Variances for redevelopment of Northside High approved
Northside High School at 1212 Vollintine Ave. was abandoned in 2016 after 48 years of operation. It remained vacant until October 2020 when the Shelby County Schools district sold the 294,000-square-foot property to Northside Renaissance for $400,000. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
A design concept shows that the community space, or porch, on the southern end facing Vollintine Avenue could serve as a pick-up and drop-off entrance for people coming in and out of the center. The space could have bike share stations, a sheltered bus stop, and activity boards for programs in the building and could be used for pop-up events like job fairs, book fairs and markets. (Studio Gang)
Inside the old school building, originally outfitted with technical facilities including an auto body shop, a wood shop, a laboratory and a commercial kitchen, would serve adult community members who are needing vocational training and workforce opportunities. (Studio Gang)
Northside High School’s gymnasium could be converted to a facility for fabrication, small-scale manufacturing, product-making, storage, and incubators. (Studiio Gang)
Classrooms could be used for vocational training, and the former library could be used for a job resource library. (Studio Gang)
The Board of Adjustment has given the nod to a proposal for the redevelopment of the building at 1212 Vollintine Ave. into a mixed-use development.
Topics
Northside High School Northside Renaissance The Works Inc. Klondike Smokey City Mixed-use DevelopmentJulia Baker
A lifelong Memphian, Julia Baker graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021. Other publications and organizations she has written for include Chalkbeat, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent magazine and Memphis magazine.
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