Crump Stadium – Memphis TN
Built by the Works Progress Administration used to hold high school games and major football games, such as Memphis State Tiger games. It was an estimated to hold 28,000 spectators before it downsizes in 2006.
Dixie Homes – Memphis TN
One of Memphis’ first two public housing ventures was Dixie Homes, built for African American residents, after the Memphis Housing Authority was established in 1935. “Memphis became the second city in the nation, following New York, to establish a local… read more
Hyde Park Grade School – Memphis TN
The one-story elementary school was completed in September 1936 for use by African American children in Memphis. The building had two inner courtyards. Construction cost was $157, 627 and project cost was $175,692. The school was combined with another school… read more
John Gaston Hospital – Memphis TN
The John Gaston Hospital was constructed during the Great Depression in Memphis, Tennessee with the assistance of funds provided by the Public Works Administration (PWA). “With the Gaston inheritance, $300,000 from the city [of Memphis], $100,000 from the county [of… read more
Lamar Terrace (demolished) – Memphis TN
Lamar Terrace was the second low-cost housing project for white families in Memphis. It contained 478 units, and cost $2,500,000. It was demolished in 2005.
Lauderdale Courts – Memphis TN
Lauderdale Courts was one of the first public housing projects undertaken under the New Deal, and one of the few housing developments originated under the New Deal that is still standing. The Market Street slums were cleared in order to… read more
LeMoyne Gardens – Memphis TN
Located on 26 acres, containing 60 buildings and 500 apartments, and with a cost of $1,446,043, the facility was constructed for occupancy by African Americans. In 1942, $1,500,000 was expended to add 100 2-story units encompassing an additional 15 acres… read more
Memphis International Airport – Memphis TN
Memphis International Airport was developed in part by the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal program. Tennessee Encyclopedia: “Some of Tennessee’s largest WPA projects reflected the arrival of the age of flight. WPA workers … built major airports in Memphis,… read more
Memphis National Cemetery Improvements – Memphis TN
The Civil Works Administration (CWA) conducted an improvement project at Memphis National Cemetery, providing work for about 35 laborers.
Memphis Zoo Improvements – Memphis TN
The federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) enlarged worked to improve Memphis Zoo during the Great Depression. Federal labor installed a pair of stone lions at the entrance; constructed a metal cage for bird flight; built Monkey Island and Ibex Mountain;… read more
National Guard Armory – Memphis TN
The concrete Art-Deco influenced WPA Moderne armory was completed as part of a 3 building complex. Cost was $200,000. The building is currently used as the Memphis Children’s Museum.
Overton Park Band Shell (now Levitt Shell) – Memphis TN
Currently known as Levitt Shell, in recognition of funding that saved it from demolition, the Overton Park band shell was constructed by the WPA and City of Memphis in 1936 for $11,935. It has almost been demolished twice.
Pink Palace Museum Murals – Memphis TN
The building contains three murals by artist Burton Callicott in 1934, commissioned under the CWA’s Public Works of Art Project. The murals are titled “Conflict with the Indians” (left panel), “Coming of De Soto” (center panel), and “The Discovery of… read more
Street Paving and Improvements – Memphis TN
Numerous and widespread street paving and improvement projects in Memphis, Tennessee were undertaken with the aid of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds during the Great Depression. (PWA Docket Nos. TN W1111, W1112, W1113, W1114, W1115, W1224, W1225, W1228, W1239)
T. O. Fuller State Park – Memphis TN
“T.O. Fuller State Park is a state park in the city of Memphis in West Tennessee. It consists of 1,138 acres (4.6 km²) of mostly forest located in South Memphis on Mitchell Road. It is the only state park within the… read more
U.S. Marine Hospital (former) Additions – Memphis TN
Construction of new additions to the 1884 US Marine Hospital in Memphis began in 1933, although the majority of the work was completed by WPA crews after 1935 (Van West, 2001, p. 94). Buildings added by WPA were the 3-story… read more
William H. Foote Homes – Memphis TN
Foote Homes public housing opened in 1940 with 900 units designated for African American families. Foote is the last remaining public housing facility in Memphis and occupies 46 acres near downtown Memphis. It was one of several public housing complexes… read more