Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t the Justice Center stay downtown?
The current downtown buildings are old, inefficient and expensive to maintain, and the growing need for detention and prevention facilities cannot be accommodated in these buildings.
Are there any other locations that could be used for the Justice Center?
The CTAS report issued by the County identified downtown and County owned land at Shelby Farms as the other two options.
Downtown would be much more expensive as the building would have to go vertical – and more expensive to operate. Shelby Farms, owned by the county, however, much of this land is in a floodplain, traffic is already a major issue and a likely ten year, very expensive road network would have to be built, and there is also no utility infrastructure. Lastly, there are no financial benefits available there that are available with the subject site.
What are the economic benefits of this project?
Studies have indicated there will be between $34 million and $97 million annually impacting the community during the construction phase and up to $50 million annually after the construction phase.
-
Up to 750 jobs in construction & related business with an average annual salary of $42,000 will result in at least a 15% increase in average household income in New Chicago.
​
-
Sales tax collection from the procurement of construction materials is expected to generate up to $48 million in tax revenue.
​
-
With this brand new Justice Center providing a much-needed injection of development into the area, current residents should see an influx of new businesses and investment in New Chicago – restaurants, offices, and other mixed use amenities are greatly anticipated.
The Public / Private partnership created for the project, as well as the benefits of investing in an Opportunity Zone, free up government funding to offset the capital costs to Shelby County.
How will this affect residents and businesses in the area?
New Jobs If just 30% of the existing justice-related businesses within a few blocks of the downtown facilities relocates to the new area, this will result in approximately 65 jobs with an economic impact of $30 million in New Chicago. The employment rate in the community is expected to increase with these new jobs resulting in approximately $15 million in income.
New Business Over 1,500 employees’ jobs will move to New Chicago and an estimated 70% of these workers will buy lunch at least three times per week. This will result in net revenue of $50,000 per week ($2.5 million in restaurant sales annually).
New / Improved Housing With the increased affluence of New Chicago residents, properties which have been controlled by the Shelby County Land Bank can be purchased and revitalized stemming the tide of residential blight and reducing crime.
Will the City of Memphis participate in the new Justice Center?
Yes – administrative offices and courtrooms to handle the justice needs of Memphis will be necessary. As a tenant of Shelby County, the City will also invest capital into the project.
Will the State of Tennessee participate in the new Justice Center?
We hope so – the State currently houses employees in the existing downtown facilities and the County also handles inmates for the state – we hope the state will support the new Shelby County Justice Center.