University District

The University District is home to Memphis’ largest institution of higher learning, The University of Memphis. The district is made of several distinct neighborhoods, including East Buntyn, Sherwood Forest, and Normal Station. Its main drag, a two-block strip of Highland Avenue known as the Highland Strip, is a staple of Memphis nightlife and offers food and drinks to fuel any study session. Recently, planning has focused on prioritizing pedestrians, including building standards for storefronts and updated railroad crossing to suit the university’s 20,000-plus students.  

Feature Story Stacy Bizzard (L) and her mother, Bonnie Harris, are co-owners of Ms. B's Sub Shop. They pose here in front of a wall of photos of satisfied customers. (Ziggy Mack)

Memphis sandwich legend Bonnie Harris finally has her own shop


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Feature Story  Under the guidance of the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis, a collaborative group of private, public and nonprofit innovators are working to make the Bluff City into a hub for blockchain technology. (Submitted)

Memphis is betting on blockchain


Feature Story Volunteers work in the Coliseum's lower-level loading dock entrance. The building's arena and corridors were lit by task lighting provided by the City of Memphis. (Shelda Edwards)

In photos: Closed since 2007, Mid-South Coliseum reopens for one-day cleanup event


Feature Story Shamika Williams poses with her four children outside of their home in Raleigh. In fall 2018, Williams fled an abusive relationship and stayed with her kids at the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter. (Cole Bradley)
Feature Story Belltower Artisans is located at 549 S Highland St. in the University District. (Cole Bradley)
Feature Story Lieutenant Mark Johnson with the Memphis Fire Department's Fire Station 18 walks beside the station's pumper truck. (Ziggy Mack)

In photos: A day in the life at Fire Station 18 on Southern Avenue


Feature Story Ron Scott and Chris Clark prepare to install a door at the front of the workshop, as Tyler Parker and and Jared Myers load up a rickety work table that is no longer safe to use. All four are participants in the ad-hoc advisory board. (Scarlet Ponder)