Oak Court Mall being cleared for redevelopment

By Andy Ashby – Daily Memphian

February 13, 2026

Demolition at Oak Court Mall has become more visible as crews move from the back of the property toward Poplar Avenue. Work briefly paused during the recent ice storm but has since resumed.

The Dillard’s building will remain because it is separately owned, and Pinnacle Bank will keep its office space. Most of the rest of the site will be cleared.

The 31-acre property at 4465 Poplar Ave. was purchased in December 2023 for $18.3 million by Oak Court Partners, a group of investors that includes Poag Development Group CEO Josh Poag.

Poag said the purchase was partly to prevent the property from deteriorating further under less responsible ownership.

After acquiring the site, the group began exploring long-term plans, including discussions with neighboring businesses and working through development approvals. While Poag Development Group could be involved in future construction, no final decision has been made.

The vision is for a mixed-use development, potentially including retail, residential, and other uses. However, the final outcome will depend on market conditions and the eventual developer.

Possible components discussed include a hotel and housing for residents aged 55 and older.

Real estate professionals note the site’s strong location in East Memphis, with high traffic and easy access across the city. Ongoing development along Poplar Avenue further supports the area’s growth.

Retail vacancy in this part of East Memphis is currently under 3%, indicating demand for new space. Experts say a mixed-use project at Oak Court could meet that demand by creating a modern, community-focused destination.