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Memphis Malls, Parks, & Shopping

July 18, 2013 by Emma · 16 Comments · Uncategorized

While I was reading Rybczynski’s chapter on Urban Design, I read through the lens of a Memphis resident.  At each topic I asked myself, “how does Memphis measure up in this regard”?

One particular topic that I enjoyed was Rybczynski’s discussion of public parks and their importance to the surrounding neighborhoods, citizens and the city as a whole.  I could immediately think of many local parks in Memphis that are well kept and offered a variety of pleasures.  I live very near Overton Park, which is of substantial size and includes well-maintained trails, a dog park, Levitt Shell, and is intermingled with the Memphis College of Art and the Memphis Zoo.  Court Park in downtown Memphis also came to mind, which provides beautiful views of downtown structures, and sits beside my favorite Memphis mall: Main Street.  The dwellings near both parks are very nice and both parks seem well-used.  I was surprised to see the importance green space to housing value in low-income neighborhoods, especially since parks seem to be the first place people mention when they warn new residents about muggings or gang violence.  When I look at a map of Memphis, I do notice that we have a variety of parks in lower-income areas, including North and South Memphis, albeit not as large as parks like Overton Park or Shelby Farms.  If I were a city leader in discussion about expanding the park system in low-income areas, my primary concern would be security.

Upon reading about shopping places, I could not help but picture Overton Square, which is just blocks from my home and frequented often by my husband and I.  Since we have moved to midtown last November, Local on the Square, Chiwawa, and Bar Louie have opened their doors.  In addition, construction is underway: more restaurants and shops are to come.  The revitalization of that small intersection has made a considerable financial impact, and has helped make midtown Memphis liveable and fun.  Living near Overton Square=Major amenity points.

On the other hand, Rybczynski discusses the difficulty in urban shopping areas, which I certainly see as a factor of Memphis living.  It does sound like Memphis is not alone in this struggle, but all cities are affected.  For a midtown Memphis resident, the closest WalMart is in Arkansas.  The closest Target is a substantial drive to the east.  The author also mentions Costco, which also requires a trip on the interstate. I know that due to land costs and general supply/demand principles, large box stores do not generally inhabit urban areas, but are set in the outskirts.  Although I understand why this is the case, it may provide another reason for urban residents to relocate closer to the conveniences of the suburbs.  In that regard, it is rather unfortunate.

16 Comments so far ↓

  • mhwllmrn

    It is interesting that big box retail is considered an amenity…though aesthetically speaking, small scale commercial is infinitely more attractive to most.

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  • bigbear

    You are so right, security is definitely the top priority. People in North and South Memphis deserve great parks. It would be wonderful to expand them into safe, vibrant spaces where kids can hang out, just like how they conquer a tough song together in Friday Night Funkin!

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