We're thrilled to announce the official kickoff of High Ground's On the Ground coverage in Hickory Hill, our 12th On the Ground neighborhood!

From now through November, we'll produce stories, podcasts, videos, live interviews and photo essays that center Hickory Hill's important people, places, histories and plans for the future.

If you have a Hickory Hill story idea, email [email protected].

To begin our embedded reporting, photographer Ziggy Mack took to the streets, malls, markets and nightclubs of Hickory Hill to capture the spirit and aesthetic of the neighborhood. 
 

Malls and Markets

The Hickory Ridge Mall opened in 1981 and was a staple for retail and socializing in the community for decades. In the late-2000s, World Overcomers Ministries purchased the property and began renovations with the intent to turn the mall into a mixed-use space for faith and community organizations, retail, food and more. 

The mall isn't nearly as active today as it once was, but there are a number of storefronts occupied by a mix of tenants and its iconic carousel still runs. 
The light of a claw machine casts an eerie light down the hallway of the Hickory Ridge Mall. (Ziggy Mack)
The Hickory Ridge Mall carousel is both beautiful and still in operation. (Ziggy Mack)
A meeting of World Overcomers' Wholistic Way health, wellness and healing ministry inside the Hickory Ridge Mall. (Ziggy Mack)

The Winchester Farmer's Market/Mercado de Latinos is located at 6730 Winchester Road. It is a hub for Latinx and Hispanic residents of Memphis, many of whom live in Hickory Hill. The market sells a food items for any home, as well as culturally-specific food, clothing and spiritual items for Latinx shoppers.
Shopper peruse the Winchester Farmer's Market/Merado de Latinos. (Ziggy Mack)

Fish on display at the Winchester Farmer's Market/Merado de Latino. (Ziggy Mack)
Family shops retail shop inside of the Winchester International Farmers Market/Merado de Latino. (Ziggy Mack)

People and Industry 

Hickory Hill is home to several industrial centers, business parks and large companies and corporations that collectively employee thousands of Mid-Southerners. 

The Schlitz Brewing Company, Sharp Manufacturing Company, Ralston Purina, Vantage Companies Mendenhall Road distribution center and others were all constructed in the 1970s and 80s and attracted throngs of new residents to the area. 

Tre Young plays Pokemon Go on the sidewalk near World Overcomers Church at 6655 Winchester Road. Behind him stands the church's Statue of Liberation through Christ. (Ziggy Mack)
Dupont Nutrition & Bioscience Plant in the Hickory Hill neighborhood. (Ziggy Mack)
Boys run for sports conditioning along South Mendenhall Rd. in the Hickory Hill neighborhood. (Ziggy Mack)

Sharp Logistics sign and solar panels near its building in the Hickory Hill neighborhoods. (Ziggy Mack)

Houses of Hickory Hill

Hickory Hill has some of the most unique homes in Memphis. There was little development in the area prior to the 1950s with big booms of building in the 1970s through 1990s. Many of the homes are large, colorful, two-story properties with a mid-century modern feel, while others are more modest and unassuming. 

Certainly, two of Hickory Hill's most famous homes are the one-of-a-kind angular grey home located at 2914 South Mendenhall Road and what's often referred to as "the Buddha house" located just a block away. The grey house is as much sculpture as it is a home and is currently for sale. The "Buddha house" is so named for the large Buddha statue that sits in its front yard. 

One of the most recognizable houses in the city, this Hickory Hill home is located at 2914 S. Mendenhall Road and is currently for sale.

Colorful houses with straight lines and a mid-century feel are a hallmark of houses in Hickory Hill. (Ziggy Mack)
Colorful houses with straight lines and a mid-century feel are a hallmark of homes in Hickory Hill. (Ziggy Mack)
The Buddha House sits near S. Mendenhall Road and Cottonwood in Hickory Hill. (Ziggy Mack)

The Nightlife 

In addition to large employers, Hickory Hill is home to many small businesses, including a host of top-notch restaurants and several vibrant late-night bars and clubs. Two of the largest, most modern clubs are Prive Restaurant and Bar and In LOVE Memphis. 
Artist Rodan Ross live paints on music stage at In Love Memphis nightclub and lounge. (Ziggy Mack)
(Bottom to Top, R to L) Alicia Johnson takes selfie of girls night out with Jocelyn Mosby, Victoria Knight, Chryl Howard, and Marla Nolan at In Love Memphis nightclub and lounge. (Ziggy Mack)
Musician Jabria Randle sings to the crowd inside In Love Memphis nightclub and lounge. (Ziggy Mack)