MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
The old Northside High School building is being transformed into a community hub in the Klondike neighborhood.
Developers broke ground on the $78 million redevelopment project, Northside Square, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
"The vision is to rebuild, restore and renew a community. A sense of pride. A walkable, safe and clean place to live, work and play like we used to have,” said Northside High Alumna Joyce Cox.
Northside High School closed in 2016 due to low enrollment. The 270,000 square foot building will now include 42 affordable housing units, office spaces, medical clinics, after school care, food and beverage services and a workforce development center.
Natoria Carpenter graduated from Northside in 1998 and is a current North Memphis resident. Carpenter said it was sad to see Northside close, but she is overjoyed to see her high school take on a new life.
"So many times, North Memphis is never in the scope of getting opportunities like this. So, of course, to see this type of money and investment into our community, I think it's amazing," said Carpenter.
Roshun Austin, CEO of The Works, Inc. is spearheading the project. She grew up a few blocks away from Northside and said it is a full circle moment coming back to invest. Austin hopes this project will provide the necessary resources to help spark change not only in North Memphis, but across the city.
"When you light their communities, you address the infrastructure, you make it safe for pedestrians and cyclists. When you provide them with quality affordable housing, when you provide them with the amenities that all human beings need in their neighborhood, then you don't have conversations about crime."
Northside Sqaure is expected to open by Fall 2025.