Sterick Building - A tall building with a sky background
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Sterick Building

4.6
·491k reviews·Memphis, United States

The Sterick Building, Memphis's historic 'Queen,' boasts stunning Gothic Revival architecture and a storied past, now undergoing revitalization.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During special events

Unique access and community vibe

CrowdMedium
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Sterick Building - A tall building with a sky background

Sterick Building

Best Time

During special events

Unique access and community vibe

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The Sterick Building, Memphis's historic 'Queen,' boasts stunning Gothic Revival architecture and a storied past, now undergoing revitalization.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A true architectural gem, the Sterick Building stands as a testament to Memphis's grand past and hopeful future."

Vertical photo
TIP

Respect Private Property

Unauthorized entry is discouraged and potentially unsafe. Look for official tours or events.

Check for Events

Community events are sometimes held here, offering a chance to see inside.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gothic Revival Architecture

Gothic Revival Architecture

Exterior and interior

Admire the striking Gothic-style design, a testament to early 20th-century architectural ambition.

TikTok
The 'Queen of Memphis'

The 'Queen of Memphis'

The building itself

Once the tallest building in Memphis, it earned the nickname 'Queen of Memphis' for its grandeur.

TikTokInstagram
Renovation Progress

Renovation Progress

Exterior

Witness the ongoing revitalization efforts, including new windows and a fresh exterior color.

TikTokInstagram
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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Sterick Building

While the Sterick Building is undergoing renovation, access for exploration is limited. Historically, urban explorers found ways in, but security is now present. Check for official tours or events for guaranteed access. TikTokReddit

Understanding its History

Completed in 1930, the Sterick Building was once Memphis's tallest skyscraper and known as the 'Queen of Memphis.' Its unique name is a blend of its original owners' names. TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
During special events
Why
Unique access and community vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (for potential access)
Why
Fewer crowds, easier to observe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Exploring the Sterick Building #memphis #tennessee #sterickbuilding #sterick #artdeco #architecture #abandonedplaces #abandoned #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #tn #explorepage #exploretn #exploretennessee #memphistn #abandon #desertedplaces
@abandonedsoutheast
110 likes • 3.4K views

Respect Private Property

Unauthorized entry is discouraged and potentially unsafe. Look for official tours or events. Reddit

Check for Events

Community events are sometimes held here, offering a chance to see inside. Instagram+1

The Sterick Building, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is an office building that was designed by Wyatt C. Hedrick & Co. and completed in 1930. The name “Sterick” is a combination of the original owners’ names, R.E. Sterling and Wyatt Hedrick. This gothic-style tower stands at 111 meters (365 feet) tall with 29 floors. Upon its opening in 1930, it held the distinction of being the tallest building i...
@arealestateofmind
63 likes • 2.5K views
Last week, as part of our Emerging Developer Program, we explored the iconic Sterick Building! 🏙️ Participants gained valuable insights into the development process while touring this 340,000-square-foot Gothic Revival skyscraper, a staple of Downtown Memphis since 1929. Nicknamed “The Queen of the South,” @thesterick was the tallest in the South for nearly 30 years. Although vacant since 1986, d...
downtownmemphis
752 likes • 17.9K views

Appreciate the History

Learn about its past as the 'Queen of Memphis' and its architectural significance. TikTokInstagram

Observe Renovation

Notice the ongoing updates, like new windows, as the building is revitalized. TikTokInstagram

awesome look at the abandoned sterick building by @connordryan #memphis
we.love.memphis
4.1K likes • 59.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Respect Private Property

Unauthorized entry is discouraged and potentially unsafe. Look for official tours or events. Reddit

Check for Events

Community events are sometimes held here, offering a chance to see inside. Instagram+1

Appreciate the History

Learn about its past as the 'Queen of Memphis' and its architectural significance. TikTokInstagram

Observe Renovation

Notice the ongoing updates, like new windows, as the building is revitalized. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Sterick Building is a historically significant landmark in Memphis, admired for its striking Gothic Revival architecture and its past as the 'Queen of Memphis.' While access is limited due to ongoing renovations and security, its revitalization efforts are promising. Visitors appreciate its architectural grandeur and historical importance, though the lack of public access can be a drawback.

What People Like

Impressive Gothic architecture
Historic 'Queen of Memphis'
Ongoing revitalization

What People Dislike

Limited public access
Past vacancy issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sterick Building is located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options are available in the downtown area. Parking may be available in nearby garages. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the Sterick Garage, now reunited with the building, offers parking for residents and guests. Other public parking garages are also available in the downtown Memphis area. Instagram

You can certainly walk around the exterior of the Sterick Building to admire its architecture. Access to the interior is restricted unless part of an organized event or tour. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Public tours are not consistently available. Historically, urban explorers found ways in, but security is now present. Keep an eye out for special events or organized developer program tours. TikTokInstagramReddit

The Sterick Building is primarily an office building and is not generally open to the public for casual visits. Access is typically limited to tenants, guests, or during special events. TikTok

As an office building, its internal operating hours would align with typical business hours for tenants. However, public access is not guaranteed during these times. TikTok

There is no standard admission fee for the Sterick Building as it's not a public attraction. If special tours or events have a cost, it will be advertised by the organizers. Instagram

The Sterick Building occasionally hosts community events, markets, and celebrations. Check local Memphis event listings or the building's social media for announcements. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior offers great photographic opportunities, especially from across the street, showcasing its Gothic facade. The surrounding downtown area also provides context. TikTokInstagram

Photography inside the Sterick Building is generally restricted to authorized personnel or during specific events. Unauthorized interior photography is not permitted. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the Sterick Building, highlighting its architectural details. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Urban Exploration Enthusiasts

For those interested in urban exploration, the Sterick Building has a legendary status. TikTokInstagram+2 Historically, it was a prime spot for exploring abandoned spaces. However, it's crucial to note that unauthorized entry is now difficult due to security and ongoing renovations. Reddit While the thrill of discovery might be tempting, prioritize safety and legality. Look for official events or tours that might offer a glimpse inside. Instagram

History Buffs & Architecture Aficionados

The Sterick Building is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Memphis history and architecture. TikTokInstagram+1 Admire its Gothic Revival style, a rare sight in the region, and learn about its past as the 'Queen of Memphis.' TikTokInstagram The building's unique name origin and its journey through decades of change offer a compelling narrative of urban development. TikTok+1

Community Event Attendees

The Sterick Building occasionally serves as a venue for community events, such as Juneteenth celebrations and artisan markets. Instagram+1 These events provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the building's atmosphere and support local culture. Keep an eye on local event listings for any upcoming gatherings at this historic downtown landmark. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Storied Past: The 'Queen of Memphis'

Completed in 1930, the Sterick Building quickly earned the moniker 'Queen of Memphis' and held the title of the city's tallest skyscraper until 1962. TikTokInstagram Its distinctive Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Wyatt C. Hedrick & Co., made it a landmark. The building's name itself is a unique blend of its original owners' names: R.E. Sterling and Wyatt Hedrick. TikTokInstagram Despite its initial success as a modern office building, the Sterick began to face challenges in the 1960s, leading to a period of vacancy. TikTok

For years, the Sterick Building was a subject of fascination for urban explorers, drawn to its abandoned grandeur. TikTokInstagram+2 However, with ongoing renovation efforts and increased security, unauthorized access is now difficult and discouraged. Reddit The building is currently undergoing revitalization, with visible improvements like new windows and a fresh exterior color, signaling a new chapter for this historic Memphis icon. TikTokInstagram+1

The Sterick Building's journey from a bustling hub to a vacant shell and now to a site of renewal reflects the dynamic history of downtown Memphis. Its architectural significance and storied past continue to capture the imagination, making it a key part of the city's heritage. TikTok+1

Renovation and Future Prospects

The Sterick Building is currently undergoing a significant renovation and revitalization process. Recent updates visible from the exterior include the installation of new windows and the application of an off-white color, aiming to restore its former glory. TikTokInstagram+1 This revitalization is a crucial step in bringing the historic structure back to life and potentially reintroducing it as a functional space within downtown Memphis. Instagram

There's a renewed sense of purpose for the Sterick, with efforts to reunite it with the adjacent Sterick Garage, providing essential parking for future residents and guests. Instagram This integration suggests a vision for the building that could include residential or mixed-use components, aiming to contribute to the ongoing development and vibrancy of the downtown area. Instagram The historic preservation aspect is key, ensuring that the building's unique architectural character is maintained while adapting it for modern use. Instagram

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