2013: Norah Jones was a surprise guest at a Levitt Shell concert by Cory Chisel and the Wild Rovers Tour.

1984: The Center City Commission reported $450 million in construction Downtown since 1976, counting public as well as private financing. The construction boom included the Memphis Plaza Hotel, Morgan Keegan Tower and the Scimitar Building.

2. Low Home Sales Yield Slow Job Growth - Wednesday, October 20, 2010

As the unemployment rate for the construction industry climbed to 17.2 percent in September, local construction experts say the residential numbers are a direct reflection of sales activity.

The construction industry lost 21,000 jobs in September, and over the past 12 months, the industry has lost 210,000 jobs, according to the most recent employment report by the U.S. Department of Labor.

3. Homebuilding Shows Slight Improvement - Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Memphis area homebuilders agree that business is looking up, but they also agree that a complete recovery will be slow in coming.

Local builders filed 725 permits between September 2009 and August 2010, according to the latest data from real estate information company Chandler Reports, www.chandlerreports.com.

4. Bobbi Gillis Chosen to Lead CCC Board - Tuesday, July 6, 2010

On the heels of the Center City Commission landing a new president, the Downtown development agency has added more new blood to its leadership with the selection of a new chairman for its board of directors.

5. Local Homebuilding Numbers Still Depressed - Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Shelby County homebuilders continue chipping away at inventory by selling more homes than they start, but the industry remains mired in a slump as new home sales and permits hover at record lows.

Homebuilders sold 53 homes in Shelby County in July, a 57.9 percent dip from 126 homes sold in July 2008 and a 34.6 percent dip from 81 homes sold in June, according to the latest data from real estate information company Chandler Reports, www.chandlerreports.com.

6. Q2 Building Permits Continue Downward Trend - Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The homebuilding industry in the mid-2000s distinguished itself through a record-setting pace – each year it seemingly topped the previous one in terms of housing starts.

Now, the converse of that is true as builders consistently set new lows because of the ongoing housing crunch and credit crisis.

7. Riviana Continues Work On Rice Processing/Distribution Plant - Tuesday, June 16, 2009

2371 Prospect St.
Memphis, TN 38106
Permit Amount: $3.5 Million

Project Cost: $67 million
Permit Date: Applied June 2009
Completion: 2010
Owner: Riviana Foods Inc.
Tenant: Riviana Foods Inc.
Contractor: Linkous Construction Co. Inc.

8. MAHBA Mothballs First-Time Buyer Program - Tuesday, June 16, 2009

As if builders didn’t have enough headaches, a new program launched last month by the Memphis Area Home Builders Association to increase home sales had to be scrapped because of a legality.

Don Glays and Stephen Hodgkins, MAHBA executive director and president, respectively, said a program in which the trade association would lend $8,000 of down payment money to homebuyers and recoup the money through the federal tax credit was rejected by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

9. FaxonGillis Files $3M Loan for 29 Homes - Thursday, June 11, 2009

FaxonGillis Homes Inc. has filed a $3 million construction loan through SunTrust Bank as a refinance of 29 homes in two neighborhoods, Southern Heights Subdivision in Westwood and Riverwood Farms Planned Development in Cordova. The loan was dated June 5.

10. Fewer Permits Hint at Building Correction - Monday, December 8, 2008

Shelby County’s homebuilders are doing what they can to reduce inventory, as their sales have outpaced starts for the fifth quarter in a row, a key indicator for housing recovery.

But new home supply remains high in Shelby County, meaning builders will need to continue those efforts – perhaps even ramp them up – before the market bottoms out and starts its upward climb.

11. Q3 Building Permits Plummet - Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Listen to homebuilders’ language and it’s easy to discern their problems. Instead of using terms such as “expanding operations” and “ramping up production” – as they did a few years ago – builders now resort to phrases like “hunkering down” and “scaling back.”

12. Condo Development Beats Odds, Works for Downtown - Thursday, August 21, 2008

At the corner of Carolina and Kansas streets in Downtown’s booming South End residential community, the finish line is in sight.

That’s where FaxonGillis developed Carolina Lofts, a 72-unit condominium and townhouse development for which sales were opened in August 2006. Two years later, and after the onset of disruptions in the real estate market and the fallout of a broad credit crunch, all the units except one have been sold.

13. Building Permits Down 72 Percent in Q2 - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

If the county’s new subdivisions sound quieter than usual – free from the cacophony of summer construction – look no further than the most recent data showing how housing starts have come to a screeching halt.

14. Banks Remain Top Home Sellers in Local Market - Friday, March 14, 2008

The list of Shelby County's top residential sellers for February was once again highlighted by banks and trust companies - not homebuilders - extending a trend that sprouted last year in the wake of rising foreclosures.

15. Vintage Homes, FaxonGillisConsolidate by Trading Lots - Friday, February 8, 2008
     Vintage Homes LLC and FaxonGillis Homes Inc. are consolidating their work in two closely placed subdivisions in what amounts to trading lots.
     Vintage bought 20 lots in Richwood Hills Pla

16. Down Time - Wednesday, January 16, 2008

It was the year the Cordova headquarters of Shelby County's largest homebuilder was foreclosed and sold at auction.

Yet 2007 was the same year that four homebuilders broke ground on the massive six-phase Villages at White Oaks development near Arlington.

17. Numbers Confirm That '07 Construction Went From High-Octane to Running on Fumes - Monday, December 17, 2007

As president of one of Memphis' largest homebuilders and a 35-year industry veteran, Jerry Gillis of FaxonGillis Homes had no trouble summing up construction activity during the past year: "It started out with a bang and ended with a whimper." Indeed it did.

18. Slippery Slope - Tuesday, October 9, 2007

For numerous homebuilders, the Mid-South Parade of Homes can't come soon enough.

As home sales continue to slide, the buzz created by the debut of this four-county, 161-home bonanza - with its wide variety of builders, locales and price points - could be the shot in the arm that many companies need to finish the year strong.

19. FaxonGillis NamedBest Place to Work - Friday, August 24, 2007
     FaxonGillis Homes of Cordova was ranked the best workplace in America by Professional Builder magazine. The award was announced in the magazine's August issue.
     "It was a surprise and an

20. Down But Not Out - Wednesday, July 11, 2007

When reached by cell phone while traveling in Florida last week, Jerry Gillis was asked to comment on the sharp decline in Shelby County residential building permits during second quarter 2007.

Gillis, president of FaxonGillis Homes and a 35-year industry veteran, wasn't overly concerned about the downward spiral that resulted in 56.9 percent fewer permits filed between April 1 and June 30 than in the same period last year, according to Chandler Reports, www.chandlerreports.com.

21. Sam Davidson NamedPresident of FaxonGillis - Wednesday, February 7, 2007
     Jerry Gillis, president and CEO of FaxonGillis Homes, announced Tuesday that Sam Davidson has moved into the roles of president and chief operating officer at FaxonGillis. Davidson has been in the homebuilding industry f

22. Total Building Permits Down - Wednesday, October 11, 2006

The Bill Morris Parkway corridor soon will be home to a new luxury car dealership.

The Bluff City Jaguar-Land Rover on Quince Road should be open by the first of 2007, said Harrell Schaeffer, who owns it.

23. Total Building Permits Down - Wednesday, October 11, 2006

The Bill Morris Parkway corridor soon will be home to a new luxury car dealership.

The Bluff City Jaguar-Land Rover on Quince Road should be open by the first of 2007, said Harrell Schaeffer, who owns it.

24. On the Way Down - Wednesday, April 12, 2006

A number of notable building permits have been filed in the Memphis area during 2006's first quarter.

The State of Tennessee filed a $23 million permit for property at 951 Court Ave. in March and is planning to build the new Memphis Mental Health Institute on the site, said John Hundley of TRO, the project's architect.

25. '05 Construction Activity Steady in Shelby - Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Despite all the hype that outlying counties are more attractive to homebuyers because of property taxes in Memphis, cutbacks on city services and local politics, new home construction appears to be moving at a steady clip.

26. Construction Sees Third Quarter Dip - Wednesday, October 26, 2005

For Shelby County government, it's as if the charge account is maxed out.

After years of routinely saying 'yes' to new residential developments - borrowing millions to build new roads, schools and sewer to accommodate them - county leaders are now taking a hard look at what it will take to keep uncontrolled growth from swallowing what's left of Shelby County.

27. Construction Sees Second Quarter Decline - Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Second quarter building activity saw a slight decrease this year compared with the same period in the past two years, according to The Daily News Online, www.memphis
dailynews.com.

The total number of permits filed in second quarter 2005 was 2,919, down slightly from the 3,083 filed in second quarter 2004 and 3,318 in second quarter 2003.

28. Archived Article: Real - Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Summer Residential Real Estate Forecast

Mortgage Rates, Gas Prices Affect Home Sales

TERRE GORHAM

The Daily News

Forecasting and predicting are a tricky business, an inexact science based on trends, expertise and gut feel. With home sale...

29. Archived Article: Lead - Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Building Activity Slowed During First Quarter

Construction Slows in First Quarter

More building activity moves across county lines

LANCE ALLAN

The Daily News

After multiple quarters of rapid growth, construction activity in Shelby Cou...

30. Archived Article: Lead - Friday, January 7, 2005
Downtowns Claridge House Readies for Condos

Claridge House Up for Condo Conversion

Property targets second-home buyers, Downtown workers

LANCE ALLAN

The Daily News

Homebuyers shopping for a Downtown residence soon will have yet anothe...

31. Archived Article: Real - Tuesday, January 4, 2005
Home Building Outlook is Strong

Home Builders Ready for Another Strong Year

LANCE ALLAN

The Daily News

Last year was a good year for the home building industry in Metro Memphis, and the boom should continue into 2005, especially if the f...

32. Archived Article: Lead - Wednesday, November 24, 2004
By Amy Oliver

Uptown Replaces Blight With Beauty

Newest project in area renaissance nears completion

AMY OLIVER

The Daily News

Development in a once-blighted community in Downtown Memphis is transforming the neighborhoods there into s...

33. Archived Article: Lead - Monday, November 22, 2004
Townhouse Project Adds to Growing Downtown Area

Townhomes Add to Growing South End

Downtown community becomes hotspot for development

LANCE ALLAN

The Daily News

Construction has begun on a residential project that will bring 12 new to...

34. Archived Article: Condos (lead) - Friday, October 8, 2004
New condo development in South Downtown

FaxonGillis Plans Downtown Condos

Carolina Lofts to bring new life to former industrial area

AMY OLIVER

The Daily News

In the 1920s, Downtowns South Main District was booming with trade. Today, ...

35. Archived Article: Real Recap - Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Recap has nine entries so far because I dont have a feature interview yet

FaxonGillis Prepares to Start Downtown Condos

2.58 acres near

Carolina Avenue

Cost: $8 million

Borrower: FaxonGillis Inc.

Lender: National Bank of Commerce <...

36. Archived Article: Special Report2 - Tuesday, May 18, 2004
New home construction pushes outwardly

Residential Growth Pushes Outward

More developers eye Fayette County for new home sites

ANDREW BELL

The Daily News

Shelby County residential construction continued at a robust pace during first q...

37. Archived Article: Spcl Report (lead) - Monday, January 26, 2004
Real lead

Rates Drive 03 Real Estate Growth

The Daily News sees continued momentum in 04

LANCE ALLAN

The Daily News

The Memphis real estate market saw heavy activity in 2003, as warranty deed transactions increased by 17 percent, acco...

38. Archived Article: Potter's (lead) - Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Potters Lofts to propel S Main

Potters Lofts to propel S. Main residential growth

By ANDREW BELL

The Daily News

Buzzsaws, paint cans and shovels are obvious indicators of ballooning interest to live in Downtowns South Main Street Histori...

39. Archived Article: Habitat (lead) - Friday, June 28, 2002
MAHBA begins Habitat house in Uptown

MAHBA begins Uptown Habitat house

By SUE PEASE

The Daily News

In a unique partnership twist, the Memphis Area Home Builders Association is taking on a Habitat for Humanity house in Uptown by completin...

40. Archived Article: Real Focus - Tuesday, January 22, 2002
A Message from the Memphis Area Home Builders Association MAHBA plans to build on past success By PHIL CHAMBERLAIN Special to The Daily News As the 2002 Memphis Area Home Builders Associations president, I would like to share our history and our pla...

41. Archived Article: Downtown (lead) - Monday, November 26, 2001
By JENNIFER MURLEY

Downtown struts its stuff in home tour

By JENNIFER MURLEY

The Daily News

As Downtown Memphis becomes an increasing credible place to live, work and play, residents within the community are eagerly embracing the chance ...

42. Archived Article: Real Briefs - Tuesday, November 20, 2001
Downtown Neighborhood Association will host its fifth annual Downtown Home Tour featuring a variety of seven new and renovated

Downtown Neighborhood Association will host its fifth annual Downtown Home Tour from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 2, featurin...

43. Archived Article: Lucb (lead) - Thursday, March 8, 2001
The burgeoning Lemoyne Gardens district dominates Thursdays Land Use Control Board Meeting with application requests pending LUCB projects highlight LeMoyne-Owen area By JENNIFER MURLEY The Daily News The burgeoning LeMoyne Gardens district is takin...

44. Archived Article: Real Review Lj - Tuesday, August 22, 2000
Home values in the Memphis area continued to strengthen for the fourth month in a row, according to the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Home sale prices remain strong, MAAR reports Home values in the Memphis area continued to strengthen for the...

45. Archived Article: Real Focus (aging) - Tuesday, May 16, 2000
By LAURIE JOHNSON Home designers, builders planning for aging buyers By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau projections, several upcoming demographic shifts are expected to throw a few twists and turns into tradi...

46. Archived Article: Habitat (lead) - Tuesday, May 2, 2000
By Stacey Wiedower Top hat, steel toes required for Habitat gala By Stacey Wiedower The Daily News Grab a hard hat and a bow tie and head over to the event with the most unique dress code in MemphisHabitat for Humanitys second annual Housewarming Ga...

47. Archived Article: Real Briefs - Tuesday, November 30, 1999
The 1999 Memphis Area Home Builders Association BUILDPAC reception will be from 5:30 p The 1999 Memphis Area Home Builders Association BUILDPAC reception is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the South Bluffs home of Jerry and Bobbi G...

48. Archived Article: Housing Starts - Friday, April 30, 1999
Housing starts are slightly down in Memphis and Shelby County going into the new year, compared to the same period a year ago, with unpredictable weather cited as the major factor, according to area builders Home starts, sales slow slightly in first...

49. Archived Article: Builders (lead) - Wednesday, July 29, 1998
By STACEY PETSCHAUER Home building steady in first half of 1998 By STACEY PETSCHAUER The Daily News The home building market remained steady in the first half of 1998 compared with the same period in 1997, but area builders are giving this years mar...

50. Archived Article: 1st Qrt Home Starts Lj - Thursday, April 16, 1998
By LAURIE JOHNSON Home starts increase during first quarter Low interest rates and a strong economy have fueled sales By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News Shelby County housing starts increased 51 percent during the first quarter of 1998, with 1,028 sin...

51. Archived Article: Back - Tuesday, December 16, 1997
Home builders association Home builders association honors seven members The Memphis Area Home Builders Association recently honored seven members for outstanding contributions to the association and industry in 1997. Ron Belz of Belz Enterprises wa...

52. Archived Article: Real Briefs - Tuesday, October 7, 1997
Several Memphis Realtors received honors at the Tennessee Association of Realtors recent convention Several Memphis Realtors received honors at the Tennessee Association of Realtors recent convention. Bobbi S. Gillis, co-owner and principal broker o...

53. Archived Article: Real Fcs (buy V Build) Lj - Tuesday, July 1, 1997
By LAURIE JOHNSON Buying vs. building The widening gap between new and existing home prices may be encouraging more home buyers to consider previously owned properties By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News A young couple recently decided to build what th...

54. Archived Article: Real Fcs (grays Creek) Lj - Tuesday, March 25, 1997
lj 10/5 cates The new frontier Construction is ahead of schedule for sewer extension into Grays Creek Basin By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News Over the past several years, builders have been able to only dream about development possibilities in the Gr...

55. Archived Article: Home Starts Chg - Friday, January 17, 1997
By CAMILLE H Memphis housing starts down slightly for 1996 By CAMILLE H. GAMBLE The Daily News Housing starts were down slightly in Shelby County in 1996 with 3,292 building permits filed for single-family new construction, compared to 3,412 in 1995...

56. Archived Article: Standout Gillis Lj - Friday, November 22, 1996
lj 10/5 cates Building up speed Memphis builder Jerry Gillis crowned 1996 Shelby Pro Series Champion By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News When executives take some time off, many relax by pursuing their favorite sport perhaps hunting or fishing for thos...

57. Archived Article: Real Fcs Hbam Lj - Tuesday, October 22, 1996
lj 10/5 cates The key to quality NAHB seminar to show builders how to improve the quality and value of their homes through teamwork By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News Memphis home builders can learn this week about how to turn the complaint, "The...

58. Archived Article: Memos - Wednesday, July 31, 1996
Matt Keenan has joined Marsha McDonald & Associates Advertising as an art director Matt Keenan has joined Marsha McDonald & Associates Advertising as an art director. He formerly worked for the Meridian Group in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area as ...

59. Archived Article: Gray's Creek Lj - Thursday, June 20, 1996
lj 10/5 cates Home building industry ambivalent about balanced growth policy By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News Although Memphis builders and developers would like nothing better than to see sewer lines extended into the Grays Creek area in Shelby Cou...

60. Archived Article: Lot Prices Lj - Thursday, June 13, 1996
lj 10/5 cates Rising lot prices may mean higher home prices By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News Recent increases in residential lot prices could mean sticker shock for Memphis and Shelby County new home buyers later this year, according to local builde...

61. Archived Article: Warranty Deeds - Monday, April 15, 1996
4-15 chg warranty deeds Rates down, entry-level new homes sales up By CAMILLE H. GAMBLE The Daily News Bowden Building Corp. sold more than $12 million in property in the first quarter of 1996, compared to the No. 2 developer, Lenox Homes, which had...

62. Archived Article: Empty Nest Lj - Tuesday, April 9, 1996
lj 10/5 cates Baby Boom buyers Memphis builders see empty nester market turn into fountain of youth By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News When Jerry Gillis began designing his most recent "empty nester" development, he envisioned the usual home...

63. Archived Article: Residential Lj - Monday, January 22, 1996
lj 10/5 cates Cordova, Bartlett are hot properties in 1995 Future residential growth relies on sewer extension By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News Available sewerable land in Memphis and Shelby County, or the lack of it, has the potential to either flo...

64. Archived Article: Residential Lj - Friday, December 22, 1995
lj 10/5 cates Steady as she goes Local home construction is strong, stable By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News "Strong and stable" are two words that people in the construction and real estate business seem to use most frequently when describ...