New Memphis provides a weekly window into ways Memphians are solving problems, looking forward, and successfully shaping our community.
Mar, 31 2026
S6E13 – Revitalizing History with Historic Melrose High School
Listen now:
https://pinecast.com/listen/90e58531-6e73-4426-9c35-a475d5d1a161.mp3?source=jsonfeed&ext=asset.mp3
In this episode, New Memphis shares the mic with a special guest host — City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young — to explore how collaboration led to the transformation of Historic Melrose High School and how the project is revitalizing the community.
Orange Mound — a historic neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee — was the first subdivision in America built specifically for Black homebuyers, and at the heart of this neighborhood lies Historic Melrose High School. The school closed in 1979, but in recent years, community advocates came together with local government to pursue an ambitious mixed-use redevelopment of the space that includes community spaces, a public library, a Black genealogy center, and a 28-unit senior housing facility. Learn how the project came to life and how you can play a role in its future in this conversation!
Guest:
Orange Mound — a historic neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee — was the first subdivision in America built specifically for Black homebuyers, and at the heart of this neighborhood lies Historic Melrose High School. The school closed in 1979, but in recent years, community advocates came together with local government to pursue an ambitious mixed-use redevelopment of the space that includes community spaces, a public library, a Black genealogy center, and a 28-unit senior housing facility. Learn how the project came to life and how you can play a role in its future in this conversation!
Guest:
- Ashley Cash | City of Memphis
Meanwhile in Memphis is produced by New Memphis and is powered by iBank.
Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co
