After county commissioners last November approved the Highland row development project, developer Poag McKewen and The University of Memphis are moving forward with their plans to make new dining, shopping and residential options available for students.
The development project is part of The University's master plan to expand its boundaries to Highland. According to the master plan, many residential properties have already been sold by homeowners or are in the process of being sold.
While The University is looking to gain from the expansion, it has included surrounding residents in the planning decisions.
Acting as a separate entity in accordance with the Highland row project, The University Neighborhoods Development Corporation has held several meetings to discuss the plans for The University.
The Highland row project will be constructed at the site of the old Highland Church of Christ.
Charles Lee, vice president of finance, said, "It's going to be 100,000 square feet of retail space ... clearing should begin in five months."
Included in the 100,000 square feet will be 18 mid-price condos, a parking garage and apartments situated on top of the retail stores.
Unaware of who the retailers being brought to the Highland row area are, Lee said he hopes they will be conducive to students.
"It's up to Poag McKewen to which stores are allowed to come," Lee said. "I would imagine some art, gift and book stores for the area."
Lee said the acquisition of more property west of Patterson is going well for both The University and surrounding residents.
Concerned residents have voiced their opinions about the planning projected for their community.
Although there were complaints about the amount of student neighbors, noise and unwanted trash, residents said they believe the new vitalization of Highland would make the Highland strip safer for pedestrians, allow for more foot and bike officers and restore blighted areas.
"We hope to improve on a more cohesive working alliance with businesses," said Steve Barlow, executive director of the UNDC. "We are working on making the community more attractive by looking at all aspects of bettering the community."
