Chelsea Neighborhood
Chelsea Neighborhood Cover
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Project Resources

Chelsea Neighborhood Center

The Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is seeking qualified and experienced respondents to submit a proposal to act as the developer for a site in the Uptown Redevelopment Area largely bounded by Chelsea Avenue to the North with one additional parcel on the north side of the street, with White Brick Church bounded by Sixth and Seventh Street on the West and East sides respectively, with additional parcels further west bounded by Muster Street on the West Side. The CRA will convey the property to the selected developer subject to the terms of a redevelopment agreement. The CRA purchased this assemblage of properties at various times from 2020-2022.

This site forms the heart of the Chelsea Neighborhood Center Community anchor, as outlined in the Uptown Community Plan. It is located along a state route (Chelsea Avenue) and is steps away from the newly built Fire Station, multifamily housing developments and newly constructed Veteran housing along Seventh Street. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity has a subdivision development occurring a quarter mile west of this site and the CRA has awarded the development opportunity of Second and Chelsea.

The Uptown Community Plan recommends higher residential density at the intersections, transitioning to single-family homes further from the center cores. The CRA has received significant feedback from the Uptown, Greenlaw, and Bearwater community, opining that the preservation of the Brick Church reflect primarily Performing Arts and Theatric styles uses in conjunction with potential community hub spaces integrated into the building as well.

The site includes 8 parcels covering 1.52 acres, two have structures, including the Brick Church and a vacant auto-body shop. Although the CRA does not own the convenience store to the northeast, there may be opportunities to work with the owners to incorporate these properties into a larger redevelopment project.

Open Houses: October 24, 2025; November 14, 2025 | 10 a.m.

RFP Due: December 19, 2025

Q & A

Is KPS still serving as the project manager for this initiative?

KPS is serving as the project manager for the exterior restoration of the church building only.

We understand that YAP may be relocating into a former fire station near the project area. If that’s the case, does the CRA still envision the historic church being repurposed as a performing arts center, or has that concept evolved?

The community residents remain resolute in the adaptive use of a performing arts/cultural hub for the neighborhood as the primary use of that building However, it does not have to be the only use of that space.

When was the uses survey completed? Was there one completed before the engagement?

The CRA conducted a community engagement event on August 15th, which included a survey that inquired about desired uses out of the 299 Chelsea Building. The Uptown Community Plan also conducted community engagement that expresses desires for the immediate area surrounding area.

Is it the CRA’s expectation that the CRA will stay in the deal as a partner or is this a full sale of the land?

Yes, the CRA will maintain partnership with the developer through the completion of the project.

Are there more specific expectations on the schedule in terms of completion of phases?

Specifications will be negotiated once the project is awarded.

Is there any sort of return expectation on the CRA’s end or is it simply for the community benefit?

This project is simply for the increased benefit and welfare of the Uptown Community.