Exciting New Development in Memphis: Northside Square Takes Shape!
Memphis, Tenn. is buzzing with excitement as a major $81 million project is on the way to help transform one of the city’s most underserved communities. Welcome to Northside Square! This vibrant development is being constructed in the historic North Side High School, which closed its doors back in 2016. As city and community leaders came together on a cheerful Thursday to celebrate the financial closing of 42 affordable one- and two-bedroom housing units, the anticipation for this mixed-use development became palpable.
A New Chapter for North Side High School
Nostalgic memories linger in the hallways of North Side High, but soon, those echoes will be replaced with the lively hustle and bustle of a thriving community hub. The financial blessing for the commercial section of this project wrapped up last fall, paving the way for a bright future.
According to city officials, this endeavor couldn’t come at a better time. Mayor Paul Young proudly announced that “This is huge!” Not only is this redevelopment project notable for reimagining nearly 300,000 square feet of space, but it’s also crucial for a city in dire need of affordable housing—approximately 40,000 units short of what’s needed.
Changing Lives and Community Dynamics
Roshun Austin from “The Works, Inc.” is enthusiastic about the impact that Northside Square will have. She mentioned that the project isn’t just about buildings; it’s about reshaping lives and creating opportunities. “This is going to change the trajectory, not just for Klondike, but also the neighboring areas like Smokey City, Valentine, and Evergreen.”
This new development will encompass more than just housing. A range of amenities will be available, including restaurants, healthcare services, and office space. Among its tenants, the largest will be Moore Tech, a much-anticipated trade school that will occupy the ground level. It’s certainly shaping up to be a community hub that locals can be proud of!
Lessons from the Past: Renovating Schools into Communities
While Memphis has seen projects like the Old Melrose High School used for housing and commercial purposes, Roshun Austin highlighted that schools don’t typically make great candidates for renovations. “Schools are definitely not ideal to be anything other than schools,” she stated. The reality is that schools typically come with hefty renovation costs and complicated logistics.
However, Northside High School is a different story. Through the clever combination of tax breaks and city funds, along with an incredible anonymous donation of nearly $50 million, the old school is getting a new lease on life. It’s heartwarming to see the commitment from community members who wish to preserve the spirit of the beloved school.
Keeping Memories Alive
As the project unfolds, the developers have been busy salvaging various mementos from the old high school. Items like clocks, furniture, pictures, and even a printing press have been kept safe. They plan to display much of this memorabilia once construction wraps up in December 2025—adding a personal, historic touch to the new space.
Who’s Welcome at Northside Square?
As for the housing aspect, applications for tenants are expected to be available in late summer of 2025. The affordable housing units will cater to families earning 80% below the median income, which translates to about $40,000 a year or less. This step aims to ensure that the residents of this community can truly benefit from the development.
As we look ahead to the opening of Northside Square, it’s clear that this project is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a vibrant community where residents can thrive. Stay tuned as Memphis continues to evolve and grow!
