Memphis Masonry Preservation Society

It's hard to believe the demolition of this irreplaceable building is happening today in 2026. The Boulevard (Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church) is the current owner and is responsible for the destruction of this historically significant example of Memphis religious architecture. There had to be a way to reuse this stunning building. It's truly criminal, imho.

From thisismemphis.co:

"Temple Israel is one of the most important religious institutions in Memphis history. Founded in the 1850s by a small group of Jewish families, the congregation grew from modest beginnings into the oldest and largest Jewish congregation in Tennessee and one of the defining voices of Reform Judaism in the South.

Its story is also tied to one of the city’s most recognizable historic buildings: the former Children of Israel synagogue at 1247 Poplar Avenue. Built in 1916, the Byzantine-style structure was designed by Walk C. Jones Sr. and Max Furbringer, with domed towers, a large arched window, and a sanctuary that reportedly seated 1,200 people.

For decades, that building was home to Temple Israel. It was where generations of Memphis Jews worshiped, learned, gathered, and helped shape the civic life of the city. The building included religious school classrooms, an auditorium, and a prominent inscription from Leviticus over the entrance: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

That line matters because Temple Israel’s history was never only about worship. It was also about public life."

Follow the link for more:

https://thisismemphis.co/2026/04/24/temple-israel-memphis-history-rabbi-james-wax/

157 Stonewall, Evergreen Historic District, Memphis. Built in 1913, this stunning, dark brick mansion was designed by the noted architectural firm of Jones & Furbringer. Years ago, it was converted from a single-family residence into four apartments. Now, after surviving visually intact for 113 years, this irreplaceable piece of Memphis architecture has been ruined by a trend.

Another historic building being destroyed with a slap dash paint job at the corner of Poplar and Avalon - in the Evergreen Historic District in Memphis. (1590 Poplar Avenue.) There is no prohibition in the EHD guidelines against painting historic masonry buildings.

The buildings are owned by a company called Cgient Properties LLC. No contact info has been found.

Inexplicable.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DkmNRfJKo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Make it make sense. Circa 1934 Brick Tudor Revival completely transformed in total renovation. That porch though 🫣

Do you prefer the BEFORE or AFTER?

*The former listing did state that the home needed a total renovation. All systems needed replacing. There was no heat. Water could not be turned on due to broken pipes. It was also sold AS-IS and was a cash sale. No excuse for what was done to the exterior though 🫣

📸 Top Image: Coldwell Banker
📸 Bottom Image: Zillow

Follow the link for more information on this disastrous plan. Thanks for sharing, Beth Heller Haraway.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14m4BzzWrEC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Beautiful original unpainted stone and brick for sale in Memphis. A dark trim color would make it even more beautiful.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BMnhy124S/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Memphis 3.0 will destroy the charm, continuity and value of our historic neighborhoods. If you want to preserve Memphis and not see it destroyed by greedy developers and flippers, please sign this petition and share!

https://www.change.org/p/don-t-let-memphis-3-0-sell-out-our-neighborhoods?recruiter=59941453&recruited_by_id=729ad410-ebd7-0130-b930-38ac6f16d25f&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_promote_or_share&utm_medium=copylink&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_490392737_en-US:9&share_id=FrFNdP6S5Z&fbclid=IwRlRTSARM4R1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEecre9fjgKc-kc9aYukn7gWhZmFvf1B53eHsOzDT-leRyiNZML4vE4sYp2g6c_aem_d_9ixJTzD9xzrXa-P3AIcw

Sign the Petition Don’t Let Memphis 3​.​0 Sell Out Our Neighborhoods

Historic charm neutralized. Why not just paint the trim a more harmonious color and improve the landscaping? 930 North Belvedere.