The Heights

The Heights is a collection of neighborhoods — Highland Heights, Mitchell Heights, Graham Heights, and others — located roughly between Tillman and Graham Streets to the east and west and Jackson and Summer Avenues to the north and south.

It's predominantly working class with modest homes, young families, and many senior residents. The area was first developed in the early 1900s and boomed as Summer Avenue grew into a major Memphis thoroughfare. Today it's one of the most ethnically diverse areas the city, with business owners and families from more than 30 different countries. 

Join us for our in-depth coverage of The Heights from September to December 2018. 

Feature Story En una escena de la actuación, los miembros del elenco dan una representación artística de los vecinos que se unen para oponerse a un relleno de tierra propuesto. De izquierda a derecha: Michel Angel, Jazmin Bautista, Kierra Turner y Casey Greer.
Feature Story In a scene from the performance, cast members give an artistic re-enactment of neighbors joining together to oppose a proposed neighborhood landfill. From left to right: Michel Angel, Jazmin Bautista, Kierra Turner and Casey Greer. (Scarlet Ponder)
Feature Story food this one
Feature Story Husband and wife Nancy and Patricio Gonzalez carry equipment to the Gaisman Community Center at the end of game day. They are the directors and coaches of Illegal Arts Memphis soccer league. (Natalie Eddings)

What smart neighborhoods can learn from The Heights


Feature Story The vacant barber shop at 769 National Street was topped with a sign made from repurposed Christmas lights and the boards that once shuttered the windows. (Markus Mueller)

Vacant barbershop reopens as space for art and community


Feature Story Children pick out a book at Desayuno Con Libros held monthly at Gaisman Community Center. (Desayuno Con Libros)
Feature Story A sign on Davis Circle in the Nutbush area of Memphis. The entrance to the landfill would be located at the end of this street. (Cole Bradley)
Feature Story food this one

En video: Un sabor del mundo de Summer Avenue


Feature Story Sariah Hudson, 12, Antonio McPherson, 12, and Jose McClellen, 14, hang out with friends and participate in programs after school at the Heights campus of STREETS Ministries. (Dawn Neuses)

STREETS Ministries combines play and empowerment in The Heights


Feature Story For 15 years Ric Morgan has helped serve a free community meal at Highland Heights United Methodist Church for an average of 75 guests. Once a month, he plans and prepares an original menu. (Cole Bradley)

A fascinating life, starting in The Heights


Feature Story Dwayne "DJ" Johnson's assistant welds security bars for a client at Johnson's shop at 2992 Summer Avenue (Ziggy Mack)
Feature Story Students socialize while enjoying a midday snack. (Cole Bradley)
Feature Story Summer Avenue near National Street has been an important corner for commerce since the late 1800s. (Andrew Breig)

Summer Avenue to rebrand as an international district


Feature Story A customer looks around the store as he speaks with the owner of the Summer Outlet thrift store. (Natalie Eddings)

In photos: Memphis gets thrifty on Summer Avenue


Feature Story Trunk or treat
Feature Story A once-drab building, 751 National Street now has tables and chairs, interactive maps of the neighborhood, and flags denoting the many nationalities in The Heights. (Cole Bradley)
Feature Story Jared Myers (derecha), director ejecutivo de Heights CDC, y un adolescente local en el vecindario. (Cole Bradley)
Featured Post Jared Myers (R), executive director of Heights CDC, and a local teen canvas the neighborhood. (Cole Bradley)

Facts and Feelings: The push to improve safety in The Heights