The Memphis Medical Center Streetscapes were completed as an interim phase in the tactical urbanism process. These improvements follow the concept of and add some formality to the painted improvements the MemFix group provided in the Edge District in 2014.

The project began with a conceptual planning playbook for over 40 intersections developed from a series of public meetings and charrettes. In the subsequent phase of the project, Alta compiled construction documents for the interim improvements which included striping, on-street epoxy gravel bump-out areas, landscaped planters, and site furnishings.

Both rounds of these improvements seek to take existing street space and rebalance it towards better accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists, using more cost-effective methods than moving street curbs. This project also expands the geographic scope of improvement from MemFix’s focus on the Edge District to the surrounding neighborhoods like the Medical District, Victorian Village, and The Pinch. Alta Planning + Design worked with the Memphis City Engineering Division to coordinate with the City paving schedule and to provide a streamlined process for construction documents approval. Finally, the project involved construction observation which was also performed by Alta.