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in this issue:
Staying on Task for aVibrant Main Street
2009 American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act
Hard Hats Required
Unified DevelopmentCode Draft
Development
Briefs New
DowntownBusinesses
Available PropertySpotlight
Upcoming
MeetingSchedule
CCC
ContactInformation
The Downtown Developer
is a bi-monthly publication
produced by the
Memphis Center
City Commission
114 North Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
phone 901.575.0540
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fax 901.575-0541
downtownmemphis.com
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Staying on Task for a Vibrant Main Street
Last summer, the Traffic & Transportation committee of the Center City Commission began research into the feasibility of returning vehicular traffic to the Main Street Mall. As part of this research, the committee hosted a series of public forums and stakeholder meetings in order to obtain feedback from key Downtown stakeholders and the general public on this and other transportation options for the Mall. What started out as a conversation debating the merits of cars versus no cars on the Main Street Mall evolved into a dialogue about the larger issue of the general health of the Mall. While residents and stakeholders identified qualities that they liked about the Mall, their comments clearly indicated that the Mall, in its current state, has not achieved its full potential – not as a pedestrian mall; not as a transportation mall; not as a retail mall. It soon became evident that Main Street Mall is in need of a comprehensive approach to revitalization.
In September, an 18-member Main Street Task Force was created to spearhead such a comprehensive approach. For the past eight months, the committee has been evaluating and researching solutions to issues related to four focus areas:
- Mobility, Access, & Parking
- Public Realm, Infrastructure, & Maintenance
- Business Development
- Clean & Safe
After evaluating options and costs and researching best practices in other cities, Task Force members concluded that major investment in redesigning the Mall configuration to accommodate cars, whether on a test or a permanent basis, would be impractical at this time for several reasons. The financial feasibility of this option in the current economic climate was one of the factors that prompted the Task Force to recommend deferrment of any potential reintroduction of cars at this time and to recommend investment of additional dollars in public realm enhancements to support economic development and growth. The Task Force concluded that the return of vehicular traffic to the Main Street Mall might have positive effects and, therefore, recommended that the proposition of reintroducing cars should be closely monitored and reviewed periodically in the future.
Other recommendations in the Task Force report include:
- Increasing the utilization, comfort, and efficiency of the trolley system by improving the reliability and consistency of the trolley schedule;
- Creation of a working partnership for the implementation of an ongoing, regularly scheduled maintenance plan for the Mall;
- Strengthening anti-neglect regulation and the process of enforcement of private property code regulations within the CBID;
- Encouraging collaborative marketing, and promotion among Downtown businesses; and,
- Advocating for Main Street as the focus of public-private resources and initiatives.
Click here to download the Executive Summary of the Main Street Task Force report.
Click here to download the presentation from the CCC Board meeting. (6 MB)
Putting Feet on the Street
In recognition of the fact that improved economic health and increased business activity are key components of a vibrant, revitalized Main Street, the Task Force report also includes several recommendations toward these goals. One of these is expansion of outdoor programming and free activities to attract pedestrian traffic in targeted zones of the Mall.
The continuing Downtown Alive! series is designed to do just that. The program celebrates our city’s diverse creative spirit by offering a stage to arts, cultural, and creative organizations throughout the city. Free on-street activities, performances, tours, and demonstrations take place every Tuesday through Friday from 11:45 pm – 1 pm on and along Main Street. Click here for a complete listing of events for June. Downtown retailers and food merchants are encouraged to take advantage of the increased pedestrian activity during these performances by taking part in the CCC's Main Street Merchant program. Vendors can set up on Main Street near Court Square and offer art, crafts, and other unique merchandise. A canopy, table, and permit are provided for only $50 per week. Please contact Christine Taylor, 575-0540, or Lisa Brumleve, 575-0552, for more information.
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2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
In local efforts that play into the larger national picture, Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton and Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton, Jr. are working cooperatively to ensure that Memphis and Shelby County will benefit from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. This legislation, commonly referred to as the “stimulus fund”, is part of the Obama Administration’s aggressive efforts to jumpstart the local economy, as well as create or save millions of jobs.
In anticipation of the final approval of the stimulus fund, the Mayors have appointed a committee to organize coordinated city/county efforts and investigate potential projects that could best leverage available funds to benefit local citizens. Both city and county division directors are continuously identifying opportunities to bid on competitive grants and will respond appropriately to requests for applications from federal agencies.
Stimulus fund money represents a unique opportunity to do public infrastructure improvements within the CBID that will support private development. The Center City Commission has recently applied for funding for improvements in South Main as part of its ongoing Downtown Streetscape Project. The scope of the South Main phase of the project will include sidewalk and curb reconstruction, installation of street trees, and upgrading the street lights. The Center City Development Corporation (CCDC) recently selected Ritchie Smith Associates to design the project in anticipation of the hoped-for stimulus money.Click here to download a map of priority areas within the CBID for which stimulus funds have been requested.
Click here to visit the City of Memphis and Shelby County Stimulus Site for more information about how stimulus fund money will be distributed in the area.
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Hard Hats Required
Downtown Projects Move Full Speed Ahead
Work is progressing steadily on more than $1.8 billion of development projects within the CBID. Here are the latest construction photos of a few projects in the area.
Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Main at Jefferson, $21.1 million
Scheduled completion: late 2009
Horizon Luxury Apartments, 717 Riverside, $90 million
Scheduled completion: late 2009
Legends Park, Poplar at Ayers, $83 million
Scheduled completion for Phase 1: December 2009
CA2, Court Square Center, $49 million
Scheduled completion: late 2009
Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, Poplar at Pauline, $327 million
Scheduled completion: 2010
UT College of Pharmacy building, UT-Baptist Research Park, Union at Dudley, $43 million
Scheduled completion: 2010
Barboro Flats, Main at Gayoso, $18 million
Scheduled completion: September 2010
Click here to view more information about these and other Downtown development projects.
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Developer Resource Spotlight: Unified Development Code
The City of Memphis and Shelby County are in the process of preparing a single ("unified") document containing existing zoning and subdivision regulations, along with any other development-related regulations found elsewhere in the City or County code of ordinances. A draft of the proposed Unified Development Code (UDC) is now available for public review. This draft will be presented at a public hearing before the Land Use Control Board on June 28th at 5:30 pm at City Hall. Visit the UDC website to download the draft document and to get more information about the approval process.
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Development Briefs
The Mud Island neighborhood is getting a new apartment community. Grant & Co. Builders is developing Grand Island Apartments, a $19.8 million residential project on North Island Drive that will consist of five residential buildings with a total of 204 apartments, 49 rental garages in three buildings, and a clubhouse. Construction is scheduled to begin in November and to be completed by November 2011. MMH Hall, Architects/Planners, Inc. is the architectural firm for the project.The Riverfront Development Corporation has published the results from the first round of public input from the Mud Island Land Use Study. Click here to download findings from all meetings and survey responses.
Another installation of Kids Color Downtown is on display at the corner of Main Street and Jefferson Avenue next to Easy Way. The program, coordinated by the Center City Commission and Memphis City Schools, encourages Memphis-area schools to display student art exhibits on the fences of various Downtown construction sites. This latest exhibit features art by the students at Downtown Elementary School.ICB's Discount Sales received a Forgivable Loan for Existing Businesses in the amount of $22,081 from the Center City Development Corporation (CCDC) in May. The business, which offers groceries, home decor items, furniture, and personal care items, is located at 651 Jefferson Avenue. Muse Inspired Fashion, which offers boutique women's apparel and accessories at 517 South Main, received a $30,000 loan in April. For more information about the 2009 Forgivable Loan for Existing Businesses program, please contact Lisa Brumleve, Business Recruitment and Retention Manager, at 575.0552.
Demolition work has begun adjacent to the site of the new Regional Forensic Center at Poplar and Orleans. The $13 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2011.The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange has announced expansion plans. The 1,650-square-foot ground-floor space will provide more room for new exhibits and will allow the museum to accommodate more and larger groups. Work is scheduled to begin this September.
The Influence1 Foundation is moving its headquarters to the Edge neighborhood. The foundation, which runs City University Schools, will renovate the existing 4,552-square-foot building at 665 Madison Avenue to serve as office and programming space. Construction on the $99,800 is scheduled to be completed by July 2009. Self Tucker Architects designed the project.The apartments at 291 Greenlaw will be getting a facelift. Developer Dwaine Quarells will do exterior improvements and repairs to this multi-family residential building in Uptown. Planned repairs include exterior painting, repair of the parking area, and repair and/or replacement of windows and exterior doors. Work is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks and to be completed by July 2009.
The South Main Association, the UrbanArt Commission, and South Main property owner Tom Gattas have collaborated on a new public art project in South Main between GE Patterson and St. Paul. The South Main Lyrics Panels feature lyrics from songs written about Memphis that remark on the comings and goings to and from the city, remembrances of experiences or encounters, and expressions of local culture and flavor. The painted panels are designed to weather gracefully over time.
The Center City Commission and the South Main Association teamed up to install new light pole banners in the South Main area to celebrate the South Main Historic Arts District, Central Station's Tenth Anniversary, and the Memphis Farmers Market. Funding for the project was provided through a State of Tennessee Community Enhancement Grant with matching funds from local South Main businesses.[back to table of contents]
New Downtown Businesses
Art Under a Hot Tin Roof: Art gallery and boutique, 117 S Main St, (901) 522-4848
Beignet Café: 124 GE Patterson, (901) 527-0272
Paula & Raiford's Disco: 14 S Second St, (901) 521-2494
Cricket, Mobile phone services: 617 Chelsea Ave, (901) 767-1230
Primetime Sports Bar: 150 Peabody Pl, (901) 543-8800
Smoker's Outlet: Specialty cigarettes and cigars, 6 S Main St, (901) 575-2299
Hott Diggidy Dog: Hot dog cafe, 143 Monroe Ave, (901) 521-8394
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Available Property Spotlight:
600 Monroe Ave
Also known as the River City Chrome Building , this two-story brick and corrugated steel structure in the Edge neighborhood has frontage both on Marshall and Monroe Avenues.The original 19,900-square-foot structure was built in 1950 and includes two loading docks with two grade-level doors. 9,600 additional square feet were added to the east side of the property in 1997 for a total 29,500 square feet for the entire building.
Located just east of AutoZone ball park and near the Madison trolley line, this unique, multi-use property is suitable for retail, office, warehouse, and/or residential redevelopment.
The purchase price is listed at $499,000.
For information on this property, contact Lynn Owen at Crye Leike Realty, (901) 246-8956 or go to the website at www.crye-leike.com.
For more information about downtown properties that are for sale or lease, click here to view the CCC's Available Properties list. To add your commercial property to the list or to update a listing, please contact Dawn Vinson at 575-0555 or send the pertinent information to vinson@downtownmemphis.com.
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Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Design Review Board: Wednesday, June 3 at 5 pm
Center City Revenue Finance Corporation: Tuesday, June 9 at 9:00 am
Center City Development Corporation: Wednesday, June 17 at 9 am
Center City Commission Board: Thursday, June 25 at noon
Downtown Parking Authority: TBD
The above meetings will be held at the Center City Commission, 114 North Main Street. Meeting times and dates are subject to change. For more information, contact Dawn Vinson at 901.575.0555.
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Center City Commission Staff
Executive
Jeff Sanford, President
Eric Robertson, Chief Administrative Officer
Planning & Development
Andy Kitsinger, VP of Planning & Development
Jaske Goff, Director of Development & Diversity Outreach
Lisa Brumleve, Business Recruitment and Retention Manager
Lorie Chapman, Urban Planner
Dawn Vinson, Development Project Manager, Editor
Financial & Administrative
Jim Street, Chief Financial Officer
Christine Taylor, Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
Marketing
Lee Warren, Senior VP of Marketing
Leslie Gower, VP of Marketing and Communications
Sridhar Sunkara, Director of Information Systems
Stephanie Bennett, Marketing and Communications Specialist
Operations
Jerome Rubin, VP of Operations
Larry Bloom, Public Safety Coordinator
Dave Rice, Parking Manager/Environmental Coordinator
Gaston Davis, Blue Suede Brigade Manager
Blue Suede Brigadiers:
Fannie Garner, BSB Field Supervisor
Robbie Farmer
Hugh Grogan
Sally Hayes
Carl Hibler
Charles Jackson
Terry Johnson
David Martinez
Johnnie Willis
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Email your questions or comments to Dawn Vinson, Editor.