Tucker-Jefferson Neighborhood Association

Tucker-Jefferson Neighborhood Association

Tucker-Jefferson is nestled between Overton Park and Overton Square, two of Midtown’s greatest assets. The residents are friendly and we look out for each other. We can often be seen walking our dogs, sitting on our porches, and working on our lawns. The neighborhood itself is racially and socio-economically diverse and boasts an array housing stock. Tucker-Jefferson has writers, musicians, and artists living in colorful shotgun houses on Rembert Street; photographers, accountants, and graphic designers living in turn of the century homes on Court Avenue; and Vietnam Veterans, retirees, and young families living in apartments on Jefferson. Tucker-Jefferson is the proud home of several small businesses, including a photo studio, a dentist office, and a real estate firm. Tucker-Jefferson is also the home of many well known businesses such as Malco’s new Studio on the Square, the Hi-Tone, Boscos Squared, Sherwin-Williams, and the Memphis College of Art’s Graduate School.

Tucker-Jefferson was one of the first neighborhood organizations formed in Midtown. The association was active for several years and was well known for its home tours and tree planting. Participation gradually dwindled and the association was dormant for over 10 years.

In the summer of 2000, Ray Skinner, an original member of TJNA, passed out flyers throughout the neighborhood announcing a meeting in July. Nearly 40 people attended. Elections were held, meetings scheduled, projects planned, and the association was reborn.

The future plans of Southland Capital and the Overton Square Redevelopment Project have been a major catalyst for the rebirth of the Tucker-Jefferson Association. Residents want to ensure that our neighborhood retains its character and that we have a voice in redevelopment plans that will directly affect us (whether it be in a positive or negative way).

The goals of Tucker-Jefferson Neighborhood Association are: 1) To maintain and improve the dignity and integrity of the residences and businesses in the area. 2) To preserve the diversity of the area. 3) To insure orderly and compatible land use in the area. 4) To encourage homeowners living in the area to improve their homes, real estate investors in the area to improve their holdings. 5) To work together on problems and issues of certain concern.

The association’s first goal is to establish an identity. TJNA is creating neighborhood signs at the gateways to the neighborhood, publishing a newsletter, and participating in area events. The association has 5 committees each working on different projects. They are: Communication & Membership, Home Improvement & Beautification, Friendship & Special Events, Tactics & Action, and Home Tools & Talent Pool.

TJNA has held three quarterly meetings, two of which had guest speakers. The five committees have met regularly. In addition, the association hosted block parties for National Night Out, hosted a booth at the first annual “A Taste of Midtown,” and sponsored a Halloween party/cook out.