Memphis Housing Authority and City of Memphis Celebrate Completion of South City Redevelopment
Memphis Housing Authority (MHA), McCormack Baron Salazar and the City of Memphis hosted a ceremony to mark the completion of the South City redevelopment project, a six-phase effort to restore and create a stable, modernized neighborhood for more than 1,000 residents.
“South City is more than a redevelopment project. It’s a renewed community where families, seniors and individuals can thrive,” said Dexter Washington, CEO of Memphis Housing Authority. “We are proud to provide refreshed housing while preserving the history and character that make this one of Memphis’ legacy neighborhoods.”
The redevelopment was designed as a phased project to allow for careful planning, the involvement of key partners, adequate funding and the thoughtful restoration of a community with deep history. This deliberate approach ensures long-term sustainability while creating new housing opportunities. It would not have been possible without the continued support of community partners, including the City of Memphis and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).
“Memphis Housing Authority has been a great partner in supporting attainable, affordable housing for hard-working class families," said Ralph Perrey, executive director of THDA. "THDA has supported South City from the beginning and we are proud to have another phase of this significant development complete.”
Funding for the South City redevelopment came through a partnership between MHA and the City of Memphis as part of the Choice Neighborhoods mixed-income housing fund. The project first received a planning grant in 2011, followed by a $29.75 million implementation grant in 2015 and $4 million in supplemental funding in 2019.
“The completion of South City marks an extraordinary milestone for Memphis and for all the partners who worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality,” said Vincent Bennett, President and CEO of McCormack Baron Salazar. “This effort has always been about more than housing - it’s about restoring opportunity, creating stability, and ensuring that families and seniors have access to quality homes in a thriving neighborhood. We are honored to stand with MHA, the City of Memphis, Community Capital, and the residents to celebrate the transformation of this historic community into a place where people can truly build their futures.”
The completed community, known as Foote Park at South City, includes 712 total units:
- 592 family townhomes and garden-style apartments
- 120 units in a senior living building
The neighborhood offers a range of affordability levels, including 393 replacement units for Housing Choice Voucher participants, 126 mid-range affordable units and 193 market-rate units.