Our Projects
COMMUNITIES GROW ONE STEP AT A TIME
Explore MMDC's collaborations and projects that make our district more ​​vibrant, prosperous, and equitable.
ALL PROJECTS
most recent projects
streetscapes + public spaces
transportation + pedestrian safety
public art
economic development
Real Estate
workforce strategy
community engagement
2023 MMDC Real Estate Report

Overview of MMDC's 2023 Real Estate Investments, Grants, and Planning Activities

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Public Space Proposal Funds New Sidewalk Repairs 

Through the Public Space Proposal Fund, MMDC completed two significant sidewalk repairs in the Uptown and Madison Heights neighborhoods this fall.

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MMDC Ambassador Appreciation Week

This week, MMDC honored and celebrated our District Ambassadors who work hard to keep the District clean, vibrant, and inviting all year long.

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Crosswalk Zebras Memphis

At each Crosswalk Zebra event volunteers dress in Zebra costumes and walk – or dance! – pedestrians across the street to attract drivers' attention.

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Madison Avenue Asphalt Design Project
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Neighborhood Bus Shelter Art Project

In partnership with MATA, MMDC is implementing a series of new bus shelter installations throughout the Medical District. The art panel designs share a vibrant snapshot of some of the icons of our Medical District neighborhoods.

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Accessible Icon Stencils in Health Sciences Park

MMDC collaborated with local artist Anthony Lee to create colorful new stencils for Health Sciences Park. The stencils show the accessible icon symbol, which shows a wheelchair riding figure moving through space. This new addition will help make wheelchair accessible pathways and seating options more visible. This is just one step in making the park a place for everyone!

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Naming

Naming, a temporary, traveling public art installation designed by Colin Kidder, honors the individuals who were struck and killed by cars in Memphis in 2020. It encourages viewers to consider all the challenges pedestrians encounter while walking on our streets including blocked sidewalks, dangerous drivers, and broken infrastructure.

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Medical District Streetscape Lookbook

In 2020-21, MMDC partnered with Toole Design, a nationally recognized design firm with expertise in landscape architecture, planning, and urban design, and Creative Punch, a local full-service design & branding studio, to develop new concepts to guide our future streetscape investments in the Medical District.

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Health Sciences Park Activation

Since 2016, MMDC has worked to activate the District’s largest greenspace, Health Sciences Park, in ways that engaged residents, employees, students, and visitors through a multiyear transformation of Health Sciences Park.

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BOXLOT

BOXLOT was a temporary retail activation built from shipping containers. Its mission was to create opportunities for local small business owners to test their business models and to provide an example of how these activations can catalyze development in a neighborhood.

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MLK Avenue

The MLK Avenue Streetscape project is MMDC’s third phase of streetscape enhancement projects implemented in partnership with the City of Memphis. The MLK project corridor runs from Peabody Avenue to Danny Thomas Boulevard and continues to Fourth Street in Downtown Memphis, thanks to a partnership with the Downtown Memphis Commission.

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Business Feature: Sheet Cake Gallery

Sheet Cake Gallery opened in Memphis' Edge District in December 2023. Owner Lauren Kennedy shares her story and her vision for the gallery.  

2023 MMDC Real Estate Report

Overview of MMDC's 2023 Real Estate Investments, Grants, and Planning Activities

Sheet Cake Gallery Adds a Splash of Color to the Edge District

A sweet, new haven for art enthusiasts has made its home in the Edge District! Sheet Cake Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and consulting practice in Memphis, focusing on artists based in and connected to the regional South.

#OurMedicalDistrict

Whether you are an employee, student, small business owner, supporter, or community member, the Medical District means something unique to each of us and we all contribute to the District's success in our own way.

2023 MMDC Impact Highlights

In 2023, MMDC provided vital support to our diverse array of communities and stakeholders through our grants, resources, and new and expanded programs, while making numerous physical improvements to the District to enhance vibrancy and connectivity.

Public Space Proposal Funds New Sidewalk Repairs 

Through the Public Space Proposal Fund, MMDC completed two significant sidewalk repairs in the Uptown and Madison Heights neighborhoods this fall.

Uniting for Wellness in the Medical District

Last weekend, the Medical District celebrated a day dedicated to health, community, and vitality at the Morris Park Wellness Festival. 

Cleveland Corridor Vision Book

MMDC, and our partners at LRK, engaged the neighborhood for input across three nodes of Cleveland St. to create the Cleveland Corridor Vision Book.

Stay Local

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is excited to announce a new collaboration with The Works, Inc. to support the creation of workforce affordable housing in and around the Medical District. The new housing opportunities will prioritize Medical District employees in the application process.

Viet Hoa Market

In 2018, MMDC began conversations with Cleveland Street's Viet Hoa Market on a facade improvement and expansion project.

MMDC Real Estate Form Book

The MMDC Form Book is a resource of architectural guidelines and designs. It is a tool to spur real estate development throughout the distinct neighborhoods of the Medical District. The Form Book does so by providing real estate developers and builders a series of architectural housing concepts and customizable designs.

MMDC Ambassador Appreciation Week

This week, MMDC honored and celebrated our District Ambassadors who work hard to keep the District clean, vibrant, and inviting all year long.

Orleans Station

Historically, the Medical District has seen residential disinvestment, with many institutional employees commuting to work each day. The area’s growth potential has relied almost entirely on commuter traffic. Orleans Station is bringing new residential units and expanding the District's commercial corridors.

Crosswalk Zebras Memphis

At each Crosswalk Zebra event volunteers dress in Zebra costumes and walk – or dance! – pedestrians across the street to attract drivers' attention.

Mind Your Business Series

Entrepreneurs all over Memphis are now getting the unique opportunity to hear from the experts at “Mind Your Business,” a new educational platform of classes featuring panels with local Memphis professionals. 

Business Highlight: Riko’s Kickin Chickin

Beginning as a food truck in 2014, the husband and wife duo got the idea to open up a brick-and-mortar location after serving Youth Villages on Super Sunday. A local landlord at the event suggested they look into the Madison Heights neighborhood of the Medical District. Soon after, they decided to make the leap and open up shop at 1329 Madison Ave.

Madison Avenue Asphalt Design Project
Discover the District Tours

Discover the District tours provide an opportunity to experience the people and place of the Medical District.

Neighborhood Bus Shelter Art Project

In partnership with MATA, MMDC is implementing a series of new bus shelter installations throughout the Medical District. The art panel designs share a vibrant snapshot of some of the icons of our Medical District neighborhoods.

Accessible Icon Stencils in Health Sciences Park

MMDC collaborated with local artist Anthony Lee to create colorful new stencils for Health Sciences Park. The stencils show the accessible icon symbol, which shows a wheelchair riding figure moving through space. This new addition will help make wheelchair accessible pathways and seating options more visible. This is just one step in making the park a place for everyone!

Business Feature: Sheet Cake Gallery

Sheet Cake Gallery opened in Memphis' Edge District in December 2023. Owner Lauren Kennedy shares her story and her vision for the gallery.  

2023 MMDC Real Estate Report

Overview of MMDC's 2023 Real Estate Investments, Grants, and Planning Activities

Sheet Cake Gallery Adds a Splash of Color to the Edge District

A sweet, new haven for art enthusiasts has made its home in the Edge District! Sheet Cake Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and consulting practice in Memphis, focusing on artists based in and connected to the regional South.

#OurMedicalDistrict

Whether you are an employee, student, small business owner, supporter, or community member, the Medical District means something unique to each of us and we all contribute to the District's success in our own way.

2023 MMDC Impact Highlights

In 2023, MMDC provided vital support to our diverse array of communities and stakeholders through our grants, resources, and new and expanded programs, while making numerous physical improvements to the District to enhance vibrancy and connectivity.

Public Space Proposal Funds New Sidewalk Repairs 

Through the Public Space Proposal Fund, MMDC completed two significant sidewalk repairs in the Uptown and Madison Heights neighborhoods this fall.

Uniting for Wellness in the Medical District

Last weekend, the Medical District celebrated a day dedicated to health, community, and vitality at the Morris Park Wellness Festival. 

Cleveland Corridor Vision Book

MMDC, and our partners at LRK, engaged the neighborhood for input across three nodes of Cleveland St. to create the Cleveland Corridor Vision Book.

Stay Local

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is excited to announce a new collaboration with The Works, Inc. to support the creation of workforce affordable housing in and around the Medical District. The new housing opportunities will prioritize Medical District employees in the application process.

Viet Hoa Market

In 2018, MMDC began conversations with Cleveland Street's Viet Hoa Market on a facade improvement and expansion project.

Business Feature: Sheet Cake Gallery

Sheet Cake Gallery opened in Memphis' Edge District in December 2023. Owner Lauren Kennedy shares her story and her vision for the gallery.  

2023 MMDC Real Estate Report

Overview of MMDC's 2023 Real Estate Investments, Grants, and Planning Activities

Sheet Cake Gallery Adds a Splash of Color to the Edge District

A sweet, new haven for art enthusiasts has made its home in the Edge District! Sheet Cake Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and consulting practice in Memphis, focusing on artists based in and connected to the regional South.

#OurMedicalDistrict

Whether you are an employee, student, small business owner, supporter, or community member, the Medical District means something unique to each of us and we all contribute to the District's success in our own way.

2023 MMDC Impact Highlights

In 2023, MMDC provided vital support to our diverse array of communities and stakeholders through our grants, resources, and new and expanded programs, while making numerous physical improvements to the District to enhance vibrancy and connectivity.

Public Space Proposal Funds New Sidewalk Repairs 

Through the Public Space Proposal Fund, MMDC completed two significant sidewalk repairs in the Uptown and Madison Heights neighborhoods this fall.

Uniting for Wellness in the Medical District

Last weekend, the Medical District celebrated a day dedicated to health, community, and vitality at the Morris Park Wellness Festival. 

Cleveland Corridor Vision Book

MMDC, and our partners at LRK, engaged the neighborhood for input across three nodes of Cleveland St. to create the Cleveland Corridor Vision Book.

Stay Local

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is excited to announce a new collaboration with The Works, Inc. to support the creation of workforce affordable housing in and around the Medical District. The new housing opportunities will prioritize Medical District employees in the application process.

Viet Hoa Market

In 2018, MMDC began conversations with Cleveland Street's Viet Hoa Market on a facade improvement and expansion project.

Business Feature: Sheet Cake Gallery

Sheet Cake Gallery opened in Memphis' Edge District in December 2023. Owner Lauren Kennedy shares her story and her vision for the gallery.  

2023 MMDC Real Estate Report

Overview of MMDC's 2023 Real Estate Investments, Grants, and Planning Activities

Sheet Cake Gallery Adds a Splash of Color to the Edge District

A sweet, new haven for art enthusiasts has made its home in the Edge District! Sheet Cake Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and consulting practice in Memphis, focusing on artists based in and connected to the regional South.

#OurMedicalDistrict

Whether you are an employee, student, small business owner, supporter, or community member, the Medical District means something unique to each of us and we all contribute to the District's success in our own way.

2023 MMDC Impact Highlights

In 2023, MMDC provided vital support to our diverse array of communities and stakeholders through our grants, resources, and new and expanded programs, while making numerous physical improvements to the District to enhance vibrancy and connectivity.

Public Space Proposal Funds New Sidewalk Repairs 

Through the Public Space Proposal Fund, MMDC completed two significant sidewalk repairs in the Uptown and Madison Heights neighborhoods this fall.

Uniting for Wellness in the Medical District

Last weekend, the Medical District celebrated a day dedicated to health, community, and vitality at the Morris Park Wellness Festival. 

Cleveland Corridor Vision Book

MMDC, and our partners at LRK, engaged the neighborhood for input across three nodes of Cleveland St. to create the Cleveland Corridor Vision Book.

Stay Local

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is excited to announce a new collaboration with The Works, Inc. to support the creation of workforce affordable housing in and around the Medical District. The new housing opportunities will prioritize Medical District employees in the application process.

Viet Hoa Market

In 2018, MMDC began conversations with Cleveland Street's Viet Hoa Market on a facade improvement and expansion project.

Treedom Memphis

An art installation designed by Parisian architectural firm Atelier YokYok made its U.S. debut in June in a vacant lot in Memphis. "Treedom Memphis" mimicked forests and the city's tree canopy and combined art with a functional community space. It was used for hosting live performances, yoga classes, or for a meal or community meeting. The installation also included an original work by local artist Cat Peña, landscaping enhancements, artistic enhancements by Memphis-based The Artist Commons.

Marshall & Monroe Avenues

The Marshall & Monroe streetscape improvements included: pedestrian plazas, seating and planters to dramatically reduce the street width and slow traffic, adding bike lanes, and increasing parking. The total cost was approximately $200,000.

There's More to Be Proud Of

A component of MMDC’s Marshall/Monroe streetscape improvement project. The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) provided project funding to support this work and commissioned an extraordinary artwork “There is More to be Proud Of,” by local artist Cat Peña. This shimmering, soothing, shade-casting public art installation was unveiled to the public at a party on the plaza in March 2017 and refreshed in December 2019.

Edge Triangle

Edge Triangle is a vibrant space accessible to residents, students, and employees of the Memphis Medical District. On any given day, one might see people taking their dogs to the off-leash area, rearranging moveable seating for lunch, or playing the sound wave instrument.

Freewheel

Launched in partnership with Downtown Memphis Commission in 2016, Freewheel was a series of bi-weekly, free, slow group rides through neighborhoods in the District. The events continued through 2018, encouraging attendees to learn how to navigate Memphis by bike.

Business Feature: Sheet Cake Gallery

Sheet Cake Gallery opened in Memphis' Edge District in December 2023. Owner Lauren Kennedy shares her story and her vision for the gallery.  

2023 MMDC Real Estate Report

Overview of MMDC's 2023 Real Estate Investments, Grants, and Planning Activities

Sheet Cake Gallery Adds a Splash of Color to the Edge District

A sweet, new haven for art enthusiasts has made its home in the Edge District! Sheet Cake Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and consulting practice in Memphis, focusing on artists based in and connected to the regional South.

#OurMedicalDistrict

Whether you are an employee, student, small business owner, supporter, or community member, the Medical District means something unique to each of us and we all contribute to the District's success in our own way.

2023 MMDC Impact Highlights

In 2023, MMDC provided vital support to our diverse array of communities and stakeholders through our grants, resources, and new and expanded programs, while making numerous physical improvements to the District to enhance vibrancy and connectivity.

Public Space Proposal Funds New Sidewalk Repairs 

Through the Public Space Proposal Fund, MMDC completed two significant sidewalk repairs in the Uptown and Madison Heights neighborhoods this fall.

Uniting for Wellness in the Medical District

Last weekend, the Medical District celebrated a day dedicated to health, community, and vitality at the Morris Park Wellness Festival. 

Cleveland Corridor Vision Book

MMDC, and our partners at LRK, engaged the neighborhood for input across three nodes of Cleveland St. to create the Cleveland Corridor Vision Book.

Stay Local

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is excited to announce a new collaboration with The Works, Inc. to support the creation of workforce affordable housing in and around the Medical District. The new housing opportunities will prioritize Medical District employees in the application process.

Viet Hoa Market

In 2018, MMDC began conversations with Cleveland Street's Viet Hoa Market on a facade improvement and expansion project.

Naming

Naming, a temporary, traveling public art installation designed by Colin Kidder, honors the individuals who were struck and killed by cars in Memphis in 2020. It encourages viewers to consider all the challenges pedestrians encounter while walking on our streets including blocked sidewalks, dangerous drivers, and broken infrastructure.

Hire Local Stories: Anjelica
Hire Local Stories: Marquiesha

Le Bonheur Children's Hospital works with MMDC's Hire Local program to invest in local talent. We are always excited to share stories like Marquiesha's and would like to congratulate her on her success as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Le Bonheur.

Medical District Streetscape Lookbook

In 2020-21, MMDC partnered with Toole Design, a nationally recognized design firm with expertise in landscape architecture, planning, and urban design, and Creative Punch, a local full-service design & branding studio, to develop new concepts to guide our future streetscape investments in the Medical District.

Groove On-Demand

Fast, easy, affordable rides around Downtown, the Medical District, and New Chicago.

BAM Thrift Shop - Madison Heights

In collaboration with the Center City Development Corporation, the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC), MMDC supported facade improvements to BAM Thrift Shop and Cozy Corner Cafe.

Health Sciences Park Activation

Since 2016, MMDC has worked to activate the District’s largest greenspace, Health Sciences Park, in ways that engaged residents, employees, students, and visitors through a multiyear transformation of Health Sciences Park.

Alcenia's

BJ Chester-Tamayo believes in doing things right, even if they may take longer than you’d like. When she first leased space in 1997 to open a restaurant named for her mother Alcenia, she knew that if the landlord ever wanted to sell, she wanted to be the one to buy.

Making Their Mark: Portraits of the Medical District
Hire Local Stories: Gwendolyn M.