Historic Memphis Building Reopens as Hotel Pontotoc

Located at 69 E. Pontotoc Ave., the 1906 structure now houses a boutique hotel and a bar called The Dame.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Hotels

Historic Memphis Building Reopens as Hotel Pontotoc

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Owner Joey Lewis opened the 10-room Hotel Pontotoc and the attached bar, The Dame, in August 2025. The property sits in downtown Memphis within a historic building that dates back to 1906.

Why it matters

The renovation effort preserves a significant architectural landmark that previously functioned as a private residence, a Turkish bathhouse, and a nightclub. It now serves as a boutique destination for travelers and locals alike.

The hotel features 10 guest rooms housed in a building constructed in 1906. Restoration required leveling floors by one-eighth of an inch daily over a three-year project.

The players

Joey Lewis

He is the owner who oversaw the restoration of the historic structure and the opening of the hotel and bar.

Memphis Grizzlies

This professional basketball team is a major local sports franchise that held a holiday party at the hotel in 2025.

The details

The restoration team addressed water intrusion by excavating the basement twice and utilized precise jacking techniques to level the upper floors. The site has a diverse history, including time as a bordello and a site of an alleged encounter with Elvis Presley in 1953.

The building was originally constructed in 1906.
An encounter involving Elvis Presley allegedly took place in 1953.
Hotel Pontotoc and The Dame opened for business in August 2025.
The Dame is scheduled to host an annual Halloween party on October 31, 2026.

Travel Outlook

The hotel follows the pattern set by local historic preservation standards by repurposing a century-old building for modern hospitality use. This project contributes to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Memphis through the adaptive reuse of urban structures.

Visitors can now book one of the 10 rooms or visit The Dame bar in downtown Memphis. Travelers planning to visit during late October should note that the bar hosts an annual party on Halloween.

The takeaway

Historic building rehabilitations can revitalize urban corridors while offering unique accommodation options for travelers. Guests should check room availability in advance as the boutique property features a limited inventory of only 10 rooms.