Downtown revitalization : a case study of development in the center city area of Memphis, Tennessee

Downtown decline is a serious problem facing cities and towns across the nation. Many cities are seeking solutions through new and creative methods. This study examines what has been done in Memphis, Tennessee to stimulate economic growth, attract private capital investment, increase CBD competitiveness, and create new jobs to achieve downtown revitalization.

This study traces the historic development of downtowns in general and of Memphis in particular. Interviews with persons knowledgeable and involved in Memphis' downtown revitalization process provided information for this research. Selected development activities are described in order to present a picture of projects undertaken in Memphis and the redevelopment process used.

The future of downtown redevelopment in Memphis is tied inextricably to the activities of the Center City Commission. Within recent years, the role of publicprivate partnerships in redevelopment has increased. These relationships have proven successful in numerous cities. The study concludes by suggesting that traditional downtowns are obsolete; however, through coordinated public-private investments new downtowns are emerging and taking on a different role and nontraditional functions.

The Memphis experience is examined with the intent to provide information that can be applied to downtown areas in other cities.