Looking to relocate their World Headquarters to downtown Memphis, FedEx Logistics found the perfect home in the former Gibson Guitar Factory just steps from Beale Street and The FedEx Forum.

The newly renovated space includes a cafeteria, kitchen, fitness facility, and rooftop event and break areas designed to enhance the work environment. One of the most significant design features was the addition of a 50,000 square-foot mezzanine level to expand the usable space on the second floor.

However, the building posed unique challenges due to its original construction, which was done using now-outdated code requirements. As a result, significant seismic upgrades were necessary throughout the structure to meet current standards. GTG installed a new reinforcing structure across the entire building, added structural brace frames, and executed essential foundation upgrades within the existing building footprint.

To enhance the building’s natural ambiance, 17 new skylights were incorporated, flooding the space with natural light and providing an open atmosphere. Soaring ceilings and the addition of monumental stairs helped create a striking grand entrance, giving the space an impressive, modern feel. Additionally, a new exterior plaza was created, offering an inviting outdoor area for employees and visitors alike.

The completed FedEx Logistics Center now stands as a shining example of how historic spaces can be reimagined and transformed into state-of-the-art facilities. It blends the rich cultural heritage of downtown Memphis with cutting-edge design and sustainability, offering a forward-thinking workplace for the logistics giant’s future.

LRK, architect / Nick McGinn, photography