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Downtown Design Guidelines Update 

The Design Review Board (DRB) is nearing the end of a two-year process of updating the Downtown Memphis Design Guidelines. This document is used when the DRB reviews new construction and building renovation applications for public projects and private sector commercial development projects that include an incentive from the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC). 

Why Update the Design Guidelines?

The current Design Guidelines have served their purpose since their adoption in 2013. However, with a total length of over 180 pages, an opportunity exists to revise and shorten the document to provide clear direction to property owners and incentive applicants about the type and quality of development that our community expects. A more concise document, with an emphasis on pictures and illustrations over long paragraphs of text, will be more effective for use by prospective developers, architects, DRB members, and DMC staff. 

How Can Your Help?

We need you help to review the final draft design guideline document. There are two ways to provide your input and suggestions. 

Option 1: Send Us Your Written Comments and Feedback

Please click HERE to download the draft document.

Please review and submit your comments and suggestions HERE. Please submit your comments no later than November 8th, 2024.

Option 2: Open-House Meeting at the DMC Office

Please consider dropping by the DMC office at one of the times listed below for an open-house feedback session. DMC Staff members will be available to answer questions about the draft design guidelines and collect your verbal feedback. Each of the following open-house session will have identical information. You only need to attend the session that best fits your schedule. It’s expected that participation will only require about 20-30 minutes.

  • Open House #1: Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 11AM-1PM
  • Open House #2: Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 3-5PM
  • Open House #3: Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 9AM - 11AM
  • Open House #4: Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 4-6PM

All open house session will be held at the DMC office, 114 N. Main Street. We’re located at the northeast corner of Main Street and Adams Avenue, just west of the Fire Museum of Memphis.

Any Questions?

Send email to downtown@downtownmemphis.com 

REGISTER HERE!