Fulfilling the promise of Downtown Memphis
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Hyde Family Foundation believes wholeheartedly in Memphis. The work of our partners makes us optimistic about the future, seizing opportunities for growth while tackling our shared challenges. By working smartly and effectively together, we can ensure Memphis becomes a more vibrant, equitable and livable city.
Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, there is much to celebrate and even more to anticipate. 2024 was a turnaround year, educational outcomes improved and crime declined. The City of Memphis made a key investment in our arts and culture ecosystem and we outpaced peer cities including Nashville and Louisville to achieve a record-high ParkScore.
Seeing our partners succeed across each of our four impact areas is what excites us for the future. To all who are helping our community succeed, thank you for your work.
In 2025, Hyde Foundation will continue supporting work that expands access and opportunity, increases connectivity and vibrancy, and supports visionary leadership. One of our greatest opportunities is fulfilling the promise of Downtown Memphis as a vibrant and connected focal point of our city.
Why downtown? Every great city needs a great downtown. Downtown is everyone’s neighborhood. It’s where we come together to enjoy music, culture, sports and art. It’s where we present our ‘best side’ to visitors. Memphis can only reach its full potential when Downtown Memphis is the most active, exciting, vibrant and diverse neighborhood.
“One of our greatest opportunities is fulfilling the promise of Downtown Memphis as a vibrant and connected focal point.”
There is a strong foundation in place with assets like Tom Lee Park, FedExForum and the National Civil Rights Museum. Downtown’s walkable urban fabric includes iconic Beale Street and unique bars, restaurants, shops and attractions. Downtown is one of the safest neighborhoods, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands each year.
Major changes are coming. Memphis Art Museum, a groundbreaking cultural center, will open. The Flyway, the only ADA-accessible observation deck on the Mississippi River, will provide a new way to experience the magic of the Mississippi. Private investments in projects like 100 N. Main, One Beale, The Oliver, the rebirth of the Sterick building, and more will bring new people, vibrancy and energy to Downtown.
How can we leverage these investments for community success? The major assets are in place, now it’s about improving the connective tissue between them. It must be easy and enjoyable to walk, bike and scoot between key locations. Our streets must be clean and safe. Street life must be vibrant and storefront activity thriving.
We’re betting on Memphis. We believe in a brighter future and in acting optimistically, strategically, pragmatically and proudly to achieve that future. Only by working together can we fulfill the promise of Downtown Memphis.
“The major assets are in place, now it’s about improving the connective tissue between them.”
Investing in Downtown does not come at the expense of building up other parts of our city. We will continue our work across all of Memphis. But Downtown is vitally important to our future and requires a consolidated effort by public and private stakeholders.
Join us on this journey. If you have ideas to improve connectivity, safety and vibrancy in Downtown Memphis, we’d love to hear from you at info@hydefoundation.org. The time is now to capitalize on momentum and turn Downtown Memphis into one of the best in the country.
Onward!
Barbara Hyde
Chair, Hyde Family Foundation