There are 14 article(s) tagged Bill Townsend:

• January 2026

  • Historic Annesdale Mansion damaged in blaze, but owner says he will rebuild

    The historic Annesdale Mansion catches fire in a two-alarm blaze, but owner Bill Townsend said he will restore the home and continue hosting charitable events there.

    By Jody Callahan January 31, 2026

• July 2025

  • Far-flung influencers travel from around world to see Memphis gardens

    Attendees of The Fling, a yearly event for gardening communicators and influencers, came to Memphis to tour the horticultural wonders the city has to offer, from home gardens to Annesdale Mansion.

    By Nick Lingerfelt July 03, 2025

• May 2023

  • Owner of Luciann, Lowenstein, Masonic Temple adds Annesdale to his properties

    Bill Townsend is something of a folk hero in Memphis as the hometown guy who made his fortunes elsewhere and is now home to save some of the city’s nearly priceless real estate. 

    By Jane Roberts May 09, 2023

  • Annesdale property sold; plans include new townhomes

    The Annesdale Mansion is the fifth historic property bought by Memphian Bill Townsend. 

    By Jane Roberts May 03, 2023

• January 2023

  • Developer Bill Townsend reimagines historic Victorian Village properties

    Developer Bill Townsend originally mapped out plans to turn the historic Pillow-McIntyre House into an antique shop. Then he had second thoughts. He shares his new plans for two historic properties in the Victorian Village neighborhood. 

    By Neil Strebig January 23, 2023

• December 2022

  • The changing seasons of Summer Avenue

    The Summer Avenue Merchants Association president wants to protect area small businesses, but says there’s value in national chains like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, too.

    Related story:

    Crime, speeding, reckless driving top concerns for Summer Avenue area

    By Don Wade December 12, 2022

  • Crime, speeding, reckless driving top concerns for Summer Avenue area

    Summer Avenue and the neighborhoods that surround it have, like most every area of the city, their fair share of problems with crime.

    By Don Wade December 12, 2022

• September 2022

  • Board approves antique shop plans in Victorian Village

    The store is part of developer Bill Townsend’s plans to redevelop historic Pillow-McIntyre House.

    By Neil Strebig September 08, 2022

• December 2021

  • Townsend buys sixth property on Summer Avenue’s west end

    William “Bill” Townsend continues acquiring commercial properties on the west end of Summer, and he’s forming a plan.

    By Tom Bailey December 03, 2021

• October 2021

  • Preservationist strikes again, buys historic Lowenstein Mansion

    Preservationist William “Bill” Townsend is on a tear. He just bought the Lowenstein Mansion, which is a mile east of his Masonic Temple and four miles west of his Luciann Theater building.

    By Tom Bailey October 06, 2021

• September 2021

  • Restored marquee lights up Summer Avenue

    Broadway-like lights of the Luciann Theater building’s newly restored marquee were turned on Thursday night.

    By Tom Bailey September 17, 2021

  • Another bright sign appears for Summer Avenue’s future

    The Luciann theater building just took a big step in returning to its glory days, long before its more recent history as an adult entertainment business.

    By Tom Bailey September 16, 2021

• April 2021

  • New owner describes plans for Masonic Temple building

    Bill Townsend feels he didn’t so much buy a building as a 107-year-old time capsule. He’s already got short-term plans and has discussed long-term possibilities with brg3s architects.

    By Tom Bailey April 13, 2021

• June 2020

  • Luciann theater project hits roadblock; nursing home approved for Binghampton

    Board of Adjustment members praised the vision to revive the historic Luciann movie theater, but rejected a zoning variance with a tie vote because of a procedural issue.

    By Tom Bailey June 24, 2020