U of M Wins National Award for West Memphis Revitalization Plan
For release: Oct. 14, 2002
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

A plan that provides a beginning point for the renewal of East Broadway Street in West Memphis, Ark., has been selected to receive the National Project of the Year Award from the National Association of Management and Technical Assistance Centers (NAMTAC).

The plan, submitted by the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at The University of Memphis, was recognized in the partnering category. The award will be presented at the NAMTAC national conference Oct. 27-29 in Asheville, N.C.
It was prepared for the city of West Memphis as a research-funded joint effort between The U of M and Arkansas State University.

Once the main street of West Memphis, East Broadway experienced deterioration as businesses left for locations nearer interstate highways. The U of M city planning team, under the direction of Professor Luchy Burrell and Steve Redding of the REDC, analyzed markets, fiscal impact, population and economic trends, and implemented elements of the study.

Recommendations included creating an eastern gateway to the city, developing a regional park to create a link to the Mississippi River, implementing public infrastructure improvements the entire length of East Broadway, establishing continuity, ongoing streetscape improvements and new construction, and establishing mixed-use zones that include affordable housing.

"Receiving this award means a lot to us because it recognizes our work with the community," said Burrell. "It is always nice to be recognized by one's peers. It also brings us some recognition here at the University and in the community at large. This award is very special because it is the first time someone in NAMTAC has won an award for partnering."

Architecture professor Michael Hagge coordinated the urban design element of the plan, which included a physical inventory and current conditions analysis, development of design goals and recommendations, and preparation of a documentary video by students Duke Walker and Zach Smith. Student Tommy Solomon served as design project coordinator.

"This project represents an example of how the architecture program is using the Memphis region as an urban laboratory," Hagge said. "The students receive experience in a professional environment, learning to interact with clients as well as develop solutions to complex design problems."

Since the final public presentation of the plan last January, U of M faculty and students have continued to assist West Memphis city officials and residents with implementation planning.

NAMTAC is a not-for-profit association that provides advocacy, information and a forum to enhance the performance of organizations providing business, economic development and technical assistance to businesses and communities.

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