Council approves lease for historic Old Daisy Theater to Beale Street Development Corporation

The Memphis City Council on July 22 approved a resolution to lease the historic Old Daisy Theater and adjoining offices at 323 and 329 Beale Street to Beale Street Development Corporation (BSDC). The item (13) was presented as a resolution sponsored by the administration. Vice Chair Swearingen Washington said the committee gave an “overwhelming response for a favorable recommendation” and moved approval; Councilwoman Easter Thomas seconded the motion. The roll call recorded the motion as passing with the listed council members voting yes. Why it matters: The Old Daisy Theater lease assigns city-owned theater and office space on Beale Street to BSDC, which could affect downtown programming, cultural events and property operations on a high-profile tourism corridor. Speakers - Vice Chair Swearingen Washington — Council member; moved the item. Affiliation: government. - Councilwoman Michelin Easter Thomas — Council member; seconded the motion. Affiliation: government. Authorities - {"type":"resolution","name":"Lease resolution for Old Daisy Theater and offices, 323 and 329 Beale Street","referenced_by":["Swearingen Washington"]} Actions - {"kind":"other","motion":"Approve lease for the historic Old Daisy Theater and offices at 323 and 329 Beale Street to Beale Street Development Corporation (item 13)","mover":"Swearingen Washington","second":"Easter Thomas","tally":{"yes":9,"no":0,"abstain":0},"outcome":"approved","notes":"Committee recommended approval; council approved on the floor."} Discussion_decision":{"discussion_points":["Committee reported a favorable recommendation for the lease","Council voted to approve the lease"],"directions":[],"decisions":["Lease approved to Beale Street Development Corporation"]},"clarifying_details":[{"category":"property","detail":"Historic Old Daisy Theater and offices located at 323 and 329 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103","source_speaker":"Madam Comptroller/agenda text"}],"proper_names":[{"name":"Old Daisy Theater","type":"facility"},{"name":"Beale Street Development Corporation (BSDC)","type":"organization"}],"community_relevance":{"geographies":["Downtown Memphis/Beale Street"],"funding_sources":[],"impact_groups":["downtown businesses","tourism and cultural organizations"]},"meeting_context":{"engagement_level":{"speakers_count":2,