Dane Forlines walks through the streetscape improvements in the Memphis Medical District and how to move from tactical to LEAN to humanize streets. Workshop: The Memphis Medical District Playbook: Moving From Tactical to LEAN to Humanize Streets Presenter: Dane Forlines, Memphis Medical District Collaborative American Planning Association certified course. AICP CM Credit

1. STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS GUIDE

2. Health
Sciences Park
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L O C AT I O N O F S T R E E T S C A P E I M P R O V E M E N T S

3. The Medical District Streetscape Improvements
Playbook is a plan for enhancing more than thirty
intersections and streets in the Memphis Medical
District over the next 3 to 5 years. Developed through a
participatory process led by MMDC, Looney Ricks Kiss
Architecture, and Alta Planning + Design, and
engaging a diverse group of stakeholders, the Playbook
is intended to bring about the visible transformation of
public spaces that promote enjoyment, relaxation, and
community building.
The Chief Executive Officers and leaders of some of
Memphis’ most significant healthcare and higher
education institutions created the Memphis Medical
District Collaborative (MMDC). The MMDC is
responsible for making the district more livable,
economically prosperous, clean, and safe. The
Memphis Medical District is roughly defined as the area
bordered by Poplar Avenue, I-40, Vance Avenue,
Danny Thomas Boulevard, and is located between
Downtown and Midtown.
The Edge District Improvements were funded through a
partnership with the Downtown Memphis Commission.
facebook.com/mmdc901 mdcollaborative.org instagram.com/mmdc901 info@mdcollaborative.org

4. MARSHALL & MONROE
B E F O R E
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#MMDC901
The silver “Shazam” sculpture was installed at this intersection in 2003. In
October 2014, Livable Memphis and Innovate Memphis organized a series of
temporary interventions known as MEMFix Edge District. Building from these
efforts, MMDC completed the permanent redesign of the intersection in 2016.

5. MARSHALL & MONROE
A F T E R
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#MMDC901
STREETSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES
• Curb Extensions
• Epoxy Gravel
• Pavement Domes
• Self-Watering Planters
• Reverse Angled-Parking
• Dual Flow Waste Receptacles
• Bicycle Corral & Repair Station
• Movable Furniture

6. MARSHALL & MADISON
#MMDC901
B E F O R E
Awkward sight lines and large turning radii at this intersection resulted in
unsafe conditions for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Reconfiguring the
intersection with new pedestrian zones and crosswalks reduced crossing times
from 34 seconds to under 10 seconds. The addition of landscaping elements
and street furniture further improves the appearance and functionality.
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7. MARSHALL & MADISON
#MMDC901
STREETSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES
• Curb Extensions
• Epoxy Gravel
• Pavement Domes
• Self-Watering Planters
• Public Seating
• Dual Flow Waste Receptacles
• High Visibility Crosswalks
A F T E R
2

8. MADISON & PAULINE
#MMDC901
B E F O R E
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Despite the large parking facilities that dominate the area, employees and
students at Baptist College of Health Sciences, the University of Tennessee, as
well as other visitors frequently cross the street at this intersection. Prior to the
redesign, the intersection was challenged with sparse landscaping, large
pedestrian crossing distances, and awkward parking lot entrances.

9. MADISON & PAULINE
#MMDC901
STREETSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES
• Curb Extensions
• Epoxy Gravel
• Pavement Domes
• Self-Watering Planters
• Fence Relocation
• Improved ADA Access
• Expanded Pedestrian Islands
A F T E R
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10. JEFFERSON & PAULINE
#MMDC901
B E F O R E
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The City of Memphis had recently added bike lanes following the resurfacing
of Pauline Street. But this intersection still lacked adequate crosswalks, and
pedestrian crossing times averaged nearly 25 seconds. Curb extensions
connected by high visibility crosswalks reduced crossing times by 20%. New
trash receptacles and planters also improved the pedestrian experience.

11. JEFFERSON & PAULINE
#MMDC901
A F T E R
4
STREETSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES
• Curb Extensions
• Epoxy Gravel
• Pavement Domes
• Self-Watering Planters
• Dual Flow Waste Receptacles
• High Visibility Crosswalks
• Expanded Pedestrian Areas