New life for an icon of a Memphis community.
After sitting vacant for more than four decades, the historic Melrose High School in Orange Mound is finally under renovation.
Earlier this year, the City of Memphis announced it was granted $3 million in funding for the redevelopment project.
It will transform the old school into a library, a genealogy center, and affordable housing for community seniors.
The funding was provided by Congressman Steve Cohen, as part of his vision to help rebuild the Memphis community.
“I think one of my favorite things about this community is when we get together, it’s like family,” Mario Bailey of Memphis said.
Neighbors who are like family. It’s how people describe Orange Mound, the first neighborhood in America that was built by and for African Americans.
“Some people probably don’t understand the culture around here, but that is just what we do around here. We try to bond and build,” Bailey said.
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