The University of Memphis Neighborhoods Development Corporation (UNDC) and the University of Memphis Government Relations and Policy are on a mission to create a thriving community in the areas surrounding the UofM.

Working together, the University Neighborhoods Development Corporation (UNDC) and the University of Memphis Government Relations and Policy have set several plans in motion to improve physical infrastructure that will ultimately have a significant positive economic impact in the area surrounding the University of Memphis.

Among these plans is the facelift to Highland Street as part of the Highland Revitalization Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Completed projects through the Highland Revitalization TIF include an activated crosswalk and mural, a SkyCop camera network, a study into the feasibility of a railroad quiet zone and new LED lighting for the Walker Avenue parking lot.

Up next is the Highland Streetscape Improvements Vision. The $18 million project will include intersection and railroad crossing enhancements, traffic calming, new sidewalks, landscaping, public art and more.

“Everything that we do has a common goal of promoting economic inclusion, shared prosperity and student success,” said Cody Fletcher, University District development officer at the UofM. “This project furthers those goals and will serve as a catalyst to bring more students, visitors and businesses to the University District.”

The Highland Streetscape plan is designed to unify both sides of the street and is flexible enough to include new ideas throughout the process. The current plan of improvements will generate value, enhance access and promote improved quality of life in the area.

“This is all to create a vibrant and safe neighborhood for our students, partners and neighbors; and to create a boulevard-type environment along Highland,” said Ted Townsend, chief economic development and government relations officer for the University.

The community improvements aren’t stopping with Highland. Plans are being made to expand the TIF to encompass a one-mile stretch of Park Avenue from Highland to Goodlett. Many of the planned enhancements to this area are public necessities similar to the projects on Highland, with the additional boost of a state-approved vertical construction component.

These drastic improvements via the TIF will mitigate risks for investors that look to move into the area, providing an opportunity for these neighborhoods to flourish. In addition to enhancing the broader community that surrounds the University, these efforts will help further connect the main and Park Avenue campuses.

A primary goal of the work being financed through the TIF is improving the community as a whole. This is just one of the many ways the University and its partners are working to make a significant positive economic impact on the City of Memphis.