St. Jude invests in more downtown Memphis properties

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has purchased land in the Pinch District to expand its campus.

St. Jude announced on Wednesday that they have acquired 23 parcels of land on Main Street, Front Street and other Pinch District streets that were formerly owned by companies operated by New York-based developer Tom Intrator.

The non-profit says it is far too early to know exactly what the property will be used for, but they are excited to keep adding onto one of the largest economic development initiatives in Memphis history.

“We’ll be good neighbors along the way – maintaining its appearance well, supporting small businesses and growth, and exploring how we can work with the community to grow the Pinch District and make it an asset to our city’s continuing renaissance,” said St. Jude in a press release.

The investment means more “good-paying” jobs for over 2,500 Memphians by the end of the decade, according to St. Jude.

“This continued investment in Memphis demonstrates our optimism in the future of our city and signifies growth – not merely of our campus, but of how our mission works to treat and defeat childhood cancer across the globe,” they said.

St. Jude says the expansion is made possible by 11 million supporters who have “made this mission a movement.”

“We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than St. Jude to purchase these properties and hopefully bring extra life to the district,” said Hayes McPherson, co-owner of Comeback Coffee.

One of the 23 parcels of land St. Jude has acquired in the area sits right next door to Comeback Coffee.

While the non-profit says it is too early to know exactly how the property will be used, they are excited to keep adding to one of the largest economic development initiatives in Memphis history.

“The previous owners of the lots purchased everything and presented these really big plans all that stalled, and there was a little bit of hopelessness,” said McPherson.

Intrator had proposed a $1.1 billion development in the Pinch District , but it never materialized.

McPherson says hope has returned even though promises fell flat.

In recent years, the research hospital has continued growing the campus through multiple projects and expansions.

“St Jude does complete projects when they set their mind to something,” said McPherson. “They definitely go out and make it happen so just knowing that is enough for us to feel encouraged.”

Currently, the hospital is building two 15-story buildings dedicated to patient care and clinical research, which will cost over $1 billion. In 2023, St. Jude opened The Domino’s Village – a $110 million patient and family housing facility.

Last year, they also opened a 45,000-square-foot Family Commons, which is used as a clinical-free haven for patients and families. And in 2021, the hospital opened the 625,000-square-foot, $412 million Inspiration4 Advanced Research Center.

“I hope you’re as excited as I am for what this means for sick kids around the world, and for our neighbors in Memphis,” said President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “I believe deeply in our city and its future.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.