Strong neighborhoods are the building blocks of any world-class city. It’s at the neighborhood level where the most fundamental and meaningful changes take place, where creative innovations and imaginative entrepreneurs prosper.

While the Hyde Family Foundations consider all of Memphis our neighborhood, we understand deeply that a vibrant urban core is essential to a healthy Memphis — even our surrounding communities suffer when our downtown is not strong. That’s why we’re drawn to projects that feature strong leaders building vibrant urban communities around stable neighborhood anchors. In turn, a growing collection of high-functioning communities allows Memphis to reach new heights.


Anchor Strategy
Our model for strengthening neighborhoods around key anchors is built on the belief that these anchors can help lead and speed the transformations of neighborhoods in ways that improve landscapes, buildings, commerce and, most important, lives.

Just what is a neighborhood anchor, and what kind of impact can one have on a community? Consider these two examples:

St. Andrew AME Church, which has moved beyond its walls to transform its surrounding neighborhood and has developed innovative programs to provide area residents assistance with necessities such as childcare, education, food, clothing and housing.

With $1.4 billion in investment under way, the Memphis Medical Center is helping reshape the surrounding neighborhoods and communities north and south of it, including the two Hope VI developments – University Place and Legends Park.


Visualizing the Future
We must not limit our imaginations when it comes to visualizing the Memphis of tomorrow. Anything is possible if we are creative, collaborative and strategic. In fact, the thoughtful redevelopment and design of the urban core is a vital ingredient in Memphis’ becoming a world-class, 21st century city.

That’s why we believe in the work of organizations such as the Memphis Regional Design Center, which is taking the first steps toward planning the sustainable Memphis of tomorrow.

Clearly, there’s limitless potential – and much work to be done. Memphians have the opportunity to work together to accomplish something that has never been done here before.