Memphis Towers Tenants Union demands elevator repairs amid ongoing safety concerns

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Memphis Towers Tenants Union held a press conference Saturday afternoon to call for immediate improvements to what they say are unsafe elevators.

With over 160 members, the group has organized one of the largest tenant unions in Memphis history to demand safety upgrades from the building’s out-of-state owner.

“This building needs to be cleaner. Everyone in the building needs working hot water,” says union leader and tenant Mary Collier. “And we need to be treated with dignity and respect”

Residents say years of neglect to the building’s two elevators have left some stranded in their apartments, sometimes stuck inside elevators for hours. Many tenants are elderly or disabled.

The building is now owned by the Richman Group, a Connecticut-based company that took over from Millennia in 2024. Tenants say the promised upgrades never happened and they want answers.

The residents are demanding owner Richard Richman come to Memphis and see the building’s condition for himself.

“He’s a millionaire. He has the funds and the means to get down to Memphis. It’s just a matter of if this is something he cares about.” says Mauri Pickney, co-director of the Memphis Tenants Union. “Is he in public housing for profit or is he in public housing because he cares about folks in Memphis?”

The press conference comes after a petition with 140 signatures was delivered in April, urging the replacement of both elevators. The union says it’s time for accountability, action, and safe living conditions.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.

Copyright 2025 WMC. All rights reserved.