archimania will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new office, the first privately-owned 100 percent renewable energy building in Tennessee, at 705 S Main Street on Tuesday, July 14, at 9 a.m.

The 5,000 square foot office building will demonstrate the future of building and will directly aid in solving the world’s carbon footprint problem by producing more energy than it consumes, making it one of the first of its kind in the United States. It is also the first building to be designed, owned, and occupied by an architecture and development firm in downtown Memphis.

archimania’s new home will activate and connect the southernmost area of South Main Street to the more developed South Main District, at a critical intersection of the new Main to Main multi-modal corridor. The entire venture was conceived as a demonstration project to address civic engagement, education, enrichment, and sustainability.

The office as rendered has been described as a “glowing beacon of urban design and environmental sustainability.” The plan includes a public art and education plaza, solar panels, on-site rainwater collection, vegetable garden, fruit trees, and game yard. archimania will also incorporate a functional metal sculpture on the site and intends to host outdoor concerts and art openings.

The new office will provide much needed tenanted space for the firm’s growth over the coming years. archimania was established on July 4, 1995, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Also in 1995, the Grizzlies got their start as the Vancouver Grizzlies and Justin Timberlake competed in the Memphis Spelling Bee.

archimania’s recent work includes the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame, Hattiloo Theatre, and the Mid-South Chapter of the American Red Cross.