Can A 'Zipper Zone' Reconnect Intown Memphis?

Prominent Memphis architect Frank Ricks -- principal in the firm Looney Ricks Kiss -- has proposed utilizing prominent east-west arterial Poplar Avenue as the linchpin of what he calls a "zipper zone."

"This 'zipper zone,' as Ricks calls it, contains most of the city's cultural, educational and economic gems. As such, Ricks says, the area is worthy of protection. Protecting and strengthening the 'zipper zone' could also help spur investment and redevelopment of the areas to the north and south, essentially 'reconnecting the city,' he said. 'The zipper contains all these great things the city has, in terms of higher-end institutions and cultural amenities.'"

"To capitalize on the existing investment and promote more sustainable growth, Ricks said the city should designate the 'zipper zone' as a special development district with strict zoning, design and land use guidelines."

"The zoning overlay promotes pedestrian-friendly development, restricts planned developments and encourages more mixed-use projects. The overlay is a temporary tool planners are using while a larger effort to draft a new code to replace the city-county zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations is being prepared. However, many aspects of the zoning overlay could be made permanent in the Unified Development Code."

"In case the new guidelines spook some developers, Ricks said the city could sweeten the pot by making use of tax-increment financing."