Weekly Update

Friends, 

As a reminder, the City (in partnership with City Council) issued $200 million in bonds to facilitate catalytic community projects in three focus areas (Activating Memphis 3.0, Improving Our Parks, and Revitalizing Citywide Assets) all across our city.

From time to time, I think it’s important to give an update on how these Accelerate Memphis projects are moving along. Just to call out a few—we are nearing completion on a brand new Gaisman Community Center.

The new nearly $10 million center will have multiple amenities including: a game room, computer room, art room, conference room, fitness room, flex room, and a large gymnasium with an elevated walking track and lots of natural light.

In addition to the new community center, new soccer fields are being constructed.

The park plan calls for constructing one full-sized adult soccer field with irrigation and sports-lighting and two youth fields that can be combined to provide a second adult field.

Once complete, this will be a tremendous asset for the neighborhood and for the greater community.

Another exciting project is a newly renovated Audubon Golf Course. Slated for completion later this fall, it will have all new greens, freshly paved cart paths, a driving range and short course.

And lastly—an update on Historic Melrose. The building has a new roof for the first time in about 50 plus years.

Brick and masonry repair on the North side and preparing for new windows.

New administrative offices are being built over top of old basement with tower for two elevators on right side.​

We’re framing a new addition to add more library space and the crumbling back wall has been replaced.

Phase 1: First floor with branch library and genealogy center will be complete this December 2023.

This building historically has meant so much to the City and to the Orange Mound community, and with these renovations, it will serve as a beacon of hope and learning for generations to come.

Breaking ground: For more than 40 years, Alliance Healthcare Services has been serving the mental health needs of our community. They are the largest comprehensive behavioral health provider in Shelby County, and they are expanding their services even more.

Earlier today, we celebrated with Governor Lee and the Alliance Healthcare team as they broke ground on their new $27 million crisis facility.  Of that budget, $7.5 million was included in Governor Lee’s budget this year to help fund construction.

Thanks to Laurie Powell and her team at Alliance for all the great work they have done and will continue to do for our community.

Enjoy your weekend!

Yours,