When Octavia Young opened Midtown Crossing Grill in 2014, the area around what would eventually become the Crosstown Concourse was a lot different than it is now.

Though there were some agreements in place at the time, there were no guarantees that the wildly ambitious but risky project would a success, and even if it was, there was no telling how long it would take for that success to spill out into the surrounding neighborhood.

2. The Week Ahead: Dec. 4-10 - Monday, December 4, 2017

Good morning, Memphis! The holidays are in full swing, and several events this week aim to help you make a dent in your shopping list while also supporting local artisans and small businesses. Check out the details on those, plus our entertainment picks and more you need to know about in The Week Ahead...

3. Events - Wednesday, October 4, 2017

The 2017 Senior Safari, hosted by the Professional Network on Aging, will take place Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place. The day will feature free zoo admission for individuals 55 and older; free parking and tram rides; live entertainment; and information on healthy living, financial planning, housing, insurance and more. Visit pnamidsouth.org for details.

4. Events - Wednesday, September 20, 2017

The Memphis 3.0 comprehensive planning process continues this week with two public workshops studying growth scenarios for the city through 2040. Participants will go through an exercise to identify which values are most important to drive future development, then select and amend a preferred scenario based on those values. Workshops are Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Whitehaven Golf Course, 750 E. Holmes Road, and Thursday, Sept. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McFarland Community Center, 4955 Cottonwood Road. Visit memphis3point0.com for details.

5. Events - Tuesday, September 19, 2017

The Orpheum Theatre will kick off its 2017-18 Broadway season with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King & I” Tuesday, Sept. 19, through Sept. 24 at 203 S. Main St. Visit orpheum-memphis.com.

6. Events - Wednesday, September 6, 2017

The 2017 Delta Fair & Music Festival continues through Sept. 10 at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Enjoy live music, festival food, carnival rides, a petting zoo and special events like lawnmower races and the “redneck yacht pull.” Visit deltafest.com for hours and tickets.

7. Events - Monday, September 4, 2017

The 2017 Delta Fair & Music Festival continues through Sept. 10 at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Enjoy live music, festival food, carnival rides, a petting zoo and special events like lawnmower races and the “redneck yacht pull.” Visit deltafest.com for hours and tickets.

8. Events - Tuesday, September 5, 2017

The Mid-South Coalition for Comfort Care and Bioethics will hold a community meeting presentation titled “Everyday Ways to Practice Integrative Medicine” Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Trezevant Terrace, 3437 Waynoka Ave. Joanna Lyman, palliative care coordinator at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, will discuss how integrative medicine combines conventional medicine and complementary therapies to help children with chronic illnesses and other conditions. For more information, contact Emily Fox-Hill at efoxhill@aol.com or 901-626-4233.

9. Events - Saturday, September 2, 2017

The 28th Southern Heritage Classic takes place Thursday, Sept. 7, through Saturday, Sept. 9. The three-day cultural festival features 10 events – including concerts, a college and career fair, the Classic Parade and more – all culminating in the annual football game between Tennessee State and Jackson State Saturday at 6 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, 335 S. Hollywood St. Visit southernheritageclassic.com for a schedule.

10. Events - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

The annual Elvis Presley candlelight vigil starts Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 8:30 p.m. at the gates of Graceland. After an opening ceremony, fans may walk up the driveway to Elvis’ gravesite and back down, carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which usually stretches into the early hours of the next morning. Cost is free. Visit graceland.com/elvisweek/schedule for details and other Elvis Week events.

11. Events - Monday, August 14, 2017

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in NovaCopy’s conference room, 7251 Appling Farms Parkway. Representatives from the University of Tennessee Extension’s Shelby County office will present “Shelby County Extension – Focusing on Families, Fitness, Food & Finances.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.com.

12. Events - Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Indie Memphis’ Indie Wednesday film series kicks off with a screening of the Slamdance Film Festival’s 2017 “Anarchy” shorts program Wednesday, Aug. 2, at MicroCinema @ Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland St. The “Anarchy” program is described as “an anti-genre form of resistance to dominant cultural paradigms.” Admission is pay-what-you-can. Visit indiememphis.com for details.

13. Events - Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in NovaCopy’s conference room, 7251 Appling Farms Parkway. Dell Self of Speak Through Me Communications will present “Clearing the Clutter From Your Message.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.com.

14. Events - Monday, July 31, 2017

Church Health will host a Living Life Deliberately: Mindfulness Meditation in Daily Life class Monday, July 31, at noon in the Church Health Meditation Chapel, 1350 Concourse Ave. Rob Dove from Rhodes College Counseling will discuss how to practice meditation in ways that foster the ability to live deliberately. Email slateryj@churchhealth.org with any questions.

15. Events - Saturday, July 29, 2017

Indie Memphis’ Indie Wednesday film series kicks off with a screening of the Slamdance Film Festival’s 2017 “Anarchy” shorts program Wednesday, Aug. 2, at MicroCinema @ Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland St. The “Anarchy” program is described as “an anti-genre form of resistance to dominant cultural paradigms.” Admission is pay-what-you-can. Visit indiememphis.com for details and a series schedule.

16. The Week Ahead: July 24-30 - Monday, July 24, 2017

Hello, Memphis! Politics will be heating up this week to match the weather and you’ll be able to see and learn about the stars at the Pink Palace Museum. But there are also some indoor events to take in, including an event for creators at Crosstown Arts.

17. Scene Change - Saturday, July 22, 2017

The sprawling mixed-use complex opening next month on North Cleveland in Midtown is a high-profile example of where Memphis’ art community finds itself at the halfway mark in 2017.

When Crosstown Concourse opens there Aug. 19, it won’t just represent a new beginning that turns a former Sears distribution center into a 1.5-million-square-foot community mainstay. With tenants like Crosstown Arts moving in, the development is also a representation of how the city’s arts landscape is changing this year.

18. The Week Ahead: July 10-16 - Monday, July 10, 2017

Hello, Memphis! This week, a supercentenarian World War II veteran visits the Bluff City, a classic film flies into the Orpheum, and a piece of the Downtown skyline hits the auction block again. Check out what else you need to know about in The Week Ahead...

19. New Documentary Tells Story of Tobey Skate Park - Wednesday, May 17, 2017

A new documentary on the 6-year-old Memphis Skate Park at Tobey Park takes a look at skate culture in Memphis and the struggle to get the park to reality after securing a grant that ran out and then securing city capital funding for it.

20. The Week Ahead: May 15-21 - Monday, May 15, 2017

Happy Monday, Memphis! This week, Downtown welcomes barbecue teams from around the world coming to compete in the Super Bowl of Swine. Plus, we’ve got details on the remembrance of a somber moment in Memphis history; a reading festival for kids of all ages; and more you need to know about in The Week Ahead…

21. The Week Ahead: February 13-19 - Monday, February 13, 2017

Music is a common theme this week, which is nice to know, isn’t it, Memphis? And the sounds of other balls – not the dribbling kind – will take the stage again as the Memphis Open gets into swing and the University of Memphis throws its first real pitch of the 2017 season. Check out this week's list of need-to-know happenings...

22. The Week Ahead: January 17-23 - Monday, January 16, 2017

Good morning, Memphis! This is a good week to be inspired, as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his courage to motivate and inspire change. Plus, UrbanArt Commission celebrates its 20th anniversary and the Brooks Museum of Art unveils an exhibition sure to make you hoppy – err, happy. Here’s what else you need to know in The Week Ahead...

23. Last Word: Liberty Bowl Memories, Talk About Violence and The Year In Ed & Med - Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Grizz fall to the Celtics in Boston Tuesday 113-103. With Mike Conley and five other starters out. Away from triple digits, it is SMU over the Tigers at the Forum Tuesday 58-54.

24. Tennessee Mayor Could Ban County Credit Card Amid Issues - Wednesday, December 28, 2016

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee county mayor is threatening to cut off use of county credit cards amid widespread documentation problems.

The Times Free Press reports (http://bit.ly/2i2DrMj) Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis made the threat after the Tennessee Comptroller's Office found more than half the county credit card transactions last year lacked signatures, detailed receipts, or were used in town rather on travel.

25. Events - Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Creative Aging continues its Senior Arts Series on Wednesday, July 13, at 1 p.m. at Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Road Extended. This performance for seniors and their guests will feature Creative Aging storyteller Elaine Blanchard, along with vocalist Laurence Albert and pianist Jill Brookoff. Tickets are $5 cash or check at the door. Visit creativeagingmidsouth.org or call 901-272-3434.

26. Events - Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Ghost River Brewing Co. and Wolf River Conservancy will host Drink a Beer, Save a River on Tuesday, July 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Miss Cordelia’s, 737 Harbor Bend Road. A dollar from every Ghost River Beer sold will flow directly to the conservancy. Visit wolfriver.org.

27. Events - Thursday, March 31, 2016

Memphis Pets Alive will hold its second annual Art Unleashed silent auction Thursday, March 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Crosstown Arts, 430 Cleveland St. Admission is $12 at the door and includes access to food and drinks. Visit memphispetsalive.org.

28. Events - Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Tennessee Health Management will hold a grand opening for the Behavioral Healthcare Center at Memphis, a geriatric psychiatric facility specializing in the care of seniors 65 and older, on Wednesday, March 30, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the campus of Harbor View Nursing Home, 1505 N. Second St. A ribbon cutting will be followed by tours. Visit thmgt.com/bhc-memphis for details.

29. Events - Saturday, March 26, 2016

Memphis Area Transit Authority will host the final public review meeting for the Midtown Area Connector Alternatives Analysis Study (the MAC) on Monday, March 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Memphis Leadership Foundation, 1548 Poplar Ave. This meeting will present the seven recommended Midtown corridor alternatives. Visit macmemphis.com or call 901-722-7119 for details.

30. The Week Ahead: March 7-13 - Monday, March 7, 2016

How was your weekend, Memphis? In a few short days it’ll be time to “spring forward” – but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, check out our weekly roundup of area happenings, from a discussion with local changemakers to the inaugural Memphis Black Restaurant Week…

31. Events - Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Metal Museum will host Repair Days Weekend Thursday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 27, at the museum, 374 Metal Museum Drive. Metalsmiths from around the country will be on hand to repair broken metal objects; all proceeds benefit the museum. Visit metalmuseum.org for a schedule of activities.

32. Events - Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Metal Museum will host Repair Days Weekend Thursday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 27, at the museum, 374 Metal Museum Drive. Metalsmiths from around the country will be on hand to repair broken metal objects; all proceeds benefit the museum. Visit metalmuseum.org for a schedule of activities.

33. Crosstown Arts Program Looks to Concourse Future - Thursday, September 10, 2015

When Crosstown Concourse opens to the public in 2017, it will be the culmination of dreams, plans and vision by a number of stakeholders.

Mirroring those grand visions will be the Crosstown Arts Studio Residency Program, which will serve as a full-scale, multi-disciplinary artist residency program at Crosstown Concourse beginning in 2017. The program will provide studio space and shared meals to 16 artists at a time over the course of multiple short-term residency sessions that could last from two weeks to three months.

34. Events - Saturday, December 6, 2014

ALIVE Rescue Memphis will host its launch party and Art for Barks live art auction Saturday, Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland St. The event will also include a silent auction and live music. Admission is $12 and includes drinks and appetizers. Visit aliverescuememphis.org.

35. Events - Friday, December 5, 2014

Art for Life’s Sake will present a holiday blues concert Friday, Dec. 5, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe & Honky Tonk, 310 Beale St. The concert will include an array of blues music by famous local and international blues artists. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Visit artforlifessake.org.

36. Events - Thursday, September 18, 2014

Rhodes College will present the Rhodes Less Traveled: New and Experimental Music Festival Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19. Events include open air concerts both days at noon on the Briggs North Patio at Rhodes, 2000 North Parkway; a concert with new music from modern-day composers Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 613 University St.; and new music for orchestra and winds Friday at 7:30 at Evergreen. Visit rhodes.edu/mccoy for details.

37. Events - Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Sales and Marketing Society of the Mid-South will meet Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Racquet Club, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Phil Trenary, president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, will present “Selling Memphis: locally, nationally and internationally.” Cost for nonmembers is $35 at the door. Visit sms-midsouth.org.

38. Events - Saturday, July 12, 2014

Eclectic Eye will host a Stylish Saturday Pop-Up Shop Saturday, July 12, from noon to 4 p.m. at its Midtown boutique, 242 S. Cooper St. The event will feature Wink Wink eyewear, the Henny Penny mobile boutique and The Kitsch’n food truck. Visit eclectic-eye.com.

39. Events - Friday, July 11, 2014

Playhouse on the Square will present the regional premiere of “4000 Miles” Friday, July 11, through Aug. 3 at TheatreWorks, 2085 Monroe Ave. Buy tickets at playhouseonthesquare.com.

40. Events - Thursday, July 10, 2014

National Hispanic Professional Organization-Memphis will meet Thursday, July 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Martha Perine Beard, president of the Federal Reserve in Memphis, will speak. Cost is free for members and $20 for nonmembers. Email info@nhpomemphis.us.

41. Events - Thursday, May 22, 2014

Healthy Memphis Common Table will hold its fourth annual meeting and recognition luncheon, “Cracking the Code to Real Health Equity,” Thursday, May 22, at 11:30 a.m. at The Racquet Club, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Health care quality and disparities expert Dr. Marshall H. Chin will present the keynote. Visit healthymemphis.org.

42. Events - Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sales & Marketing Society of the Mid-South will meet Wednesday, May 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Church Health Center CEO G. Scott Morris will present “Selling the Church Health Center.” Cost for nonmembers is $35 at the door. Visit sms-midsouth.org.

43. Events - Saturday, May 17, 2014

Bikesploitation 4 will be held Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at the Metal Museum, 374 Metal Museum Drive. The event will include a live bicycle sculpture, photo booth, live music, film screenings and more. A bike parade and slow ride jam will begin at 11:50 a.m. at six starting points across Memphis. Visit bikesploitation.com for a schedule.

44. Events - Friday, May 16, 2014

Memphis Orchid Society will hold its annual show and sale Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, at Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road. Parking and admission are free. Visit memphisbotanicgarden.com for a schedule.

45. Two Film Programs Launching in April - Saturday, April 5, 2014

Indie Memphis and Crosstown Arts are offering two programs for Memphis-area filmmakers and film lovers next month.

Both programs will be held at Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland St.

46. Two Film Programs Launching in April - Monday, March 31, 2014

Indie Memphis and Crosstown Arts are offering two programs for Memphis-area filmmakers and film lovers next month.

Both programs will be held at Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland St.

47. Memphis Center to Host Food and Faith Speaker - Thursday, January 30, 2014

Odds are, most people have not considered eating food as a spiritual and theological act. But that is exactly how Noah Campbell views it.

Campbell is founder of the Memphis Center for Food and Faith. And on Saturday, Feb. 1, the center will host a talk by Fred Bahnson, director of the Food, Faith & Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest School of Divinity.

48. Events - Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Memphis Rotary Club will host a debate between Shea Flinn and Kenneth Whalum Jr. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. The topic is “Memphis Sales Tax Increase: Yea or Nay?” Cost for nonmembers is $18. RSVP to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

49. Events - Monday, November 18, 2013

The Shelby County Trustee’s Office will host a “Home Sweet Home” workshop for seniors Monday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Goodwill Senior Center, 163 W. Raines Road. Trustee staff will provide information on senior property taxes and how to effectively pass property to heirs. Cost is free. Visit shelbycountytrustee.com.

50. Events - Saturday, November 16, 2013

Ignite Memphis, Vol. 6, will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland St. Twelve Memphians will enlighten attendees on a variety of topics via five-minute, 20-slide presentations. Cost is $15. Visit ignitememphis.com.

51. Start Co. Gearing up for Trio of Entrepreneurial Events - Friday, November 8, 2013

Global Entrepreneurship Week is around the corner, and Memphis’ Start Co. organization – a hub of related local entrepreneurial initiatives – is gearing up to participate in its own way in the international week-long celebration and support of entrepreneurs.

52. Ignite Memphis Connects People, Ideas - Thursday, November 7, 2013

In a couple of weeks, via a series of structured slide-based presentations, a group of creatives will try to live up to the event’s official billing and ignite Memphis.

Undercurrent, which holds regular events around the city to help people connect with fellow Memphians, is producing the latest version of Ignite Memphis, which happens Nov. 19 at Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland St. The gathering will pack in everyone from former I Love Memphis blogger Kerry Crawford, who’ll talk about the secret to happiness, to Rhodes graduate Peter Hall, outlining 10 businesses that can be launched in Memphis for less than $1,000, and Opera Memphis general director Ned Canty, who will touch on video games, pop culture and opera by the time he’s finished.

53. Events - Saturday, October 5, 2013

The Booksellers at Laurelwood will host “I’m a Memphian” author Dan Conaway for a discussion and book signing Thursday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. at the bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. “I’m a Memphian” is a collection of Conaway’s “Memphasis” columns from The Daily News. Visit thebooksellersatlaurelwood.com.

54. Events - Friday, October 4, 2013

In-Synk and The Daily News will host a Leadership Lunch & Learn about the book “Reverse Innovation” Friday, Oct. 4, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Triumph Bank board room, 5699 Poplar Ave. Cost is $20. Visit seminars.memphisdailynews.com.

55. Events - Saturday, June 8, 2013

The Daily News will present Literatini, benefiting Literacy Mid-South, Thursday, June 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Booksellers at Laurelwood, 387 Perkins Road Extended. The event will include martinis and food, an auction, live music and a wine pull. Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple. Visit literacymidsouth.org.

56. Events - Friday, June 7, 2013

YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South will hold a lunch and learn for those interested in the YMCA Corporate Games Friday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its corporate office, 6373 Quail Hollow Road, suite 201. The games will be held Sept. 16-22. R.S.V.P. to Shauna Bateman at sbateman@ymcamemphis.org or 766-7677.

57. Events - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Orpheum Theatre will present “Memphis” Tuesday, April 23, through April 28 at the theater, 203 S. Main St. Buy tickets at orpheum-memphis.com.

58. Events - Monday, April 22, 2013

The Orpheum Theatre will present “Memphis” Tuesday, April 23, through April 28 at the theater, 203 S. Main St. Buy tickets at orpheum-memphis.com.

59. Events - Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Memphis chapter will meet Thursday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Thomas Center at Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway S. Daniel Moore of Watkins Uiberall PLLC will discuss best practices in nonprofit accounting. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Register at afpmemphis.org.

60. Creative Space - Thursday, January 31, 2013

By the time Crosstown Arts occupies space in the 1.5 million-square-foot Sears Crosstown building, it will have completed a solid test run of promoting arts-based community and economic development in Midtown.