The House
The James Lee House stands as one of the city’s most important residences and a vibrant example of Memphis’ early grandeur and opulence—a testament to its key location on the Mississippi River and the visionary, hard-working families who devoted their lives to its flourishing. .
Honoring a Legacy
For over 175 years, the families of 690 Adams Avenue have been deeply engaged in every aspect of community life—from commerce and banking to philanthropy and the arts. It is a rare place in Memphis that so powerfully embodies all these forces for good!
The preservation of The James Lee House as a boutique bed & breakfast and event venue affords you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a bygone era while enjoying the ultimate in luxury and modern comfort.
HISTORY OF THE JAMES LEE HOUSE
Located at 690 Adams Avenue, the James Lee House was originally a two-story farm house built by William Harsson in 1848. In 1852, Charles Wesley Goyer bought the house from his father-in-law and the Goyer family, numbering 10 children, lived there until 1890.
When it became necessary to expand, Goyer made one addition in 1853, later added a tower and a third floor, and eventually unified the appearance of the rest of the house in 1873. In 1890, the house was sold to James Lee, Jr. The house ultimately became the property of his daughter Rosa, who donated it to the city to be used as the James Lee Arts Academy (later to become the Memphis College of Arts).
The home was vacant for decades beginning in 1959, when the college moved to Overton Park. Although the house is composed of three different sections, it is a good representation of the late mid-19th century mansions built by well-to-do families in the area. The most elaborate interior is found in the front and most recent section of the house, which includes plaster trim, plaster ceiling medallions, shaped moldings, and marble mantels.
BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE JAMES LEE HOUSE
José Velázquez and his wife, Jennifer, had always dreamed of owning and operating a bed and breakfast together. In 2013, in partnership with J.W. Gibson and his wife, Kathy Buckman Gibson, they purchased The James Lee House and embarked on a meticulous restoration process to restore it to its former grandeur. After a year of painstaking renovations to the abandoned property, The James Lee House opened as a boutique bed and breakfast on May 1, 2014. In 2021, The House added “event venue” to its offerings, providing Memphians with more opportunities to enjoy its charms. For more than a decade, the home has offered luxurious accommodations, exceptional cuisine, unsurpassed southern hospitality, and a tangible connection to Memphis’ Victorian era.
In late 2021, José and Jennifer moved on to other pursuits in , but the house is still owned by the Gibsons, now with new partners John and Maryellen Riley. The James Lee House has enjoyed great success in Victorian Village, encouraged exciting growth and redevelopment in the area, and received numerous awards for excellence in historic preservation. A National Historic Landmark, the house has been featured in many publications, including: Choose901, The New York Times, Upgraded Points, The Times of London, Southern Living, StyleBlueprint, Garden & Gun, The Luxury Editor, and Travel & Leisure. The photos below show the transformation of this once neglected building into the stunning boutique bed & breakfast and event venue you see today.
