MidtownMemphis.org (MMO) is the organization that holds the annual Mojo of Midtown Awards Bash. Most of the work of the organization happens with the Planning & Development Committee, the Madison Ave. Midtown Improvement project, and the Midtown Improvement District task force. MMO was originally the Midtown Memphis Development Corporation which was formed from members of the Heart of the Arts group that worked to create the theatre district in Overton Square. They realized that there was a need for midtowners to be engaged in the development process to help guide good development in Midtown. One example is when a discount grocery store wanted to build in Overton Square. At the time, most of Overton Square was not locally owned. MMO advocated that the historic buildings should not be torn down and that there was a better use for that property. Bob Loeb saw the potential and bought the property and has continued to build good development, most recently with the Memphian Hotel.

The Mojo of Midtown Awards celebrate businesses, organizations, and individuals, that through their talent, motivation, innovation, and mojo, made a significant difference in promoting and preserving Midtown Memphis. The annual awards ceremony is followed by a great party with live music. Each recipient receives a unique award by local artist Karen Bottle Capps. The Mojo Awards began in 2015 and past recipients include Dr. Scott Morris, who started Church Health, Ekundayo Bandele of Hattiloo Theatre, Cheryl and Corey Mesler of Burke’s Book Store, and the Citizens to Preserve Overton Park who stopped the interstate from going through the heart of midtown. To see a complete list of recipients look here.

The Planning & Development Committee works with residents and neighborhood representatives to review applications that go before the Memphis Landmarks Commission, Land Use Control Board, and the Board of Adjustments. Monthly meetings are held to discuss the applications and share information. Letters are drafted to send to the different boards and commissions with the neighborhoods support or opposition.

The 3.0 Committee is working with the City’s Department of Planning and Development as they rewrite the Unified Development Code to better align it with Memphis 3.0. The UDC is the zoning for the entire city and Memphis 3.0 is the future growth plan. For non urban planners the terminology and concepts are difficult to understand. We are working with midtown neighborhoods to prepare them for the public meetings to be held in late 2024 and 2025.

The Shade is Cool campaign is to promote native tree planting. Have you noticed the new trees along Avalon near Madison? We identified the stretch near Cash Saver as a part of Midtown that needed some loving. We are working with the city and Memphis City Beautiful to make Madison between Avalon and Angelus safer and more beautiful. We met with area business and property owners, and neighborhood representatives to develop a plan that includes crosswalk improvements, traffic calming, and of course, trees for shade. To see the plan look here.

Madison Ave. Midtown Improvement Project is a long term plan to make the area between Avalon and Angelus safer, more attractive, and strengthen its sense of place. Our hope is that the community and commuters eventually see this area as a place that Memphians care about.

Huey’s Community Garden is our newest project. In partnership with Huey’s Midtown, MidtownMemphis.org is creating a sustainable garden space for producing food to donate where needed in addition to growing much needed pollinators, educational opportunities, and the experience of gardening in Midtown.

Our board members volunteer their time and talents to advocate for the best interest of everyone in Midtown. Our work is to nurture authentic character, thoughtful development, and vibrant community. A complete list of board members can be found below.