Collierville advances mixed-use plans for former Gus’s site after historic demolition hardship approval process
A long-running downtown property dispute shifts toward redevelopment
Collierville is moving closer to a mixed-use redevelopment at the former Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken site near the town square, following a preservation review process that reopened the question of whether the existing structure can reasonably be reused.
The property, at 215 S. Center St. at the corner of Center Street and South Street, operated as a Gus’s restaurant from 2008 until it closed permanently in 2022. It has remained vacant since the restaurant’s departure.
Demolition path reopened after earlier denial
The site’s next steps have been shaped by Collierville’s historic-district oversight. Records show that in late 2019 the property owners sought approval to demolish the building and replace it with a new structure of similar style, but the request was rejected in a Historic District Commission decision dated Dec. 17, 2019.
A subsequent application pursued a different route: a certificate of economic hardship. In March 2025 filings, the applicant described “significant structural issues” and argued that the cost of repairs and stabilization undermined the building’s ability to generate a reasonable economic return. The filing also indicated the owners had a contract to sell the property contingent on obtaining demolition approval.
What is being proposed: retail/office below, condos above
Planning materials tied to the redevelopment identify a mixed-use concept: retail and office space on the ground level with 12 condominium units above. A preliminary site plan dated July 31, 2025 lists the developer as McLemore Home Builders, LLC., and outlines a redevelopment layout for the 215 S. Center Street address.
Town planning updates have indicated that, following the economic hardship finding, the project is positioned to return for additional public review after staff evaluation. While demolition approval clears an important hurdle, further steps typically include detailed design review and governing-body action before construction can proceed.
Broader context: growth pressures and housing limits
The proposal arrives as Collierville continues to balance new development with its long-range land-use framework. The town’s 2040 land use plan includes an apartment-cap policy; town information states that as of Dec. 31, 2023, Collierville had constructed or approved 3,038 stand-alone apartment units, representing 86% of a 3,532-unit cap established in the plan adopted in 2012.
Although the downtown proposal centers on for-sale condominiums rather than stand-alone apartments, the project adds residential units in a core area where preservation goals and redevelopment demand often collide.
Key dates and verified project elements
Dec. 17, 2019: Historic District Commission action referenced in later filings as rejecting a demolition request.
2022: Gus’s operation at the site ended and the property became vacant.
March 18, 2025: Economic hardship application materials submitted describing structural concerns and a sale contract contingent on demolition approval.
July 31, 2025: Preliminary site plan prepared for redevelopment at 215 S. Center Street.
Next steps for the project are expected to depend on scheduling for formal public review and subsequent approvals required before demolition and construction can begin.