to the west of the first structure and will have a similar look. It is all screened by an airfoil shaped panel which offers a clean modern appearance to the façade.
Ernestine Rivers Child Care Center
The new ERCC facility will be located on a 1.66 acre site in an established neighborhood. The brick exterior, gabled roof and dormers are designed to integrate into the surrounding neighborhood context. North and South facing windows provide ample natural light and exterior views from all major spaces. The facility will include administrative offices, seven classrooms, a computer lab, kitchen as well as multi-purpose space for indoor activities and after school use.
Friday Residence
The ever growing need for sustainability is at the heart of the design for the Friday-Raines Residence. The low maintenance, efficient layout comprises several “green” technologies including geothermal heating, gray water collection, solar energy harvesting and energy-saving appliances. The home is located on a corner lot and was designed to shield the outdoor living space from the noise of the intersection. The private areas of the home are located along the quieter street while the more public areas are placed on the busier street. The dwelling was oriented to the south to maximize solar heat gain. It is designed following the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines with the hopes of earning LEED certification, which would make the home one of the first privately owned residence in Mississippi with this distinction.
Fowler Quads
A challenge to design a prototype affordable four-flat apartment building as part of the redevelopment of the former site of MHA’s Fowler Homes project. The development consisted of four prototypes for a total of 16 units. Architecturally, the buildings resemble the adjacent single-family homes in scale, materials and proportions and have secure, gated entrances to central breezeways serving each of the four two-bedroom flats.
Hartwell Residence
Located on an 8 acre family farm, the residence was designed for comfort and the simple life. Upon their arrival, guests are welcomed by a wide view through the great room and out to the landscape. Enlivening the family style comfort and simplicity is natural light from the windows and doors that lead to the rear outdoor spaces. The entry hall flows into a gallery. The gallery acts as the spine of the home and is a connection between the private master suite and the public spaces of the dining room, great room, and kitchen. The gallery and these public spaces have visual and physical access to the outdoors and are continued by the rear covered porch which serves as an outdoor living space. This flow of spaces encourages casual entertaining and allows for the charm of the indoors to extend to the rear yard so that it, too, becomes a living space itself.
Latham Terrace
Latham Terrace is an important element in the revitalization of the downtown Memphis urban fabric. The Four-story, split level facility houses 80 senior living units in 70,000 Square Feet of area. It consists of 72 one bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units, and multi-purpose gathering spaces such as a two-story atrium, community room, art room, offices, and screen porches.
Melrose Place
Melrose Place, located at the intersection of Barron Avenue and Semmes Street, is redevelopment of the abandoned Barronbrook Apartment Complex. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the complex was comprised of 190 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units spread across 12 buildings. Self Tucker’s vision for Melrose Place removes several buildings, opening up the site and bringing fresh air and light into the grounds. The remaining six buildings – five apartment buildings and the office/community center – will be transformed by the installation of a new roofing system that breaks from the dull green siding that had become associated with the complex. There are 80 units, five of which are ADA-accessible. The main pedestrian entrance to the complex will be further differentiated from the original by the creation of a balcony at the 2nd-floor community room. The design of the covered balcony echoes the mid-century modern aesthetic of the original complex, but offers a fresh take on the mansard profile with the installation of a standing seam metal roof.
National Civil Rights Museum Renovation
The National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) in Memphis, TN marks the place of one of the major moments in the struggle of our nation for human rights. The museum first opened its doors in 1991. It was built on the site of the historical Lorraine Motel where, in 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It had since welcomed thousands of visitors annually and expanded its facilities and exhibit content. Self+Tucker Architects design team led the museum’s multimillion dollar renovation to update and expand the interior spaces while collaborating with the exhibit designers to modernize the display. The building, with its interactive and educational content, is an important element of the city’s history and our team is proud to take the lead on its preservation and development.
The Leath Green Homes
The Leath Green Homes will feature timeless designs combined with modern features which are ecologically sound and economically smart. The proposed site is located on Leath Street just North of Chelsea in New Chicago adjacent to the Uptown Community. The developer wanted to provide some specific amenities that are not typically available in the Uptown’s Developments. Those amenities include attached carports and all brick exteriors. The Leath Green Homes have been designed to meet EcoBuild standards.
Bolton High School
Located in Arlington TN, this 29,000 SF addition to the existing Bolton High School was a necessary task to keep up with the growing student body. The two story addition is home to 20 standard classrooms as well as a new library. This well lit, state-of-the-art facility includes an arsenal of the latest computers to bring the world to the fingertips of aspiring scholars in more ways than just books. The building also allows for the expansion of the current administrative needs with additional space for staff.
Collierville Elementary
The design consists of an addition and renovation of an existing suburban neighborhood elementary school with a significant student population. The overall area includes approximately 30,000 SF of renovated space and 54,000 SF of new educational space, encompassing some 48 classrooms, library, kitchen, consolidated administration offices, teacher work areas, learning center, comprehensive development classrooms and music and art rooms. In addition, the site was redesigned to cater to pedestrian traffic and include new parking areas with adequate space for bus drop-off/pick up.
Douglass Head Start
The design of this modern, child-friendly early-childhood education center fits its neighborhood. Primary colors were chosen to liven up the facade and interior because of their appeal to school age children. Red, blue and yellow are used on throughout to reinforce this fact. With its skylights and vaulted ceiling, the central corridor offers a soaring, light-filled focus for the building's interior spaces. The 18,000 sf structure also contains a commercial kitchen, 8 classrooms, and a teacher workroom and lounge.
Germanshire Elementary
The 750-student school shares a 25-acre site with a new city park. Designed as a "village" of "buildings" (classroom blocks) connected by a "Main Street" (the corridor system), its small, almost residential scale uses sloped roofs and a brick exterior to complement the architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.
STAX Academy
The concept was to create a soul music campus centered around a replica of the original building that contained the STAX recording studio including the classic STAX theater marquee. it's part of the $20 million campus at the heart of the Soulsville, USA community of Memphis TN and adjacent to the grounds of the legendary STAX record company. This 27,000 square foot ultra high tech facility honors history, expresses vitality, inspires creativity and provides quality instruction for young musicians.
Steele Hall
Erected in 1914 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, Steele Hall currently serves as the Humanities Building housing the Art Department, administrative offices and classrooms on the Lemoyne Owen campus. Included in the scope was the restoration of the existing brick facade, a new addition, general interior renovation, new sprinkler and mechanical systems, interior design and exterior alterations to provide handicapped accessibility.
Sweeney Hall
The scope of work included identification and removal of non-original elements, preservation of original elements and restoration of missing elements based on original drawings and physical evidence. Historically correct colors for this Federal revival style home were selected by period and matched to original colors found within the house. The lower level was made fully ADA accessible. All work was done under the Secretary of the Interior Standards and received review and approval by Memphis Landmarks Commission and the State Historic Preservation Officer in Nashville. The scope of work included identification and removal of non-original elements, preservation of original elements and restoration of missing elements based on original drawings and physical evidence. Historically correct colors for this Federal revival style home were selected by period and matched to original colors found within the house. The lower level was made fully ADA accessible. All work was done under the Secretary of the Interior Standards and received review and approval by Memphis Landmarks Commission and the State Historic Preservation Officer in Nashville.
Accessible Design
Self Tucker Architects, Inc. is committed to a responsible design that readily accommodates the disabled within our community. We provide access-compliant solutions for existing as well as new facilities by following the rules and guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable codes. In the recent past, we have facilitated numerous meetings with Memphis City Schools (MCS) and the Department of Justice to help establish the MCS ADA Basis for Design. While working on the Design Manual, we have documented the MCS ADA project requirements by conducting assessments at 120 local schools. Our team is responsible for the construction administration of 47 MCS ADA Projects. As part of our commitment to improving the quality of the educational sector, STA has worked extensively with Lemoyne-Owen College to bring the LOC Campus up to the standards of the current ADA requirements. Our team has a thorough understanding of the rules and guidelines of the ADA and other accessibility codes and, therefore, strives to deliver the best design to its client and surrounding community.
Riverbend
A 31-unit apartment complex at the north end of the Uptown District in Memphis, Tennessee, Riverbend is an example of new urbanism in a neighborhood undergoing revitalizations. It provides affordable living while adding to the architectural fabric of this renaissance area.
The View
The View is a senior housing development located near the Airport. It is positioned near Medal of Honor Park and faces the lake. The View offers several amenities including a fitness center, recreation room, a community area and a computer lab & library. The facility offers large outdoor porches for gathering, walking trails and private gated parking.
Hill Chapel Baptist Church
This magnificent brick building takes full advantage of the aesthetic. Beginning with the superb glazing on the entrance to the church, to the sweeping stair just inside, to the series of fantastic views from just about every seat, STA took every opportunity to make this structure declare to every ear what it is – a place of worship. The sanctuary has the capacity to seat up to 2200 worshippers while comfortably accommodating all the staff and clergy with several administrative offices. A host of meeting spaces and classrooms complete the goal of accommodating the churches gathering needs.
Kenneth Cole
The Kenneth O. Cole Community Office Building was designed to complement the existing community office located across the street from the MLGW’s corporate spaces. The new 20,500 square feet building is home to three of the client’s major functions: cashiering, mail processing and credit counseling. The facility houses areas for staff support, such as staff training, break areas, records storage and lockers. The general lobby provides ample seating for waiting customers.
FedExForum
FedEx Forum is the largest public building construction project in Memphis history. The Forum was designed to host a variety of events from basketball to ice skating and concerts. Following a recent trend in arena design, FedEx Forum was designed with a uniquely Memphis theme. The facility is home to both the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA and the University of Memphis Tigers.
Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church
With its grand glazing and modern day conveniences, the church has come a long way from the humble beginnings of that first gathering of freed slaves in the grove of Oak trees for which the church is named. The new structure boasts a seating capacity in the Sanctuary at over 1200 worshippers. The complex includes a Fellowship hall that can seat more than 350 hungry members and guests at tables. It has a choir & music room, a sound control room and a baptismal. The church is the part of a grander master plan that includes a chapel, family life center, so that members can focus on their physical well-being as well as their spiritual well-being, additional offices and residences for senior citizens.
Minna Place – FHHA
Originally built in 1968, the Family Home Health Agency (FHHA) Headquarters building underwent a complete renovation of all six floors. The 14,000 square feet facility was designed to accommodate a staff of well over 100 employees. Utilizing several sustainable aspects, the site development was strategically considered in its urban design context. Convenient on-site parking, new landscaping, lighting and an outdoor seating area for employees and visitors showcase the dramatic transformation of this facility. Both Client and Architect were highly motivated to develop a project that is an example of successful neighborhood revitalization and community reinvestment.
Hickory Hill Comm. Center
This 55,000 sq ft facility is designed as a focal point on a site with Hickory Hill Middle School, the Hickory Hill Police Precinct, and a newly developed park. Amenities include a Gymnasium with upper level track, a 130,000 gallon Indoor Swimming Pool, an Arts and Craft Studio, Game Room, Multipurpose Room with kitchen and a Computer Room. The pool is one of the highlights of the center and includes a wading area, fountains, waterfalls, and water slide. With its exposed structure and vibrant colors, the Hickory Hill Community Center provides a stimulating environment to Hickory Hill Residents and is a welcome addition to the community.
New Towne Center at Soulsville
The New Towne Center at Soulsville is a 68,000 SF mixed use development that will serve to signify another chapter in the neighborhood’s revitalization. Located on historic McLemore Avenue across from STAX Museum and Academy, it consists of two parts-a commercial /retail building and a grocery store. STA sought to insert the development into the existing neighborhood by designing it to blend seamlessly into the urban fabric. The commercial-retail building will not only serve commercial and retail uses, but also will be home to administrative offices as well as meeting rooms for community uses. All these uses will be organized around a central plaza to re-enforce the neighborhood feel.
MATA Trolley
The new stations for the extension of the Trolley system along the Madison Avenue corridor are designed to maintain character of the Main Street stations but convey a more contemporary design in keeping with the long-term vision of Light Rail transportation throughout Memphis and vicinity. Each station is also designed to accommodate both vintage trolleys and modern light rail vehicles.
Memphis Visitor’s Center
Standing at the gateway to the Whitehaven community, the Memphis Visitor Center welcomes visitors to the Elvis’ old neighborhood. Edgy, quirky and eye-catching, the building uses common, inexpensive materials in uncommon ways to create unique architectural character within a stringent budget. It provides space for exhibits, meetings, office needs as well as a gift shop. The design was recognized as the winner of the Excellence in Masonry from the Masonry Institute of Tennessee in 2010.
Plough Park
The first major improvement project after the approval of the park’s master plan, the 750 s.f. restroom facility was planned and constructed with the environment in mind. The building, which was constructed with local and natural materials, is strategically placed in a location that allowed the facility to be built without removing any trees. A slanted roof, which allows for natural ventilation along with the orientation of the building, optimizes natural heating and cooling opportunities from the sun and wind throughout the seasons. Skylights were added to maximize day-lighting while a light colored metal roof minimizes the heat island effect. Additional features like occupancy sensor lights on timers to conserve energy and low flow toilet to conserve water were incorporated.
St. Andrew AME Church
To further its multiple community-oriented missions, this growing, historic African American church added a new sanctuary, a new fellowship hall, rehearsal space for music and dance, additional classrooms and new church offices. The existing building was remodeled to house various outreach activities, including a charter school and career training.
National Civil Rights Museum
The new annex to the NCRM at the Lorraine motel consists of the existing Young and Morrow Building and adjacent boarding house into exhibit space. This project extends the interpretive space of the National Civil Rights Museum from its current location on Mulberry Street to Main Street. The annex includes a connecting tunnel and plaza/amphitheater
STAX Museum
The goal of this project was to create a soul music campus centered around a replica of the original building that contained the STAX recording studio including the classic STAX theater marqueee. The museum examines the history of STAX and its impact on the music world.
Woodstock Elementary school
Woodstock Elementary school is a renovation to an existing school that includes work that tripled the size of the current school. The scope of the nearly 94,000 sf building, which includes the 4000 sf addition of administrative space, consists of improvements and enlargements to the Science Lab, Library and the Computer labs. In addition to the mechanical and electrical improvements to the building, a new garage was also added.
The Vasco A. Smith, Jr. Administration Building Renovation
This project consists of the complete interior gut & revitalization to approximately 172,000 square feet of government office space. This 12-story high-rise dating to the mid-1960s has incurred a variety of reincarnations over the course of time. With production currently under development, VASB represents a 2nd design alliance/joint venture between STA and the Memphis-based, nationally recognized Archimania studio. The design approach seeks to peel back the layers of inefficiency and restore the building to its original modernist approach to light, circulation & structure. Architecturally the design of a simple, yet strategically re-fabricated service core & circulation spine will serve to restore the grandeur of this building’s former self.
Temple of Deliverance
The Christian Life and Youth Center is located just southeast of the original sanctuary. The Center‘s collegiate-sized gymnasium is flanked by a 4-lane bowling alley, a full size commercial banquet kitchen, and several classroom and meeting rooms. Interspersed between them is an arts & crafts room, a nursery, a game arcade, an aerobics room and a weight-training room. Rounding out this state of the art facility is a second floor running track overlooking the gymnasium below. The second floor also houses a library as well as a couple of private offices.
Uptown Square
First occupied in 1938, Uptown Square (formerly Lauderdale Courts) began as a WPA Public Housing Project. It was among the first housing projects built in Memphis. Many prominent citizens came from this development, but none more famous than Elvis Aaron Presley. The complex is a colonial revival design built under the auspices of the Roosevelt Works Progress Administration Program. Uptown Square includes 60 newly renovated buildings that both preserve its historic character, and create a mixed-income rental community that integrates seamlessly into the overall neighborhood context.
Universal Life Insurance Building
The Universal Life Insurance Building, designed by the renowned architectural firm McKissack & McKissack in 1949, is planned to be developed and reused as office space. The limestone exterior complements the Egyptian Revival architectural motif of essential historical qualities, proudly placing the structure on the National Register of Historic Places. To support its historic preservation objectives the building’s envelope and the main corridors have been designed to meet the requirements of historic tax credits. Self Tucker Properties aims to renovate its use through a healthy, responsible and environmentally sensitive process that incorporate energy efficient systems, recycled products and waste reduction practices. The new Universal Life Building will feature a green roof and solar power, qualifying the design for LEED certification.
The Memphis Bioworks Innovation Center
The Memphis Bioworks Innovation Center is a state-of-the-art campus designed for the highly specialized needs of Memphis’ growing bioscience community. Currently in the Construction Document Phase is the 25,000 SF Vivarium Building. A central promenade bisects this prominent urban site and is a key organizing element tying the new vivarium to the UT Campus to the West. The building will incorporate sustainable design principals and LEED Certification. The Memphis Bioworks Innovation Center is anticipated to be completed in six phase over a 10-year period, allowing flexibility to meet current and future bioscience needs. When fully built-out, the park will feature 1.2 million square feet of laboratory, research, education, and business development space located on a 10-acre campus in the heart of the Memphis Medical Center.
"Brenda Rogers taught us the meaning of community. She taught us the meaning of taking pride in the community. She fed children, clothed children, bought shoes for children. She took families to the grocery store. She was a mentor to many young parents. The legacy of Mrs. Rogers lives on through the Memphis Lift."
– Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director
"Self + Tucker walked me through every aspect of the new building project and met all of our needs. We are very pleased with the finished product."
– Wynn Earle, Jr. - Principal of Kingsbury Elementary School
"Soul Food is a bridge that brings different cultures from all over the world. My food has the main roux ingredient which is love. You can taste it in my food!"
– B.J. Chester-Tamayo
"“Designing resilient buildings is important, but we also need to ensure that communities of color—which have traditionally been sidelined—help drive it.” “Renewable energy is a chance to innovate for economic opportunities, as well as the health of society at large.”"
– Denise Fairchild, President of the Emerald Cities Collaborative
"Bad libraries only build collections. Good libraries build services. Great libraries build communities."
– R. David Lankes
"I feel like Clayborn has an opportunity to do what no other building in our city can do -- and that’s bring people together in a place of nurturing and peace and love, and showing them what the future holds."
– Anasa Troutman - Executive Director of Historic Clayborn Temple
"Our portfolio spreads right across the country so I get to work with numerous architectural firms both big and small so there is often a measure of “keeping your fingers” crossed and hoping for the best. Thankfully in Memphis that wasn’t a problem as Self & Tucker were the right choice! "
– Michael Zehavi, SMD, Workplace Strategy & Operations
"It's an honor to be a part of making this neighborhood an anchor and asset for this community for decades to come."
– Raphael Bostic HUD
"Great care has been taken to make this a highly attractive facility, the nation's most functional and passenger centric facility, a green approach to ground transportation and a complement to the existing airport infrastructure. "
– Larry Cox, CEO of Airport Authority
"We're trying to rebuild the community, one brick at a time. "
– Robert Lipscomb, the city director of Housing and Community Development
"The design for this school is particularly harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood and provides an excellent school for the education of the neighborhood's children. Numerous accolades have been received for the accommodation of public art within the facility. "
– Paul D. Baker, Program Manager
"We always wanted to relocate in the city and be in an area where we could see some appreciation in the value of a property and make a contribution to the redevelopment of the city."
– O. C. Pleasant
"We had to make sure we included the people in the neighborhood.... You can't leave the people behind. You have to develop them right along with the houses."
– Jeffery Higgs
"Instant curb appeal at 50 miles per hour"
– AIA Jury
"The Strength of the battered stone walls, their color and scale under the sloped roof overhangs provide for a strong design."
– Masonry Institute of Tennessee
"We saw this as a great opportunity for development, not only for the building itself, but for the surrounding area. "
– Juan Self
"When our biomedical cluster is at full operation, with all resources in place, I believe anything of meaning in biotech will be influenced in some way by the research, development or business being done here in Memphis."
– Steven J. Bares, Ph.D. President & Executive Director Memphis Bioworks Foundation