CRA refreshes program to help individuals invest in North Memphis revitalization

by Vivian Ekstrom

Over the last six years, the CRA has acquired vacant lots in the Uptown redevelopment area to assist with our work to fight blight. While the CRA is working with partners to develop future affordable housing on many of these properties, a handful of them are not suitable for homes for various reasons: they are often oddly shaped, have challenging site features, or are located next to high-impact infrastructure such as interstate highways.

Back in 2019, the CRA created the Lots Reimagined program to give community members and stakeholders the opportunity to transform these unique properties into neighborhood assets. Some of these properties were taken on by adjacent homeowners as additional yard space, while others have resulted in neighborhood gardens, urban farms, pocket parks, and community gathering spaces. The Black Seeds Urban Farm on N. 4^th Street in the Greenlaw neighborhood is perhaps the most well-known project from the Lots Reimagined program. This urban farm provides neighbors access to fresh produce and a space to find respite in the middle of the city.

The CRA is refreshing this program with new properties and additional guidance to help individuals or organizations with the vision and commitment to invest in the revitalization of these lots. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, visit https://cramemphis.org/lots-reimagined/ and fill out the brief form to express your interest and share initial details on your project. Keep an eye out for additional information we’ll post soon with potential project ideas for these sites and tips on how to put together a successful project so you can turn your vision into reality.