How 'bout Using QR Codes for Memphis Walk Through Time?

They're doing it in Rio - using bar codes, actually QR codes, to give information to tourists and locals. Black and white mosaics are being laid in the sidewalks and it seems to be a big hit.

Smart phones make it possible. Users load a QR app into their phone, scan or photograph the sidewalk mosaic, and it takes them to a website for information, a map, and some history. And in Rio the information is in several languages.

Portugal may have been the first place to use QR codes this way, and Memphis might be a great place to try it next. A relatively inexpensive and aesthetically sensitive way to share information, QR codes could lead us on a fascinating walk through time around downtown and along our riverfront. And they can link us to the sounds of a place, too. Seems like a natural for Memphis.



For more info. on Rio QR mosaics, click HERE.
For more info. on QRadio, click HERE.
For an interactive map to some of downtown Memphis's historic spots, click HERE.

The Riverfront That Might Have Been (circa 1923)

Click to enlarge.
This plan for the Memphis riverfront was prepared in 1923 (89 years ago) by Harland Bartholomew. It was the year Calvin Coolidge became President following the death of Warren G. Harding; the first issue of Time magazine was published; and 1.8 million Fords were produced. It was the roaring twenties, and the plan captures the urbanization and industrialization of the era.

We've added a few labels to help you get your bearings. The original rendering hangs now in the Memphis Office of Planning and Development in City Hall.

Thanks to  Memphis Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) for posting the rendering on their website.  DNA's purpose is to promote, enhance, and protect the quality of life in the downtown area and to maintain and foster a spirit of community for downtown residents, business, and visitors. Click HERE for more info., events, their newsletter, and to join. 

Bass Pro/Pyramid Plan gets LUCB Nod with "friendly amendment" that Out-Parcels require further Board Approval


The Planned Unit Development for Bass Pro/Pyramid was approved by the Land Use Control Board  this morning (1/10/13) with a friendly amendment that requires more detailed plans for 4 blocks of "out-parcels" be brought back to LUCB.

The Planned Development area covers 47.64 acres - all the land between Wolf River Harbor and Front Street from Auction /A.W. Willis on the north to Winchester on the south. Development is to be in two phases.
Maps at right; click to enlarge.

The site plan for phase 1 shows parking, a water feature, and 4 blocks on the west side of Front Str. designated as "out parcels."  LUCB members supported the development plan but found the plans for the 4 blocks of out parcels to be ambiguous and unclearly delineated.

 "out parcels" in 2008 illustration
The 4 blocks could be subleased by Bass Pro, and, although subject to the Unified Development Code and Central Business District guidelines, the LUCB recognized the prominence of these 4 blocks. In a "friendly amendment," they unanimously voted to require that, as they are prepared, the individual site and use plans for the out parcels come back to LUCB for review and approval as individual plats.

For the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development Staff Report, click HERE.

For audio of the meeting, click HERE. Discussion of Bass Pro/Pyramid Plan runs from minute 30:57 - 42.