Dalhoff Design Studio
Rendering of The Ravine between Union and Madison
A new public gathering and green space, dubbed The Ravine, is coming to Downtown, leaders with the project announced Wednesday.
The $5 million project will transform an undefined corridor in the Edge District between Union and Madison into a “vibrant and activated space” with distinct areas that could include a retail plaza, kid-friendly play area with water features, flexible seating, an amphitheater-style performance venue, event spaces, and restaurants, officials said.
Ethan Knight, spokesperson for The Ravine and vice president of development for the real estate firm behind the project, Development Services Group (DSG), said the space will be designed for “community, recreation, and artistry,” and will seek to engage every type of visitor.
“The Edge District currently lacks a true public gathering point,” Knight said. “The Ravine will fill the void and set a national example by converting unused and largely unknown space into a public-private asset.”
Dalhoff Design Studio
Current view of the project’s future site
Dean Thomas, principal of Dalhoff Design Studio, design partner for the Ravine, said in a city, it’s important to have spaces for people to interact and gather throughout the day.
“The design for The Ravine provides this for users of all backgrounds and abilities through a diversity of experiences woven within a relaxing green space for daily use, a lively retail plaza, opportunities for play, and an entertainment destination,” Thomas said. “We are extremely excited to bring this vision for the park to life.”
The multi-phase project got the green light and a $400,000 incentive Wednesday from the Downtown Memphis Commission’s (DMC) economic development board to move forward with the first phase of the project.
President and CEO of the DMC, Jennifer anticipates The Ravine creating improved connectivity within the Central Business Improvement District (CBID), an area identified by the DMC as requiring special redevelopment attention in order to ensure the economic growth and vitality of the entire community.
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The CBID is generally bounded by the Wolf River on the north, Crump Boulevard on the south, the Tennessee state line on the west, and Danny Thomas Boulevard on the east, with an extension between Poplar and Linden to Watkins to encompass the Medical District.
“We believe in the vision behind this project and in investing in connectivity throughout the CBID,” Oswalt said. “This is a prime example of a development that meets the DMC’s two-fold goal directly: to increase the volume of people engaging in activities in Downtown and to increase commercial property values across the CBID.”
Totaling $1.7 million, the first phase will include hard construction and infrastructure and is slated to be completed by May 2019.
Dalhoff Design Studio
The second phase includes the completion of all hardscaping and landscaping, as well as installing lighting, seating, a performance stage and related equipment, gateway arches, salvaged bakery silos, slides, and other features.
Phase two is expected to begin by October 2019 and wrap up in early 2020. A third and final phase will include art, interactive play structures, commissioned sculptures and murals, bridge connections, and more enhanced lighting.
Leaders of the project say funding for the future phases will require a substantial public-private partnership and will be sought from local and national foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Tommy Pacello, president of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, said the Edge district is a largely forgotten about area of the city, but The Ravine will help change that by connecting the area to the rest of the city.
“This project is the latest example of the transformation of a largely forgotten area of our city into what will be a surprising public space, rich in texture and experiences,” Pacello said. “Ethan and his team are creatively blending private real estate investment with the public good. When combined, The Ravine and the redevelopment of adjacent buildings will better connect the Edge to the rest of the city while also creating a valuable public asset.”
