THE BEACON
Cottage 850 N. Manassas Memphis, TN 38107
A SEASON OF NEW BEGINNINGS
The fruits of collective efforts and the visionary Community Plan led the CRA to a spring and summer of celebratory ribbon- cutting ceremonies, marking the grand openings of 3 beautiful and transformative spaces: Morris Park, North Memphis Greenline and Mia’s Orchard.
Unveiling the Morris Park Development with a Grand Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Phone: 901-435-6992
Email: info@cramemphis.org www.cramemphis.org
The new and improved Morris Park is finally open to the public. This project, birthed out of the Uptown Community Plan, began in 2021. The CRA, contributed $1.5 million dollars towards the completion of the park and partnered with the City of Memphis to continue improving the quality of life for area residents.
The City of Memphis hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on June 10th, marking the official unveiling of this exciting project. Former Mayor Strickland and representatives from several neighboring organizations attended the event.
North Memphis Greenline
The North Memphis Greenline Ribbon Cutting drew approximately 100 enthusiastic community members. The Greenline, masterfully crafted by Kimley- Horn, showcases an expansive 80ft by 200ft verdant oasis adorned with native trees, a fitness plaza with permanent exercise equipment, and an enchanting bridge that beckons for unforgettable photo moments. The park sits across from Grind City Brewery (GCB).
Councilwomen Michalyn Easter Thomas and Cheyenne Johnson addressed the audience, each highlighing the importance of community engagement, green spaces, and the positive impact the North Memphis Greenline will have on the neighborhood.
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
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“The community, not the individual, is the essential unit of social progress. ”
— Marion Wright Edelman
GRAND OPENINGS
North Memphis Greenline cont’d
The diverse crowd included not only community leaders and advocates but also neighbors eager to witness the unfolding transformation of the North Memphis Greenline. The palpable sense of community spirit and unity resonated throughout the event
GCB president Harper Seely stated, “[The park] adds to the Uptown experience. It used to be, you drive up here for Grind City or you’re driving here just for work. Now, we have a beautiful place to eat and drink on the weekends, and now you have got a way to tie it into the community with a park”. The Greenline ties the Bearwater Neighborhood to Downtown and Uptown, creating more of a connection among residents and the city as a whole.
Celebrating Mia’s Orchard: A Blossoming Tribute to Mia Madison
Mia’s Orchard has emerged as a testament to community resilience, environmental stewardship, and the enduring spirit of Mia Madison. The grand opening, held on September 13th at 1112 Palmetto Avenue, was a poignant moment that also brought together over 100 people, all captivated by the transformation of a once-blighted property into a vibrant source of fresh produce.
Mia Madison, the former executive director of Memphis Tilth, left an indelible mark on the Memphis community through her commitment to the environment and food security. The orchard is situated on a quarter acre of land generously donated by Memphis City Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas. Originally planned as a rental property, the space took on a new life through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Block Wellness Program. The program, driven by the Uptown Community Plan, aims to transform vacant or neglected properties into communal spaces that foster connection, playfulness, and community bonds.
Amidst the blossoming trees and vibrant atmosphere of Mia’s Orchard, the CRA also honored another cherished community member, Troykia Mathis. Trokyia was a North Memphis native committed to the community she loved. In 2015 she founded a non-profit organization called Spirits With Purpose dedicated to empowering the community with necessary resources, life-changing skills, and fostering economic and spiritual growth through education and personal development. Troykia Mathis was a beautiful spirit and a bright light to every life she touched. The grand opening witnessed the symbolic release of fritillary butterflies, capturing the essence of transition and growth that both Mia and Troykia embodied in their lives. Mia’s Orchard will be stewarded by Black Seeds Urban Farm, LLC.
NEW GROCERY STORE COMING TO NORTH MEMPHIS
544 Jackson Ave, the long-vacant space that once held the memories of a family-owned Chism Trail grocery store and a Kroger is about to undergo a remarkable transformation. The Community Redevelopment Agency acquired the property, responding to the persistent calls of the community for a grocery store in what has long been recognized as a food desert.
After an extensive process that involved sending out Requests for Proposals (RFPs), the CRA and the Uptown Advisory Committee accepted a bid from Flaherty and Collins, a developer committed to community-centric projects. The vision for the site goes beyond just a grocery store; it includes mixed-use affordable housing, a key component in addressing the diverse needs of the neighborhood.
Dani Miller, a representative of the developer, expressed excitement about the collaboration with a grocer and the CRA. “Our goal is to redevelop this location into a thriving community cornerstone that brings people together, fosters growth, and enhances the overall well-being of the neighborhood” Miller stated.
The project includes 70 units of affordable rental housing for households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) and a 15,000-square-foot full-service grocery store. The development will also feature associated parking, green space, and landscaping, all contributing to the creation of a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment.
The anticipated completion timeline is estimated to be 2-3 years, during which the project will unfold in aligment with the objectives of the Uptown Community Plan.
544 Jackson was activated with the North Memphis Spring in Fest in 2022
HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Exciting news is on the horizon as TechFit, a 501c3 organization founded by the dynamic duo Glen Lloyd and Felecia Crayton, has launched its new TechFit Center at 954 Second—lovingly known as the “Purple Church”.
TechFit is the collaboration of the couple’s individual areas of expertise. Glen is a lifetime resident of Bearwater and brings more than 20 years of tech and workforce development experience to the TechFit team. Executive Director, Felecia Crayton is a skilled fitness and nutrition instructor. Together, they make TechFit, aiming to bridge the gap in the Bearwater community by providing accessible and affordable technology and wellness resources.
The pair seek to eliminate the barriers that prevent people from making healthier choices, physically and professionally. They will offer an interactive training room, self-paced physical and health education classes, web design, adult literacy, digital marketing, and more, with each course culminating in a certificate, in addition to a commercial-sized kitchen for cooking and meal prep classes.
In the CRA docuseries, Own the Land, Glen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild the community. He stated, “We will assist people in the community with obtaining their GED, teaching them IT skills, and other things they can use for job placement.”
TechFit will also offer paid services such as space for private events, meetings, parties, a private fitness
Empowering Bearwater with TechFit Center
area for personal trainers, and rental spaces for audio and video purposes.
To learn more about this transformative initiative, give donations, request rental space, or to volunteer, visit techfitn.org or email info@techfitn.org. Let’s come together to support our community!
Glen & Felecia Lloyd, TechFit Owners
Single Family Homes Rehab
BEFORE
AFTER
The success of the Single Family Home Rehab (SFHR) program, which aims to make homes safe, warm, and dry, is not only a testament to community resilience but also a result of strategic partnerships. This year, the program received vital grant funds through the Department of Housing & Community Development of Memphis (HCD), enabling the CRA to address 38 emergency home repairs. The grant funds have been instrumental in helping families save their homes in environmental court, addressing severe electrical and plumbing issues, and correcting code violations that compromise community well-being.
This is all in addition to the program’s regular operations. To date 152 homeowners have received grants through SFHR. The completion of 114 homes in Phases 1-3 underscores the program’s efficiency and impact. Looking ahead, Phase 4 is projected to encompass 45 homes, further extending the reach of this transformative initiative. A Pilot Phase in the Binghampton Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district is currently underway, with 19 homes in progress. However, the demand for assistance is evident, with 200 homes currently on the waitlist. The program has facilitated a significant shift for residents who previously struggled to secure homeowners’ insurance. Now, with their homes brought up to standard, residents have newfound access to insurance coverage, providing an additional layer of security and stability.
Over the last four years, the CRA has reinvested millions back into the North Memphis community through SFHR alone. This financial injection has not only kept existing residents in their homes but has also increased area property values, signaling a broader transformation in the community and preservation of homes that have been in many families for generations. The ripple effect of this investment will resonate for generations to come, creating a lasting legacy of community empowerment and stability.
Hattiloo Theatre to Become Tenants of the Old Brick Church
The CRA is happy to announce that Hattiloo Theatre, one of the only freestanding Black repertory theaters in the U.S., will be the tenant of the historic ‘old brick church’ at 299 Chelsea. The CRA acquired the building in 2020 and later completed a restoration project shoring up the structure and safety of the building.
The development project, will take several years to complete. Eventually the space will become Hattiloo Theatre School, a barrier-free and equitable theater program, offering audition based, tuition free programming to serve youth, seniors, and people with diverse abilities. Hattiloo’s Founder and CEO, Ekundayo Bandele stated, “With Hattiloo Theatre School, we’re investing in a theatre program that will open pathways to the arts earlier and for more people with diverse backgrounds, from the Black community and other vulnerable communities to those with little to no theatre experience.”
June West, Chief Development Officer at Memphis Heritage, expressed the sentiment that the building has something magical about it, with original features like pocket doors, arches, and unique flooring that are irreplaceable. Magical indeed and fitting for a theatre company to occupy this space.
MUGGIN COFFEE OPENS IN MALONE PARK COMMONS
The Malone Park Commons neighborhood in Greenlaw celebrated a significant milestone with the grand opening of Muggin Coffee. Brothers Andre and Curtis Jones (Jones Urban Development) acquired the land from the CRA in 2019 to bring their live, work, play vision to life in North Memphis.
This is the second location of Muggin Coffee, a black-owned coffee shop. The first one has seen remarkable success in Whitehaven and there is no less expectation for the new location. Andre Johnson stated, “It’s vitally important to have walkable amenities and employment opportunities in sustaining a community. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Muggin as a part of this growing community.”
Muggin Coffee is located at 606 N. Main street and open Monday- Friday 6AM-6PM and Saturdays from 7:30AM-3PM.
PROGRESS IN ADDRESSING BROWNFIELDS
Earlier this year the CRA was awarded $1 million dollars to address brownfields. Before a property can become a community asset, it may have been a brownfield—a space where redevelopment is complicated by potentially hazardous substances or pollutants. Understanding the importance of revitalizing these areas, our coalition is dedicated to assessing and cleaning up brownfield sites, paving the way for future community use.
The EPA awarded more than $315 million from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites nationwide. Out of 267 groups receiving funds, the CRA is leading a coalition of Memphis organizations to address brownfields in Klondike, Uptown, Soulsville, Binghampton, and potentially other neighborhoods. The CRA is partnering with The Works, Binghampton Development Corporation (BDC) and EDGE, taking a comprehensive approach in environmental justice and community revitalization.
Recently, our coalition of organizations, led by the CRA, convened for a successful Brownfield Meeting. This meeting marked the beginning of a strategic plan to utilize the grant funds received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The brownfield meetings are open to the public. The next gathering is scheduled for December 7th. Mark your calendars, and see our website for updates as we continue to strategize and move forward.
WELCOMING NEW STAFF
This year marked two additions to the CRA with the welcoming of Averell Mondie as a Community Development Specialist, and Erin Cole as the Communications Coordinator.
Averell Mondie, a seasoned photojournalist, storyteller, and construction manager who brings a unique perspective to establishing places that foster thriving communities. Averell’s journey is defined by his dedication to uncovering and highlighting the inherent beauty in spaces that others might overlook or discard. His lens, both metaphorical and literal, captures the essence of places, from vacant land to areas marred by blight.
As a Community Development Specialist, Averell has played a pivotal role in infusing creative vision into various CRA projects. Notably, he has been instrumental in shaping the aesthetic and design aspects of Mia’s Orchard, Gould Cottage renovations, and future housing programs.
Erin Cole is a familiar face stepping into a new role as a permanent staff member at the CRA. Erin’s journey with the CRA began three years ago when she joined as a project-based communications consultant. Her passion, creativity, and invaluable contributions have made her an integral part of the CRA family.
Erin has been the driving force behind numerous CRA projects. As the editor of The Beacon, the CRA’s newsletter, Erin has consistently delivered engaging and informative content that keeps our community connected and informed.
One of Erin’s exceptional accomplishments is the creation and execution of the PBS-featured CRA docuseries, “OWN: Land. Home. Block.” This series, which has captivated audiences with its insightful storytelling, is a testament to Erin’s ability to weave narratives that resonate deeply with our community. Erin is a licensed realtor who finds joy in helping people build communities through homeownership. Her commitment to community development aligns seamlessly with the CRA’s mission to transform neighborhoods and enhance the lives of residents.