An evaluation of the Memphis, Tennessee, urban waterfront revitalization process from concept to implementation

In a time when cities are struggling with ways to increase the vitality of downtown areas, many are discovering the answer may well begin with utilizing their waterfront as a triggering mechanism to revitalization efforts. The urban waterfront is defined as "those shorelines within urbanized areas (as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau) that lie along navigable waterways." Rivers, bays, estuaries, lakes, oceans, harbors, reservoirs, and canals all fall under the general description of "waterway" (Committee on Urban Waterfront Lands, National Research Council, 1980).

Literature devoted to the subject of urban waterfront revitalization primarily focuses on the success of projects that have been undertaken. However, the majority of the literature fails to discuss the underlying process of how a waterfront revitalization effort is accomplished.

This study examines the general subject of how waterfront revitalization is being accomplished in Memphis, Tennessee. To determine how this is occurring, a detailed review of such facets as how the revitalization was financed, the key participants in the revitalization, the milestones, the role of planning, and forces and events that shaped goal strategy were undertaken.

The study found a unique relationship existed between the city of Memphis and its waterfront; one that has in the past led to urban growth and center city decline. Within recent years, the waterfront has been rediscovered as an area possessing unique amenity value, and more importantly, as a tool to stir overall downtown revitalization. The Memphis experience is documented with the intent to add information to the literature on the process of urban waterfront revitalization.