Elevate 901
Goals for the Future
Local Economy Impact
New jobs and businesses in New Chicago will help grow the local economy. More dollars invested in this area will open the door for future growth and improvements.
Safety, Security & Efficiency
With all justice services in one location, safety, security and efficiency are enhanced. Old, inefficient and expensive-to-maintain structure will be replaced with new, state-of-the art facilities. These money-saving, secure and attractive buildings will ensure justice system operations work faster and more smoothly. Keeping everything on one secure site improves safety and efficiency. Additional amenities will include better access and improved parking.
Downtown Memphis
Existing buildings in downtown Memphis will be freed up for new uses and continued opportunities for revitalization.
The Problem
Old Divided Infrastructure
For decades, the justice system in Memphis has operated across a patchwork of buildings—some over a century old, others outdated and inefficient. From the historic Shelby County Courthouse (1909) to the aging 201 Poplar complex (1981) and the long-defunct Shelby Farms penal farm, these scattered sites no longer meet the demands of a modern justice system.
Here are six key reasons why moving to a new, centralized justice complex is not just smart—it’s necessary:
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Aging Buildings Are Costly and Inefficient
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Consolidation Improves Workflow and Security
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Old Layouts Don’t Support Modern Justice Needs
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Downtown Location Is Congested and Outdated
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Environmental and Operational Sustainability
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Long-Term Economic and Civic Investment
Memphis’s justice system is long overdue for a unified, modern facility that replaces the fragmented, outdated infrastructure currently in use. Consolidating operations into a new location is not just about convenience—it’s about safety, efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and creating a system that works better for everyone involved.
It’s time to invest in a justice center that reflects the future, not the past.
THE VISION
Future Phases
THREE-FOLD OPPORTUNITY
Reactivate 71 acres in North Memphis
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Reactivate a property and neighborhood in need of investment
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Opportunity for community redevelopment – County detention facility, court rooms, mental health facility, etc
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+/-71 Acres at Firestone Ave and Morehead St
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Large site allows for low rise project saving taxpayer money and ample surface parking
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Future expansion potential for other Justice Center component
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Immediate access to I-40 and Downtown Memphis
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In Opportunity Zone with New Markets Tax Credits available plus additional tax credits for solar
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Zoned I-H (Industrial – Heavy)
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Public-Private partnership - ready to build and leaseback with future options to purchase
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3 miles & 6 minutes from current detention facility at 201 Poplar
Transform downtown Memphis & Shelby Farms
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Frees up +/- 8.1 acres at current location for higher-use redevelopment and increased tax revenue
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Provides for the relocation of detention facility east and the other detention facilities away from Shelby Farms, so that land can be freed for a better use more conducive to an urban park. Shelby Farms is not zoned for this use and is encumbered by a conservation easement.
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Rebrand the “201 Poplar” negativity into a new Justice Center
Building a Better Future
Relocation Plan
Justice Center Team
Contact