Memphis Advantages

Did you know that Downtown Memphis has ...

• More than $3 billion in public and private development projects recently completed or underway.
• One of the fastest growing residential neighborhoods in the mid-south with more than 27,000 people living in Downtown. This population is expected to grow to 31,000 by 2009 and 38,000 by 2014.
• More than 300 acres of parkland, including a 4-mile greenway and 20 public parks.
• Many historic areas, ranking Downtown Memphis as sixth in the country in number of historic districts.
• More than 40,000 public parking spaces.
• A growing Medical District that employes 30,000 people and is being repositioned as a world leader in biotechnology. Plans are underway for a $450 million biotechnology campus. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is also growing with a $1 billion campus expansion.
• The highest housing rental rates and sale averages in the county.
• Been recognized as a model for "New Urbanism" with several acclaimed neighborhoods including the Ballpark District, Uptown, and two national award-winning neo-traditional neighborhoods, Harbor Town and South Bluffs.
• Strong safety efforts that have resulted in making Downtown the safest precinct in the city, according to the Memphis Police Department and the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission.
• Several places of worship, including more than 30 churches.
• More than 160 restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisine.
• Thirty day care and early education institutions.
• More than 3000 hotel rooms in 20 Downtown hotels and inns.
• Eighteen museums, including nationally acclaimed museums like the National Civil Rights Museum, Rock 'n Soul Museum, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
• Six master plans underway to ensure Downtown's continued growth and success: Streetscape, Main Street, Medical District, Wayfinding, South Forum Redevelopment District, and Victorian Village.
• A workforce of 68,000 employees with an average household income of $60,000.
• A public trolley system that transports over 1 million riders each year.
• A revitalized arts district called the South Main Arts District that has become home to 17 art galleries, loft apartments, restaurants and boutiques.
• The regional government center with nearly 10,000 city, county, state, and federal employees.
• Beale Street, the state's top tourist attraction with more than 6 million annual visitors. Sales figures for some of Beale Street's national chains are among the highest in the country.
• AutoZone Park, a 14,000-seat award-winning AAA baseball stadium that is a leader in minor league baseball attendance.
• The FedExForum, a $250 million state-of-the-art sports & entertainment facility, with 18,500 seats and host more than 100 events each year.
• A 300,000-square-foot Peabody Place Entertainment and Retail Center with a 22-screen movie theatre, indoor bowling and miniature golf, national restaurants and retailers.
• The Blue Suede Brigade, on-the-street ambassadors who offer directions, assistance and a friendly-face to visitors. The Brigade also works with the Police Department to ensure safety and assists local businesses with special requests.
• A growing residential area called South End. This former industrial area is transforming into a new urban neighborhood that will be home to more than 5,000 residents within the next few years with development expected to hit the $500 million mark.
• Beautification efforts that include a $3 million streetscape improvement project underway in the core of downtown and a clean-up crew that sweeps the streets every Monday.