Memphis, TN, August 25, 2025
News Summary
The Shelby County Commission is exploring plans for a $1.3 billion jail facility in North Memphis. The proposal, which includes community engagement, aims to modernize local detention capabilities, generate hundreds of jobs, and drive economic growth. However, concerns from residents in the New Chicago neighborhood may pose challenges ahead. Discussions are ongoing as the Commission weighs the benefits against community impact.
Memphis, TN โ The Shelby County Commission is evaluating a proposal to build a new jail facility on a 71-acre site located at the intersection of Firestone Avenue and Morehead Street in North Memphis. The project, which is in its preliminary stages, comes with an estimated price tag of $1.3 billion for its first phase, aiming to modernize the countyโs detention capabilities.
The proposal was first introduced to the Commission on August 6, with hopes of addressing ongoing issues in the regionโs criminal justice system. A notable aspect of this initiative is its attempt to incorporate previously successful models, as seen with the Kansas Department of Corrections, which entered into a 20-year lease-to-own agreement with CoreCivic in 2018 for a new jail facility. This development has provided insights that may inform Shelby Countyโs approach to its jail construction.
Additionally, a group of real estate professionals has formally suggested the establishment of a new criminal justice complex earlier this month, adding momentum to the discussions within the Commission. In response, Commissioner Henri Brooks has put forth a resolution encouraging the county to seek proposals for the new jail facility, proposing that the County limit the sites to land already owned by the government.
However, plans for the new facility have encountered resistance from local residents, especially concerning its placement in the New Chicago neighborhood. Community members are expected to organize protests against the jailโs construction, reflecting widespread concern over its impact on the local area.
Proponents of the new jail argue that it could significantly benefit the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs, stimulating growth in the surrounding community. Furthermore, the project aims to free up over eight acres of land currently occupied by detention facilities in Downtown Memphis for redevelopment, enhancing urban revitalization efforts.
The project developers have requested $350,000 to move forward with the master planning phase, which includes ensuring that the design of the new jail embodies quality-of-life improvements and strategies to reduce recidivism through thoughtful architectural planning.
Funding for the construction is anticipated to come from a combination of private and public sources, marking a collaborative effort to reshape the local justice system. An essential feature of the proposed jail is the adjacency of adult detention facilities to the juvenile court, which aims to simplify logistics and operations, including the transfer of inmates.
Initial cost estimates for the jail have ranged significantly, from $993 million to $1.2 billion, with more precise figures likely to emerge after the completion of the master planning process. This ongoing project also takes into account brownfield land renewal efforts to address potential environmental concerns stemming from the site of the former Firestone plant.
Community Engagement and Infrastructure
The jail construction project is not simply focused on detention capabilities; it seeks to engage with local residents actively. Plans include assessing feedback from community members and making provisions for job availability and housing initiatives that could accompany the new facility.
Overall, while the proposal for a new jail facility in North Memphis carries benefits in terms of economic growth and community revitalization, it also raises significant challenges and concerns reflected in the opposition from local residents. The Shelby County Commission continues to deliberate on the proposal, with future discussions likely to focus on balancing the need for a modern justice facility against community interests and perspectives.
FAQ
What is the proposed jail facility’s location in Memphis?
The new jail facility is proposed to be built on a 71-acre site at the intersection of Firestone Avenue and Morehead Street in North Memphis.
How much will the new jail facility cost?
The estimated cost for the first phase of the project is approximately $1.3 billion, with initial estimates ranging between $993 million and $1.2 billion.
What feedback process is involved with the new jail facility?
The project developers plan to incorporate feedback from local residents to ensure that the facility addresses community concerns and incorporates quality-of-life improvements.
Are there any community concerns regarding the new jail?
Yes, there is opposition from local residents, particularly from those concerned about the impact of the new facility on the New Chicago neighborhood.
Key Features of Proposed Jail Facility
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Firestone Avenue and Morehead Street, North Memphis |
| Estimated Cost | $1.3 billion for first phase |
| Job Creation | Hundreds of new jobs expected |
| Community Engagement | Feedback from residents incorporated |
| Site Redevelopment | 8 acres freed in Downtown Memphis |
| Funding Sources | Combination of private and public funds |
| Infrastructure Improvements | Plans for housing and job initiatives |
| Brownfield Renewal | Addressing environmental concerns of former site |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Shelby County Commission Preview on New Jail Planning
- Fox 13 Memphis: Concerns Arise About Proposal to Build New Jail in New Chicago Neighborhood
- Local Memphis: New Jail Facility Proposed for North Memphis
- Fox 13 Memphis: Shelby County Commissioners Delay Voting on Jail Location Resolution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jail
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
