Stories

Feature Story Nannette Bean, founder and CEO of Leasing Angels.

Making a move? Locally-owned property firm connects renters with residences across Memphis

“I think we’re all part of the urban renaissance ... Prices are up. Rents are up. Demand for our product is up.”

Feature Story The Exercise Coach program calls for two twenty-minute workouts per week. Each machine that a customer uses has a computer that tracks each session. The sessions are led by a personal trainer. (Submitted)

Tech-first gym promises a "smarter" workout

A new gym in Germantown keeps its clientele base small and personal. The gym only sees two to three clients at a time, and their workouts are tuned in to a personalized software program.

Feature Story During the 2019 GiveCamp Memphis event, IT and marketing professionals dedicate a full weekend to building websites, creating logos, branding and more—all for free. (Drew Fleming)

Memphis technology and marketing professionals donate their skills to area nonprofits

GiveCamp Memphis helps nonprofits focus on their mission and impact. Every year IT and marketing professionals dedicate a full weekend to building websites, creating logos, branding and more — all for free.

Feature Story On March 2, all eight Memphis-area mosques are participating in the 17th annual community open house. (Submitted)

Memphis mosques gear up for four weeks of "Muslims in Memphis" festivities

The Islamic Association of Greater Memphis, which operates two mosques and supports year-round programming, got its start at a tiny house in the University District. 

Feature Story Highland Row is one of the many new mixed-use, high density developments to be built on or near the Highland Strip in the last few years. (Ziggy Mack)

High-rises on Highland are a test for Memphis 3.0

The city's new Memphis 3.0 plan hopes to increase density. Residents in the University District say with the influx new high-rise developments near the Highland Strip, density isn't just a plan; it's their present.

Feature Story High Ground News Podcast Logo

On The Ground Podcast: How public art is engaging Memphians around sustainability

In S1E9 of the On The Ground Podcast, Ebony Archie from UrbanArt Commission and local artist Khara Woods discuss public art installations in Uptown and Frayser that are designed around themes of sustainability and environmental issues.

Feature Story society2

Former Binghampton warehouse now home to thriving indoor skatepark

“Part of our concept of space is yes it’s a skatepark, it’s a coffee shop, but it’s kind of the collision of culture, of art and music,” said co-owner Mark Horrocks. “Places like this help people stay in Memphis." 

Feature Story Sheahan Water Pumping Station located near University of Memphis main campus was built in the 1930s and still shows signs of the 1950s Cold War. (Ziggy Mack)

In photos: See inside the water pumping plant that's kept Memphis hydrated since the 1930s

The Sheahan Pumping Station was built in 1932 and helps keep Memphis' artesian water pristine. Take a rare photographic tour inside its uniquely beautiful and critical important building. 

Feature Story Dana Taylor, co-owner of After Life Mortuary Services. (Renier Otto)

After Life Mortuary Services is Memphis' first funeral home owned by Black women

The small mortuary facility offers top-to-toe funeral preparation including embalming, funeral directing, cremation services and insurance options.

Feature Story En una escena de la actuación, los miembros del elenco dan una representación artística de los vecinos que se unen para oponerse a un relleno de tierra propuesto. De izquierda a derecha: Michel Angel, Jazmin Bautista, Kierra Turner y Casey Greer.

La obra sobre The Heights enfrenta los estereotipos de los vecindarios

The Heights Neighborhood Stories Performance, una respuesta artística a Memphis 3.0 basada en historias reales de residentes de Heights, ofrece una mirada de cerca a la belleza, diversidad y desafíos que enfrenta el histórico vecindario de Memphis.


Feature Story U of M

Video: University of Memphis research park incubates startups, employs students

The University of Memphis Research Foundation park, opened in January 2019, brings the university's top-notch facilities to the greater community. Housed at the former Highland branch of the Cossitt Library, the 25,000-square-foot space prioritizes technology and entrepreneurship. It is also creating job opportunities for students. 

Feature Story High Ground News Podcast Logo

On The Ground Podcast: University of Memphis plans to share prosperity across University District

In S1E8 of the On The Ground Podcast, we sit down with two members of a planning team working on a playbook for community development in the University District that puts the University of Memphis at the center of equitable neighborhood growth.  

Feature Story The University of Memphis’ land bridge is under construction and will soon allow for foot traffic over the Southern Avenue railroad line. It’s one example of large-scale development projects underway in the University District. (Ziggy Mack)

Sharing the wealth: Planning underway for equitable growth in University District

The University of Memphis and UNDC are teaming with residents on a plan to ensure the University District’s booming growth is shared by all, and they’re asking the Kresge Foundation for major funding to make the plan a reality.

Feature Story The Tennessean, the luxury liner that replaced the Memphis Special as the main passenger train on the Southern Railway in 1941. (Memphis Public Libraries)

The trains of Southern Avenue that shaped the University District

When most Memphians think of trains in the University District, they think of lines of traffic stuck at Southern Avenue. But in the early 1900s, those tracks carried passengers from distant Memphis to the fledgling school and shaped the district we know today.

Feature Story In a scene from the performance, cast members give an artistic re-enactment of neighbors joining together to oppose a proposed neighborhood landfill. From left to right: Michel Angel, Jazmin Bautista, Kierra Turner and Casey Greer. (Scarlet Ponder)

One-act play about The Heights casts residents, confronts neighborhood stereotypes

The Heights Neighborhood Stories Performance, an artistic response to Memphis 3.0 based on real stories of Heights residents, offers an up-close look the beauty, diversity, and challenges faced by the historic Memphis neighborhood.

Feature Story Vintage advertisements and packages from Lucky Heart Cosmetics' products are on display at the new storefront at 939 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard.

An intro to Memphis Black history

Beyond the National Civil Rights Museum and Beale Street, the vision and effort of Black Memphians can be found in every corner of the city.

Feature Story High Ground News Podcast Logo

On The Ground Podcast: If Memphis literacy rates are low, do kids need to be taught differently?

In S1E7 on the On The Ground podcast, Dr. Krista Johnson, the executive director of ALLMemphis , answers if children in poverty and other adverse circumstances learn differently and how Memphis schools can adapt to meet their literacy needs.

Feature Story The Highland Strip has seen substantial growth in the last five years. Evidence of the Highland-Walker street improvements include painted concrete and traffic barrels. (Ziggy Mack)

Passing cars: University District looks beyond car travel for solutions to congestion

The city wants to increase density but residents in the University District say they’re already facing congested streets and a serious lack of parking. One possible solution — giving people more options instead of more parking.


Feature Story One hundred sixty-one students met for the first day of the 20-week LaunchCode class, held at Southwest Tennessee Community College. (Submitted)

Free coding class for adults kicks off in Memphis

Backed by the co-founders of Twitter and Square, a free 20-week computer science course has launched in Memphis with the support of Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Feature Story Flash lines the wall at Trilogy Tattoo and Piercing located at 530 South Highland Street in the University District. (Cole Bradley)

21 and counting: Trilogy reflects on two decades on the Highland Strip

For nearly 21 years Trilogy Tattoos and Piercing has been a fixture on the Highland Strip. Owner Richie Jarvis said their secret to success is simple.