Northside Square, formerly Northside High School, to be completed in fall 2025
By Sophia Surret – Daily Memphian
September 2, 2023
Construction is set to begin Dec. 8 to transform the former Northside High School into a $72 million multi-use development called Northside Square, with completion expected in late 2025.
The 270,000-square-foot building, located at 1212 Vollintine Ave., opened in 1966 as a vocational-technical school and closed in 2016.
The project is led by The Works Inc., a nonprofit community development organization that purchased the property in 2020 and is contributing $48 million toward redevelopment. The initiative is considered one of the largest Black-led development projects in Memphis, located in a predominantly Black neighborhood.
Roshun Austin, president of The Works, described the effort as unprecedented for the city, particularly in a historically African-American community. She emphasized that the project is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.
Part of Larger Klondike Revitalization Effort
The redevelopment is a key component of the Moving Klondike Forward initiative, led by The Works, the Klondike Smokey City Community Development Corp., and Neighborhood Preservation Inc.
Project leaders say the neighborhood has experienced decades of disinvestment and population decline. The closure of Northside High School contributed to reduced activity and economic stagnation in the area.
Quincy Jones, director of programs at The Works and project lead, said the redevelopment aims to restore the site as a central asset and catalyst for investment.
Development Team and Local Impact
About 45% of contractors and businesses involved are local minority-owned companies.
Grinder, Taber & Grinder is serving as general contractor, led by senior superintendent Jason Irby
LRK and Aaron Patrick Architects are handling design
Comcap Partners, a minority-owned firm, is leading development
What Northside Square Will Include
The four-story development will feature a mix of education, commercial, residential, and community spaces:
Basement (44,000 sq ft):
Moore Tech’s fourth campus (largest tenant)
Training programs in mechanics, construction, electrical, refrigeration, and more
Space retains elements of the school’s original vocational use
First Floor:
Northside High School Hall of Fame
Food hall with up to six vendors, including a third Muggin’ Coffeehouse location
LifeDoc Health and a technology nonprofit
Gymnasium and performing arts center
Interior courtyard redesigned with landscaping and seating
Second Floor:
Nonprofit office space
Community law firm
Memphis Symphony Orchestra offices and shared arts space
Community gathering areas
Third Floor:
42 affordable housing units
Fitness room
Units reserved for residents earning 80% or less of area median income
Community-Focused Design
The project emphasizes accessibility and community use:
A front lawn mound will be removed and replaced with a public plaza
A business incubator hallway will support local entrepreneurs with kiosk-style retail space
The gymnasium will be reopened for school and community use through a partnership with Dream Sports
The courtyard will retain existing trees and amphitheater seating while being modernized
Developers also aim to address food access issues in the area, which has been identified as a food desert.
Honoring the School’s Legacy
Plans include preserving the school’s history through a Hall of Fame featuring memorabilia and recognition of former staff. The development team has been working with alumni to incorporate meaningful historical elements.
Looking Ahead
Leaders say the project is designed to meet the specific needs of the Klondike community, where average household income is approximately $15,000. By combining housing, workforce training, business support, and community services, Northside Square is intended to serve as a long-term anchor for neighborhood revitalization.