In photos: Welcome to the University District
As we kick off three months of On the Ground reporting in the University District, photographer Ziggy Mack explores the visual vibe of this growing, center-city neighborhood.
University District
The University District is home to Memphis’ largest institution of higher learning, The University of Memphis. The district is made of several distinct neighborhoods, including East Buntyn, Sherwood Forest, and Normal Station. Its main drag, a two-block strip of Highland Avenue known as the Highland Strip, is a staple of Memphis nightlife and offers food and drinks to fuel any study session. Recently, planning has focused on prioritizing pedestrians, including building standards for storefronts and updated railroad crossing to suit the university’s 20,000-plus students.
Coffee and community journalism: On the Ground in the University District
We're kicking off our embedded reporting in the University District with a look at its past, current state and our new community news room location — The Belltower Artisans.
On the Ground Podcast: Kicking off our University District coverage with Cody Fletcher
In S1E3, we kick off three months of embedded reporting with a conversation on the unique features, strengths, and challenges of the University District.
Facing pilot shortage, University of Memphis offers aviation degree through Millington flight school
With a growing demand for commercial pilots, the University of Memphis is partnering with CTI Professional Flight Training in Millington to offer a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation — with the blessing of FedEx.
More funding needed to sustain grassroots community development projects
While many community members and organizations often have great ideas for community development projects, the reality is there is not enough money available to fund everyone's vision. Last year, Community LIFT’s Empowerment Fund paved the way for improvement and beautification projects across the city, but a new study shows that much more funding is needed to keep momentum from those projects moving forward.
The City’s latest MWBE inclusion numbers show growth & minority-owned business accelerator kicks off
Propel, a business accelerator for existing minority-owned businesses, is launching its next cohort in the midst of several new city-backed initiatives intended to boost the wealth and diversity of the Memphis economy.
Startup support space, other new initiatives groom the University District to be an innovation hub
The University of Memphis has kicked off new initiatives at the FedEx Institute of Technology centered around emerging technology. The partnerships are a piece of a larger strategy to build the University District into a zone of technology and innovation.
Community LIFT grants lead to grassroots neighborhood development
Community cohesion is the focus for Community Lift as it begins the application process for this year’s round of micro-grants for its Empowerment Fund, now in its second year.
Memphis Public Libraries use Readbox to build awareness
A new guerilla marketing campaign popping up around town from the Memphis Public Libraries (MPL) is helping to build awareness of the diverse and growing range of free programs offered at local public libraries.
Explore Bike Share bicycle rental stations launching soon with more on the way in 2019
Locations around the city for the first 60 bike stations of the Explore Bike Share program have been announced, and the nonprofit has plans more stations and bikes for 2019 and 2020. The 600-bike system, which spans from Downtown, South Memphis, and Cooper Young to Orange Mound, Overton Square, and Crosstown, is moving towards a launch later this spring.
