Walk through the front doors of Crosstown Concourse and you step into the bones of a 1927 Memphis institution that refused to disappear. The Sears building sprawls across an entire block in the Crosstown neighborhood, all art deco bones and soaring ceilings, now humming with a mix of independent businesses, makers, and community events. The building carries the weight of decades but also the energy of something being actively rebuilt by people who choose to work here. You move through corridors that feel part museum, part active workspace, where a woodworking studio sits next to a fitness studio, and a coffee roaster operates steps away from artist lofts.

Why this place matters

Crosstown Concourse represents one of the largest adaptive reuse projects in Memphis history. The building was designed as a Sears distribution hub during the company's retail dominance, and it became a symbol of decline when Sears pulled out decades later. Rather than sit empty or get demolished, the structure was acquired and reimagined as a mixed-use space anchored by local entrepreneurs and artists. The project has become central to the revitalization of the Crosstown neighborhood itself.

The space functions less as a single destination and more as a platform for dozens of independent operators. You'll find it hosting everything from art exhibitions to live music, maker markets to community meetings. It draws locals as much as visitors, which gives it an authenticity many polished attractions lack.

Quick facts

• Built in 1927 as a Sears distribution center
• Occupies 535,000 square feet across an entire city block
• Houses over 100 independent businesses and creative spaces
• Located in the Crosstown neighborhood, roughly 3 miles east of downtown Memphis
• No single admission fee; most individual businesses and events charge separately
• Open daily with varying hours depending on individual tenants

Getting there

Crosstown Concourse sits on Concourse Avenue in the Crosstown neighborhood. If you're driving from downtown Memphis, head east on Madison Avenue for about 15 minutes. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building and on surrounding streets. The building is accessible by local bus routes, though it's not immediately adjacent to major transit hubs.

The main entrance faces Concourse Avenue. Once inside, you'll see directional signage pointing toward the various businesses and exhibition spaces, though the layout rewards a bit of wandering.

The layout and experience

The building's scale is part of its appeal. You're not moving through a small, curated space but rather a sprawling structure with multiple corridors, levels, and alcoves. The art deco architecture is visible in the bones of the building, from the high ceilings to the original window frames and support columns. Much of the interior has been updated, but the structure itself feels substantial in a way newer buildings rarely do.

The ground floor contains most of the retail and food-focused tenants. You'll find coffee roasters, restaurants, and shops here. As you move deeper into the building, you encounter artist studios, performance spaces, and event venues. The upper floors house creative offices and lofts.

Movement through the building is intuitive but not obvious. There's a rhythm to discovering spaces, which means the experience shifts depending on whether you arrive with a specific destination or you're exploring. Many people spend an afternoon drifting between businesses, grabbing food, browsing, and catching unexpected events.

Main highlights

Crosstown Concourse doesn't have a single "main attraction" in the traditional sense. Instead, it operates as a collection of independent venues and businesses. On any given visit, you might encounter a local art exhibition, a live music performance, a maker market, or simply the quiet rhythm of people working in studios.

The building itself is the draw. The architecture, the scale, the sense of a structure being actively reimagined and used by the community all create an atmosphere you can't replicate in a purpose-built entertainment venue. If you're interested in adaptive reuse, urban revitalization, or simply how communities rebuild spaces, the project speaks for itself.

Various tenants operate cafes, restaurants, and food vendors throughout the building. Check what's operating on the day you visit, as the mix of businesses evolves.

History and background

The building opened in 1927 as a Sears distribution center during the height of the company's retail expansion. Sears was one of the largest employers in Memphis at the time, and the distribution network was essential to the company's ability to supply stores across the region. The building was a marvel of industrial design for its era, with systems built to move merchandise efficiently through the massive space.

As Sears declined over subsequent decades, so did the building's role. By the early 2000s, the structure sat largely vacant, a reminder of an era of retail dominance that had ended. In 2013, the building was acquired with the intent to reimagine it. Rather than demolish it or convert it into generic office space, the developers chose to encourage independent operators and creative businesses to take root.

The result is something genuinely different in the Memphis landscape. The project has become tied to the broader revitalization of the Crosstown neighborhood, which has seen growing investment in independent restaurants, shops, and creative ventures.

Best time to visit

Crosstown Concourse operates year-round, and the experience doesn't depend heavily on season in the way an outdoor attraction might. The building is climate-controlled, so weather is less of a factor.

Weekends tend to draw larger crowds, particularly in the morning when people are moving through for coffee and breakfast. If you prefer a quieter experience, weekday mornings or early afternoons often feel less busy. Check ahead for announced events, markets, or exhibitions that might draw extra visitors on specific days.

The building tends to feel most alive during business hours, roughly 7am to 6pm for most tenants, though some stay open later depending on events.

Facilities and preparation

The building contains restrooms, and most food vendors have seating areas. It's climate-controlled throughout, so you can spend hours here comfortably regardless of the season.

Wear comfortable shoes. The building is large, and exploring it thoroughly means covering significant ground. The corridors and layout are navigable, but there's no elevator to every space, so some areas require stairs.

Bring cash if you plan to visit multiple vendors, though many businesses accept cards. Some events or vendor stalls may be cash-only.

Combining with nearby attractions

Crosstown Concourse sits in the heart of the Crosstown neighborhood, which has become a destination in its own right. The area around the building contains independent restaurants, shops, and galleries that complement the experience inside the Concourse.

If you're spending time in this part of Memphis, you can easily spend a half day exploring the neighborhood beyond the building. The area is walkable, though distances between destinations can be significant depending on where you start.

Practical tips

• Arrive without a rigid agenda if possible. The building rewards exploration and serendipitous discovery.
• Check the building's website or social media before visiting to see if specific events or exhibitions are scheduled.
• The building can feel quiet on some days and bustling on others. If you prefer atmosphere and activity, aim for mid-morning or late afternoon on weekends.
• Parking is available, but arrive early on busy days to secure a spot close to the entrance.
• Some businesses have limited hours or are closed on specific days. If you're looking for something specific, verify hours before your visit.
• The building is actively used by creative professionals and businesses, so you may encounter people working or conducting business. Respect studio spaces and be mindful of commercial operations.

FAQ

Is there an admission fee to enter Crosstown Concourse? No. The building is open to the public at no charge. Individual businesses and events may charge separately for their services or offerings.

What should I expect to find inside? A mix of independent businesses including cafes, restaurants, artist studios, retail shops, and event spaces. The specific mix varies, and new tenants continue to move in.

How long should I plan to spend here? That depends on your interest level. You can grab coffee and browse in an hour, or spend a half day exploring studios, attending an event, and eating lunch.

Is the building accessible for people with mobility challenges? Most of the ground floor and main corridors are accessible, though some areas require stairs or navigating uneven terrain. Call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs.

Can I bring a group or organize an event here? Crosstown Concourse hosts private events and group activities. Contact the management directly to discuss your specific needs.