Midtown’s long-quiet Railgarten complex is getting a loud, kid-friendly second act. Stomping Grounds, a self-described community clubhouse for parents and children, is moving in and eyeing a grand opening on 901 Day. The massive Central Avenue property is being reimagined with sprawling indoor and outdoor play zones, rentable meeting and work spaces, and RFID self-pour taps for the grown-ups. The founders say the whole thing is built around real-world parent schedules in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, with memberships structured for families who plan to be there often.
As reported by The Daily Memphian, the team is targeting Sept. 1, Memphis’ unofficial “901 Day,” as its opening goal while construction continues this spring. That March 19 update outlined a revised timeline for the project and detailed several design tweaks planned for the former entertainment venue.
Who’s behind the remake
Co-founders Andrew Mathewes and Lindsey Shanmugasundaram have signed a long-term lease on the property and are coordinating with local brokers and contractors to handle the conversion, according to a Gill Properties announcement. They told Gill Properties they intend to overhaul site access, add parking and remove old shipping containers to make the space safer and simpler to navigate for families.
What Stomping Grounds will offer
The Stomping Grounds FAQ highlights a lineup meant to keep both kids and caregivers happy: fenced indoor and outdoor play areas, conference rooms that remote workers can reserve, private party rooms and a wristband-based self-pour tap wall. On the Stomping Grounds website, the founders also stress full-time security, stronger fencing and flexible hours designed to work before and after typical daycare and preschool schedules.
Food, memberships and timing
Wild Beet Salad Co. is slated to run the on-site restaurant and has already opened a separate Midtown location, according to Choose901. Founding memberships are currently available, and a local report noted that early sign-ups listed an initial membership price of roughly $49 per month.
Why 901 Day matters
Landing on 901 Day would be more than a convenient launch date. Sept. 1 has evolved into Memphis’ annual salute to its 901 area code, packed with city-hosted events and concerts stretching across Beale Street and downtown. The City of Memphis calendar shows 901 Day programming and partnerships that typically pull in sizable local crowds each Labor Day weekend, giving Stomping Grounds a built-in moment to introduce itself.
Safety and parking take priority
The founders say safety concerns tied to the old venue are front of mind. The concept includes full-time security staff and upgraded surveillance systems to address those issues, according to reporting by Action News 5. Gill Properties’ announcement also points to redesigned access points and added parking behind the property, aimed at easing traffic along Central Avenue.
What’s next
Mathewes and Shanmugasundaram are currently courting founding members and say they will keep the community posted with construction updates and firm dates as the buildout moves forward. For now, sign-ups and detailed FAQs live on the Stomping Grounds site. Local outlets are expected to follow the progress and any shifts to the 901 Day target, and The Daily Memphian has the latest reporting on the adjusted timeline.
