MEMPHIS, Tenn. — City leaders are giving extra TLC to a neighborhood where thousands of tourists go every week.
The Edge District, sandwiched between the Medical District and Downtown, is home to Sun Studio, and a lot of abandoned store fronts and empty lots.
The city is working to help the area boom.
On Friday, artists met with city leaders and pitched art projects they would like to see in this neighborhood like statues or murals.
The Downtown Memphis Commission said if any are feasible, it would help make it happen.
Leslie Gower with the DMC believed the neighborhood has the potential to be the next Broad Avenue or Cross Town where developers invest millions to create districts full of shops, restaurants and apartments.
Gower said she’s talking to developers while a Blight Committee works to clean up the area.
She wouldn’t comment on legal matters, but WREG discovered the city is battling two property owners in court trying to get a couple of buildings up to code or torn down.
In the meantime, businesses like High Cotton’s Brewery and Tap Room opened up shop in the district.
“There is a lot of good things about the neighborhood. It is a nice transitional piece. You got Redbirds Stadium right down the street. You’ve got Sun Studio to the east,” said co-owner Ryan Staggs.
Thousands of tourists are in the district every week, and the neighborhood is also next to the Medical District where thousands of students and medical staff spend their days.
“We think there is great opportunity for new development,” said Gower.
The city will be in court next week to duke it out with the property owners in environmental court.
WREG will let you know what happens.