Performa Entertainment Real Estate, Inc. is a privately owned real estate development and advisory firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. In two decades, Performa has become the nation’s leading developer and consultant for urban entertainment districts. The development of a mixed-use urban retail/entertainment district is a highly specialized niche of the development industry.

Performa was founded to manage and develop the Beale Street Historic District for the city of Memphis. Beginning in 1983 with the opening of its first club, reborn Beale Street was a key building block in the revitalization of Downtown Memphis and has become one of Tennessee’s largest tourist attractions. Performa handled construction, marketing, leasing and asset management of the district, creating the entertainment theme through the selection of tenants and events.

USA Today called Beale Street “perhaps the greatest urban success story combining black history, culture and commerce.” Performa has won recognition from the Urban Land Institute, and consistently receives high ratings from the Department of Interior for its adherence to historical correctness in maintaining Beale’s designation as a National Historic Landmark Area.

Elkington.photo

John Elkington, Performa Entertainment Real Estate

Communities throughout America are striving to redevelop urban areas as magnets to attract business travelers, leisure and group tourists, and conventioneers eager to experience the distinctive richness of these cities. Under John Elkington’s leadership, the successful redevelopment of Beale Street provides a model for how to reinvigorate decaying inner cities by capturing the regional flavor, music and culture. Performa Entertainment Real Estate, Inc. has the skill and experience to help entertainment-related redevelopment opportunities succeed in other communities.

Elkington’s Appointments, Accolades & Community Involvement

  • Served as vice chair of Center City Commission
  • Served as chair of Downtown Parking Authority
  • Served as chair of Memphis & Shelby County Planning Commission
  • Served on the board of the National Civil Rights Museum
  • Appointed by the Governor to serve on the Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors, serving as vice chair in 1991, and also appointed to the Film & Music Task Force in 1995
  • Named one of “50 Leaders of Tomorrow” in Real Estate Forum Magazine in 1996
  • Received the A.W. Willis Preservation Award from Memphis Heritage in 1999
  • Received Blue Note Award from Blues Foundation for support of blues music community

Hear John interviewed by Carol Coletta on her nationally syndicated radio program “Smart City”.