Developments Underway

New Construction Projects Around Town Are Designed With Community In Mind

Written by Candice Baxter Renderings provided by developers

Growth is happening all around. As land and spaces transform, the overall strategy continues to build on the reason people love living in Germantown in the first place: community.

“It really goes back to the structure and dynamics of the way the city has naturally laid itself out,” says Cameron Ross, economic and community development director for the City of Germantown. With a strong retail presence in the center, commercial nodes have formed near the gateways at access points to the north, east, south and west drawing in customers from East Memphis, Collierville and beyond.

Ross uses the metaphor of his grandmother’s gumbo recipe. “Residents are the base, the roux. It’s the most important part, so we strive to give them what they want. If 80 percent of our land use is residential, that leaves roughly three square miles of land.” Ross adds the holy trinity of onions, peppers and celery are like office, retail and mixed-use. “All the while, you have to pay attention, always stirring, and don’t burn the roux.”

Over the next few years, four of the largest new developments will bring hundreds of new homes and dozens of businesses inside the city limits.

Ross says with every new development, local government asks, “How does this affect the people in Germantown and the health of the city to grow in a responsible, sustainable way?”

Glasgow

By far the largest endeavor at 178 acres, Glasgow Planned Development is located on the sloping greens of the former Germantown Country Club. Named for the city on the west side of Scotland in the lowlands, the development was intended from day one to reflect a small English or Scottish village look and feel, especially in regards to landscape and architecture.

Phase I of 150 homes has been approved by the City, with two more phases to follow. A conservation area of 28.3 acres on the northern portion will save 278 mature trees, and an additional 355 native species will be planted.

Farmington-Kimbrough Development Group plans 366 homes in total, one of which will belong to Spence Ray, vice president of McNeil Commercial Real Estate. He met with the home owners’ associations of all 10 surrounding neighborhoods and developed the design around their priorities.

“These people are going to be my neighbors. I’m looking to build community and relationships. Instead of having the golf course in the center with houses all around, green space will buffer the property surrounding homes with a larger natural area,” Ray says.

Like a village, the center will have a common open space to gather, a community pool and pickle ball courts. Ray hopes residents move into the final homes by early 2026.

He is also the developer of Thornwood, which is progressing with two phases of ground-floor retail space, upper level TownePlace Suites hotel and 50 townhomes.

Wilder At Forest Hill

Named after a ranch community in Colorado, the new neighborhood next to Forest Hill Elementary used to be part of the Schaffer property. The main house, sold in a separate tract, remains a private residence soon to be surrounded by neighbors.

“The land sat for sale for eight or nine years because it was zoned residential for one acre lots,” says John Duke, managing partner of Wilder subdivision. “When the school was planned, the precedent was there for a zoning change."

Wilder will consist of 72 lots, most ranging from half to one-third of an acre with 100 feet of road frontage. Eight smaller lots sit near Forest Hill Crossing. With much appreciation from neighbors, Duke made a land swap for the new water tower, originally planned behind the school. “The City needed elevation, and the ridge is highest there by the railroad tracks. It was a win-win.”

In the northeast corner, three and a half acres of mature trees will become a public park. To the south, a path provides access to school grounds off the main road. “That’s something Germantown does well,” says Duke. “People want to raise families in a safe neighborhood where they can walk their kids to school.”

Travure

The name TraVure is a French word for a portable military bridge. “We wanted a seven-letter word that we could own the branding around. For instance, if you type TraVure into Google, we have every listing,” says Brown Gill, vice president of development for Gill Properties. “We also think that TraVure is the bridge between Old Germantown and New Germantown.”

The 10-acre tract was home to a pre-Civil War house owned by the Wills family since 1837. They relocated it a mile away in 2014. Now the land nestled between Poplar Avenue and Poplar Pike near Kirby Road is zoned for mixed use.

The campus layout focuses on wellbeing, making it easy for people to make healthy choices with a state-of-the-art gym, outdoor seating and gathering areas. The first office building, anchored by Mid America Apartments and JP Morgan Chase, features commissioned artwork and modern interiors. A 500-space garage provides ample parking for the Hilton Home2Suites constructed two years ago.

A new three-story building offering 50,000 square feet of retail and office space is currently leasing.

The Standard Germantown

After years in the planning, construction has commenced on the first building of retail space at the former Carrefour property on Germantown’s western border. Mixed-use development The Standard Germantown kicks off plans to add 320 apartments, office, retail, a hotel and 40 luxury condos all incorporated with pockets of green space.

Father-son duo Henry and Nelson Cannon sold the property to a group known as CRE DEVCO Germantown. Prominent local developer Billy Orgel is part of the new group and has been instrumental in redeveloping several historic properties in downtown Memphis.

Project Manager Adam Solvis says, “Re-imagining this site and making it a premier location for people to live and stay and shop, that’s exciting.” No existing buildings will remain on the property, but the last to develop will be the northwest corner to honor current tenant leases.

Change is ever constant. Germantown has positioned itself to keep its robust residential base with good points for access and commercial centers that have more than just an office building. Cameron Ross says, “The idea is to add a ‘third space.’ A gathering place for a sense of community. Not just work. Not just home, but a place to come together.”

Like most busy parents with kids involved in sports and activities, Roberto and Delia Nuñez strive to make time for date night. He’s retired from the military and works for a Fortune 500 company. She teaches preschool part-time at a local church. Their two girls are just old enough to stay home alone, so the Nuñezes want to keep close while still having a fancy night out.

With dinner reservations no later than 6 p.m. for an 8 o’clock show at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, they have time to enjoy each other’s company over a few courses before curtain.

When it comes to choosing a local fine dining experience, they have several options.

Written by Candice Baxter

Limelight

On Poplar Pike across from Germantown High School, Limelight is the newest upscale restaurant in town, named for the hydrangeas planted around the former home. A quaint dinner-only spot where Southern hospitality meets mid-century modern, it’s the latest concept from Wolf River Hospitality Group.

The chef-driven menu changes with the seasons, as does the massive life-like tree designed and decorated by John Mark Sharpe as the focal point of the main dining room. The bar and community table down the center seat walk-ins while the cozy velvet booths and tables require reservations.

For a fun start to the evening, smoke wafts from Sex in the Suburbs, a hibiscus spin on the classic cosmopolitan with brut bubbles and a singed rosemary aromatic. The bolder Nutty Professor, this season’s old fashioned, has hints of almond and hazelnut garnished with an orange peel.

Served with the Wagyu flat-iron steak, the potatoes are cooked confit with the beef fat from Wolf River Brisket. The scallops are pan-seared to perfect doneness with a mix of brussels sprout leaves, house peppers, honeycrisp apple and a sprinkling of trout roe caviar.

Moondance Grill

Only steps away from the show, Moondance in Thornwood has a view of GPAC from the windows near the oversized bar and baby grand piano. Named for the marvelous night in a Van Morrison song, the high-end casual restaurant welcomes with a warm fire, arched walkways and a variety of rich wood finishes.

The main dining room holds generous booths, while a few tables in a smaller room make for a more intimate atmosphere. Note the dress code of collared shirts for men and non-provocative clothing for women. Moondance is also open for lunch and brunch on Sundays.

On the cocktail menu, bubbles bring out the flavor of fresh berries in the colorfully layered Empress of Germantown while the Dark Side of the Moon is an espresso martini traced with chocolate.

Known for straight-forward steaks and seafood, the menu feels approachable with house specialties like shrimp and grits in a rich red roux topped with mushrooms, chorizo and peppers. The lemon caper chicken balances a smooth cream sauce and angel hair pasta with a few cherry tomatoes for a finish with just enough tang.

After dinner, the Nuñezes have plenty of time to call the kids, leave their car parked and stroll across the street to GPAC’s main stage, Duncan Williams Performance Hall.

Southern Social

If time allows, next to the train depot in Old Germantown lies the perfect stop for a nightcap. A trusted favorite with complimentary valet parking, Southern Social has the most extensive bourbon menu in town, in addition to awardwinning wines, offered in curated flights of three.

The white tablecloth fine dining restaurant serves dinner only, seven days a week with the same top-tier service recognizable at Memphis sister restaurants like Flight and Coastal Fish Company.

From the specialty cocktail list, the refreshing Pimm's Cup is light and muddled strawberry sweet, but the Ring of Fire made with citrus juices and ghost pepper tequila favors tart lemonade with a spicy kick on the backend.

The couple laughs in the warm glow of the backlit bar, and after a final toast to the evening, they make it home in time to put the kids to bed. ■

Brunch And A Matinee

For all the second-shifters working in hospitals and public service looking to date in the daylight, try Sunday brunch and an afternoon comedy. Most weekends in March, within walking distance from neighborhood fixture Forest Hill Grill, the Germantown Community Theatre is performing Spamalot, the musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Forest Hill Grill

For food of elevated caliber without the pomp, they call it a sausage and cheese plate instead of a charcuterie board, Forest Hill Grill is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. All local beers on tap, the full-service bar offers a housemade bloody Mary mix and spice blend. The heaping brunch platter is big enough to share, omelets are made to order and pair well with the Original Grit Girl sweet potato grits drizzled in warm maple syrup.

As for the rest of the week, it’s usually packed every Monday for six-dollar burgers, and friends are likely to run into one another at happy hour. But on a Saturday night date, spring for the prime rib. It always sells out.

The City of Germantown presents special events throughout the year. Events are FREE unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact Ashley Horobetz at (901) 757-7379 or AHorobetz@Germantown-TN.gov. In the event of inclement weather, call (901) 751-5669 for details on event status. For the most up-to-date event information, visit Germantown-TN.gov/Calendar.

Cars And Coffee

SATURDAYS, JANUARY 28, FEBRUARY 25, MARCH 25, APRIL 22, 8 TO 10 A.M.

GPAC parking lot, 1801 Exeter Road

Cars and Coffee is celebrated nationwide in most major cities. It is an event in which people can come together to display their cars or just to look at cars. Cars and Coffee takes place in Germantown on the fourth Saturday of each month in the parking lot of GPAC. This family-friendly event is free to attend. All types and ages of cars are welcome. Free coffee and donuts are also available courtesy of the Germantown Kiwanis Club.

Adult Valentine Dance

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 7 TO 9:30 P.M.

Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike

Fee: $15 per person

Dance the night away to favorite 50s and 60s tunes as Alex Ward and his Pig and Whistle Show provide recordspinning entertainment. Soft drinks and appetizers are served. Alcohol is prohibited. Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Parks and Recreation office, 2276 West Street.

Arbor Day Dogwood Tree Giveaway

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 9 TO 11 A.M.

Germantown Crossing shopping center, Farmington Boulevard at Germantown Road

Celebrate Germantown’s Tree City USA status by planting a tree. Dogwoods and native tree seedlings will be available. All seedlings are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and available free to residents who show proof of residency with a utility bill or valid driver's license. Information about the varieties of trees will be made available on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The event is sponsored by the Germantown Beautification Commission and Tree Board. The rain date is scheduled on Saturday, March 4.

GERMANTOWN HALF MARATHON AND MAYOR'S CUP 5K

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Wolf River Nature Area (East), 8040 Wolf River Boulevard

To register for both races, visit GermantownHalfMarathon.com.

AFTER-DARK EGG HUNT

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

Egg hunts at 8 p.m.

Cameron Brown Park, 8628 Farmington Boulevard

Ages: 7 to 12 years

Eggs are filled with candy and prizes are awarded. Bring a flashlight and bag to collect goodies. Rain date is Tuesday, April 4

Eggstravaganza

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Games and activities begin at 9 a.m.

Cameron Brown Park, 8628 Farmington Boulevard

Egg Hunts:

9 a.m. Ages 2 and under (parents allowed) (check in starts at 8:45 a.m.)

10 a.m. Ages 3 to 4 years (check-in starts at 9:45 a.m.)

11 a.m. Ages 5 to 6 years (check-in starts at 10:45 a.m.)

Noon Ages 7 to 8 years (check-in starts at 11:45 a.m.)

Registration: There will be limited capacity for each age group therefore pre-registration is required. To participate, you MUST register online at Germantown-TN.gov/Registration.

Deadline for registration is Thursday, March 30.

Hop on over and have some fun, look for eggs, each and every one. Little ones can enjoy games and activities and age-divided egg hunts with prizes. Meet the Easter Bunny and find candy filled eggs. Don’t forget a basket. Rain date is Tuesday, April 4.

Battle Of The Brains

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 9 A.M.

Houston High School, 9755 Wolf River Boulevard

The public is invited to attend the Germantown Education Commission’s Battle of the Brains competition. Battle of the Brains provides a competitive playing field for groups of students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). During the competition, students present their methodology and findings to university professors chosen for their expertise in the project field. Winners receive substantial cash prizes, with members of the first place team receiving $300 each. In addition to generous cash prizes, members of the winning team have their names added to the coveted Einstein Trophy. For more information, visit Germantown-TN.gov/Battle.

BLUEBIRD NATURE FEST AND CRAWFISH BOIL

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, NOON TO 3 P.M.

Bobby Lanier Farm Park, 2660 Cross Country Drive

Fee: $25 all-you-can-eat crawfish

Pre-registration is required. Deadline to reserve a plate is Tuesday, April 18.

Join us for the second annual Bluebird Nature Fest and Crawfish Boil as we celebrate springtime in Germantown! This event will showcase the Eastern Bluebird and highlight the conservation efforts the City of Germantown has made to protect this species. To celebrate the official bird of Germantown, please join us at one of Germantown’s most adored parks which is home to many Bluebird nesting boxes. This event will feature interactive activities for people of all ages, all-you-can-eat crawfish for those that preregister and live music. The crawfish boil is sponsored by the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce. Pre-registration is required for those that plan to eat crawfish. To register online visit Germantown-TN. gov/Registration by Tuesday, April 18 for all-you-caneat crawfish. Attendees will be able to pick-up their wristband for crawfish at the event. There will be no on-site reservations for crawfish.

Germantown Education Foundation Run For Education

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

You can choose to participate in a timed 5K or a family friendly one-mile color run. Proceeds collected from the GEF Run for Education will go back to Germantown Municipal School District schools. For more information or to register, visit GEFrun2023.raceroster.com.

Neighborhood Summit

TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 5:30 TO 8 P.M.

The Great Hall & Conference Center, 1900 South Germantown Road

Germantown residents from more than 75 neighborhoods will gather to celebrate, share ideas and learn more about the City and its local businesses. This year’s theme is “There's No Place Like Home.” Per annual summit tradition, the event will feature keynote speakers, a local business expo, door prizes and tons of fun.

50+ GROUP

Retirees and working adults can join in the fun with the Germantown 50+ Group. All activities take place at the Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact Senior Programs Coordinator Sheri Bancroft (901) 751-5652 or SBancroft@Germantown-TN.gov.

ENEWSLETTER

Call the Parks and Recreation office at (901) 757-7375 to sign up to receive an all-new email newsletter and get the latest information about events and classes.

SENIOR SEMINAR

TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 10 A.M. TO NOON

Bobby Lanier Farm Park, 2660 Cross Country Drive

This free event is hosted by the Germantown Senior Advisory Commission. Attendance is limited to 100. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by Friday, April 14, by calling (901) 7577375. Guest speakers and special guests will be announced at a later date.

Regularly Scheduled Activities

MIXED MEDIA ARTISTS AND MEXICAN TRAIN “DOMINOES”

MONDAYS, 9 TO 11:15 A.M.

Fee: $15 punch card for five sessions

LINE DANCE USA

MONDAYS, 11:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Fee: $15 punch card for five sessions

Instructor: Answorth Robinson

Improve coordination, memory and energy level. Learning a variety of country and western, soul and Latin line dances is easy and fun. Beginner dances are taught during the first hour. Intermediate dances are taught the last half-hour.

SOCIAL BRIDGE AND MAHJONG

TUESDAYS, 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Fee: $15 punch card for five sessions

A partner is not necessary.

ACBL SANCTIONED GERMANTOWN BRIDGE CLUB

WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, 10 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.

Fee: $6 (Cash or checks made out to the City of Germantown)

Bring a partner. For more information, contact Germantown Bridge Director Diane Dillman at (817) 291-8462 or D1955g@aol.com.

CHAIR ONE FITNESS

FRIDAYS, 11:30 A.M TO 12:15 P.M.

Fee: $15 punch card for five sessions

Instructor: Answorth Robinson

This program is a comprehensive chairbased dance fitness program created for individuals who have complications standing during a fitness regimen. It is designed to keep individuals mobile to ensure they remain progressive in daily function and/or recovery. This program delivers a fun, musically driven, interactive, full body workout that uplifts people through dance and fitness movements.

In partnership with Creative Aging, each session is led by talented local artists. Creativity enhances one’s sense of control, offers social engagement, enhances physical and mental functioning, and improves attitude. All sessions are free and take place at the Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required due to limited seating and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, call the Parks and Recreation office at (901) 7577375 or at (901) 757-7376.

Ceramics Workshop

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2 TO 4 P.M.

Instructor: Adam Loeffel

Learn basic clay hand building techniques, including smoothing clay, adding texture to clay, cutting and arranging clay pieces into a mold, or focus on painting finished pottery pieces. Participants take home their final project.

TAP DANCE LESSONS WITH COLLAGE DANCE COLLECTIVE

THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16 AND 23, 11 A.M. TO NOON

Germantown Community Theatre, 3037 Forest Hill Irene Road

Instructor: Danielle Pierce, Collage Dance Collective

In this high-energy weekly tap program, participants learn the fundamentals of rhythm tap, tap terminology and short combinations to prepare them for intermediate and advanced study. The program will focus on strengthening musicality, rhythm, timing, speed and coordination. Participants learn how to hear and interpret music in a more advanced way through combinations that employ syncopation and dynamics. Participants also learn the history of tap, one of the oldest American forms of dance that dates back to the mid-1800s and has significant roots in the African American experience. Participants must supply their own tap shoes.