Status: Preserved

Address: 1433 Union Avenue, Memphis

Built: 1909

Architectural Style: Colonial Revival, Beaux Arts

Original Function/Purpose: Residential

Date Listed on the National Register: March 26, 1979

National Register Reference Number Link: 79002466

History: Built by lumberman Rowland J. Darnell, the house later served as headquarters for the Nineteenth Century Club, a highly successful and philanthropic women’s organization that was responsible for many civic reforms in the city. The club also served to attract higher education to the area, specifically West Tennessee State Normal School, now the University of Memphis. The house is the sole remaining representative of the mansions that once lined Union Avenue. It was extensively renovated by new owners in 2015-2016 with the help of a historic rehabilitation tax credit, prior to their opening the Izakaya Restaurant in 2017. This later closed and was replaced by Red Fish Sushi Asian Bistro, which itself closed in early 2020. The building reopened in early 2021 as Red Hook Cajun Seafood and Bar. The owners have gone to great lengths to preserve the historic building.

In late 2023, new owners prepared to open a new restaurant called Tekila Modern Mexican. Part of their plan included painting the entire four-story red brick mansion white, and this process was well underway when it was discovered by members of Memphis Heritage and others. Discussions between the owners and Memphis Heritage showed that the owners were not aware of the significance of the building, or the reasons for preservation and the sensitivity around painting the brick. The owners agreed to compromise and allow the paint to be removed, if Memphis Heritage could find a contractor it trusted with the removal, and would fund it. 

City Council District: 6

Super District: 8

County Commission District: 8