Memphis Riverfront Concept Plan

With Studio Gang Architects and on behalf of the Mayor’s Riverfront Task Force, JLP+D provided market research and advisory services regarding the value of placemaking along Memphis’ six-mile urban waterfront. The Memphis Riverfront Concept Plan is designed to catalyze improvements to resiliency, economic development, and connectivity by creating a transformational civic space along the Mississippi River. The Plan provides actionable guidelines for improvements along this stretch in five zones, envisioning a connected waterfront, which ties people, jobs, and open space closer together for greater collective benefit.

JLP+D’s work focused on the value-add potential of a strengthened core, that is, increasing the coherence and vibrancy of Memphis’ downtown by connecting it more directly with the adjacent waterfront. Signature parks can create substantial value in the areas proximate to them and thusly play prominent roles in neighborhood revitalization. JLP+D’s recommendations included programming that would extend the lengths of user stays downtown and at the riverfront, increasing both activation and spending in the districts. Additionally, JLP+D recommended the creation of a Civic Terrace which would serve as a “front door” that directly connects Memphis’ strongest assets - the river and its downtown. By creating a river-oriented linear public space and a new experience for downtown users, the area can become an increasingly attractive and thus more competitive community of choice for employers, workers, and residents. JLP+D correspondingly suggested additional targeted investment in public realm improvements proximate to the terrace, including streetscape redesigns, materials, and lighting. By structuring these investments around a signature gateway, Memphis can capitalize on its existing assets and weave them tighter together, animating and activating both main and side streets as well as unlocking the adjacent real estate value.