A New Downtown Memphis Destination catalyzed by the redevelopment of the Historic Sterick Building
Where We Work
Leveraging the momentum of the redevelopment of the historic Sterick Building, HiFi Memphis aims to promote thriving third spaces, healthy affordable housing, and entrepreneurship support, threaded together through dynamic public art and programming in the blocks surrounding The Sterick.Specifically, the HiFi District includes the blocks bounded by Court Square Park & Danny Thomas Blvd to the East & West; Autozone Ballpark & Jefferson Avenue to the North & South. This area is anchored on Stereo Alley, a historic and currently-underutilized alley that threads through the district's center.
What We Do
HIFI Memphis, a nonprofit community development organization, exists to holistically strengthen and activate Memphis’ downtown core, specifically in the HiFi District along the historic Stereo Alley and Madison Avenue corridors.Alongside district marketing, events, public art & maintenance, HiFi Memphis develops and administers housing infrastructure, including affordable and workforce housing programs. It also leverages district momentum to strengthen Mid-South food system security by powering a community-driven public market and food entrepreneurship program in the HiFi District.Through these housing, public space, and food system services, HiFi Memphis aims to reactivate an architecturally and historically rich district with new social fabric. By centering the HiFi District on community voices, we can demonstrate inclusive urban revitalization with city-wide impacts.
Our vision for the HiFi District in downtown Memphis is driven by the Thriving Cities Group Human Ecology Framework, centering urban thriving in the complex, beautiful social systems that make up city fabric.
The Team
We've assembled both local champions & national experts to lead the HiFi Memphis staff & board. Our Market Management & Development teams bring an expansive local food network and deep public market experience. And, our Board of Directors bring the best of Memphis to the table - from real estate to workforce development.
Mersadies Burch, Executive Director
Jennifer Payne, Market Team
Bobby Rich, Market Team
Derravia Rich, Market Team
Ted Spitzer, Public Market Consultant
Hugh Boyd, Public Market Architect
Chris Batts, Board Chair
Josh Whitehead, Board Secretary
Greg Gianis, Board Treasurer
Christian Man, Board Member
Jeremy Long, Board Member
Stacey Greenberg, Board Member
Stuart Harris, Board Member
Trey Carter, Board Member
Kerry Hayes, Board Member
Kelly English, Board Member
Memphis Public Market
Memphis food puts us on the map.
Local food gives our city its color and character. From BBQ ribs to vermicelli noodles, that Memphis flavor shines through the foods we create & consume.But today – especially in our downtown core – food entrepreneurs are struggling. There’s a missing link between Memphis’ glowing food culture in parking lots & pickup trucks and the high vacancy rates in our downtown core.Our downtown should be vibrant & walkable, and Memphis food businesses should be given the tools they need to grow.
Memphis Public Market is a tourist destination for culinary travelers. It is a thriving third space for Memphians of all income levels to shop for healthy, local food. It is an economic driver, incubating new jobs and elevating small business owners. And, it is a showcase of the mission behind the market: elevating local food & craft entrepreneurs to broaden their audience, strengthen their business, and ultimately thrive.At the corner of BB King & Madison Avenue, in the heart of Downtown Memphis, the new Memphis Public Market will offer 24 stalls for local food purveyors, farmers, & entrepreneurs, elevate food access through community programming, and support food entrepreneurs with an in-house incubator.
Sterick Views
We're collecting stories; stories of Memphis, stories of The Sterick, stories of the South. Inspired by @aview.fromabridge, reserve your session to share your views with us - while taking in a rare view from inside the historic, still-abandoned Sterick building.
Bookings opening Spring 2026.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about our plans or schedule a tour?
Drop us a line!