Memphis's changing neighborhoods (Midtown: apartment, house, public schools)

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

It is no secret that many of Memphis's black neighborhoods were originally built for whites. I have an uncle who once lived in an apartment on Belz Boulevard near the old Southgate Shopping Center in the early 1960s. He worked for Federal Compress.
NOTE: I'm not trying to start an argument. I'm just interested in discussing history.

[tigerphan]

I gotten to know that area north of Whitehaven well recently. It's a strange industrial area in some parts, but the housing in the residential area along South Pkwy looks to be smaller, but well built early mid-20th century. I'd love to see investment into that area. There are some beautiful craftsman homes in there that are falling into disrepair as the neighborhood declines (although some pockets look very well kept and neat). It's such a short drive to downtown....and I think if it ever was rejuvinated, 3rd street is easily wide nough to accomodate a street car line.

I'm not too sure how we can encourage investment along 3rd. There are some pretty dangerous areas there now, especially closer toward McLemore. Two notable places in that area are Elmwood Cemetary and Interstate BBQ. There are still plenty of industrial businesses in that area. I think there is a pretty big recycling plant right there near the southgate, but I'm not sure how many people are employed there.

Highway 61/3rd was sort of "route sixty sixed" when I-55 was built. I suppose after that area was developed, the rural area south of it was slowly transformed into what would become Whitehaven.

I always thought it was funny how the old Memphis money didn't really like Elvis very much, so he bought that house and land (Graceland) in what was the sticks/emerging suburb so long ago. I'd like to see Elvis Presley blvd redeveloped in 1950s style...lots of neon, drive-ins, diners, etc. Maybe a rock and roll concert hall or something would go well there.

I'm not sure what happened to the neighborhoods. Working class parts of town tend to depend on good public services - particularly public schools- to sustain their appeal. I suppose that they declined as the schools declined. The middle and upper class whites and blacks seem to steer clear of them these days. I imagine the opposite was true in the 1960s.

[eastmemphisguy]

My family is Jewish. In the 1950s, most of the tribe lived around Speedway Terrace/Vollintine Evergreen. Definately not the case anymore.

[Darkseid]

Originally Posted by tigerphan

I'd like to see Elvis Presley blvd redeveloped in 1950s style...lots of neon, drive-ins, diners, etc. Maybe a rock and roll concert hall or something would go well there.

They are trying to redevelop The EP Blvd corridor from roughly where Graceland is to Brooks Road, which will serve as a "gateway". They are planning to put a giant 'W' (for Whitehaven) on the intersection. It will look like a giant 'M', for Memphis, when you are traveling north on EP Blvd. They plan to place sidewalks and greenery

The thing that the powers that be are not getting is that the speed limit needs to be reduced to around 25MPH in the area with some bike lanes and promote some LOCAL restaurants and cuisine in the area (ala Midtown) instead of trying to recruit chains that are not coming (e.g. Applebees, TGI Friday's, etc)

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Originally Posted by Darkseid

They are planning to put a giant 'W' (for Whitehaven) on the intersection.

Smart. Reeeal smart! That will bring in the money for sure!

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Originally Posted by eastmemphisguy

My family is Jewish. In the 1950s, most of the tribe lived around Speedway Terrace/Vollintine Evergreen. Definately not the case anymore.

This neighborhood?

Vollintine Hills Historic District - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Unfortunately, the residents began moving out as early as the 1960s, not long after Baron Hirsch was completed.

[eastmemphisguy]

Yes. The senior center at N Parkway and Bellevue also used to be an Orthodox synagogue. Members had to live nearby because they are not allowed to drive on Saturdays.

[Tigertate]

Originally Posted by Darkseid

They are trying to redevelop The EP Blvd corridor from roughly where Graceland is to Brooks Road, which will serve as a "gateway". They are planning to put a giant 'W' (for Whitehaven) on the intersection. It will look like a giant 'M', for Memphis, when you are traveling north on EP Blvd. They plan to place sidewalks and greenery

The thing that the powers that be are not getting is that the speed limit needs to be reduced to around 25MPH in the area with some bike lanes and promote some LOCAL restaurants and cuisine in the area (ala Midtown) instead of trying to recruit chains that are not coming (e.g. Applebees, TGI Friday's, etc)

I am sorry, but a speed limit of 25 mph is not realistic for a major road like that. 35mph is an option, but 25mph will not be adhered to by local motorist. People will start complaining about a speed trap.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Originally Posted by eastmemphisguy

Yes. The senior center at N Parkway and Bellevue also used to be an Orthodox synagogue. Members had to live nearby because they are not allowed to drive on Saturdays.

Lots of good info about Memphis's Orthodox congregations here!

History of Orthodox Congregations

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Originally Posted by tigerphan

Highway 61/3rd was sort of "route sixty sixed" when I-55 was built. I suppose after that area was developed, the rural area south of it was slowly transformed into what would become Whitehaven.

Whitehaven did not extend west to Highway 61.

I wish I could find some good reading material on the history of Memphis's various neighborhoods, not only the oldest ones, but the ones developed after World War Two.

Anyone heard of Westwood? It is a neighborhood dominated by the Mount Vernon Baptist Church. It was developed beginning in the late 1950s.

Westwood, Memphis, Tennessee - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia