'Wall smashing' kicks off construction on the Blues Hall of Fame

The Blues Foundation broke ground last week on the future Blues Hall of Fame, at long last ready to offer a brick-and-mortar manifestation of the nearly 400 performers that have been honored with induction over more than 30 years.
 
"It was kind of a ceremonial wall smashing, to be technical," says Jay Sieleman, President and CEO of the Blues Foundation.
 
The Foundation's Raise the Roof! capital campaign has done just that, raising the needed amount and then some--$2.7 million for the $2.5 million, 12,000-square-foot facility. Much of those funds come from dues-paying members worldwide, some 4,500 strong. Local institutional donors include ArtsMemphis, First Tennessee Bank and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau.
 
The Blues Foundation has already been operating for years out of the site at 421 South Main, across from the National Civil Rights Museum and next door to the Memphis Music Foundation. The Hall of Fame will fill the ground floor, which has held the offices of Foundation staff as well as artifacts such as signed guitars and photos. A basement level will be renovated into interactive displays; the floors above hold residential condominium units. An outside awning, glowing blue, will light the sidewalk below and a bronze statue of Blues Hall of Famer Little Milton sitting on a bench with guitar in hand.
 
Construction will begin in earnest in June and, Sieleman says, "We expect to have the grand opening next May, the day after the Blues Music Awards … That's when everyone comes from around the world."
 
During construction, the Foundation will continue to operate out of a space adjacent to The Arcade Restaurant at the intersection of South Main Street and G.E. Patterson Avenue.
 
Architectural firm archimania has designed the space and Grinder, Taber & Grinder Inc. is the general contractor. The exhibits are being designed by Design 500 Inc.
 
By Richard J. Alley