Status: Preserved

Address: 2095 Poplar Avenue, Memphis

Built: 1924

Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival

Original Function/Purpose: Residential

Date Listed on the National Register: June 28, 2021

National Register Reference Number Link: 100006712

History: A population boom in Memphis during the 1920s spurred construction of many apartment buildings or complexes, including along this stretch of Poplar Avenue, which was served by a streetcar line that could easily deliver residents to and from Downtown. Another amenity that doubtless appealed was Overton Park across the street. These two side-by-side apartment buildings were constructed by partners Dave Dermon and Harry Dlugach and designed by architect William Lester (who designed dozens of other Memphis apartment buildings). The buildings’ U-shaped courtyard form was the most popular local multi-family housing type at the time, and the buildings are rich in stylistic details. Early residents included company presidents, managers, an attorney, and other luminaries. Recently the buildings have featured in the film 21 Grams and in the TV series Million Dollar Quartet. The current owners expect to use federal historic preservation tax credits in order to rehabilitate the complex, retaining its original appearance, so that it can “continue to serve the community for another hundred years.”

City Council District: 5

Super District: 9

County Commission District: 10