Cooper-Young, Memphis

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Intersection of Cooper St and Young Ave in the Cooper-Young District in Memphis (2008)

Cooper-Young is an eclectic neighborhood and historic district in the Midtown section of Memphis, Tennessee, named for the intersection of Cooper Street and Young Avenue. The entrance to the neighborhood is marked by the Cooper-Young Trestle, a 150-foot (46 m) long steel sculpture which depicts homes and businesses found in the neighborhood. Created by metal artist, Jill Turman, the sculpture was dedicated in 2000, and has become a source of community pride and identity.

[edit] Economy

The neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants, including the widely-known Young Avenue Deli. Other restaurants such as Dish, Cafe Ole, Tsunami, Blue Fish, Soul Fish, Jasmine Thai, Celtic Crossing, Casablanca, Do (pronounced "doe"), and The Beauty Shop represent diverse cuisines (sometimes several within one establishment) and reflect the creative spirit of the neighborhood.

Also, in Cooper Young, one will find Amazing Lace, The House of Mews (provides a shelter for homeless cats), Goner Records, a local record label, and Burke's Book Store. Cooper Young is also the home of Memphis' only hostel: Pilgrim House Hostel[1].

[edit] Cooper-Young Festival

Each fall, the neighborhood hosts the Cooper-Young Festival, marked by a 4-mile run, arts and crafts vendors, and live music performances. The neighborhood is increasingly considered one of the more artistic and "hip" areas of the city, and shows evidence of successful urban revitalization in Memphis' core.

[edit] Community

The Cooper-Young Community Association, founded in 1976, serves as the main advocate for the residents of the area and produces a monthly neighborhood newspaper, The Lamplighter.

The Cooper-Young Business Association serves as the primary advocate for the businesses and services of the neighborhood, and produces the Cooper-Young Festival to help draw attention to those business.

The Cooper-Young Development helps to drive development of the area through a number of activities, including the redevelopment and/or construction of over 55 homes since its inception in 1991.

Cooper-Young also has a large gay and lesbian community and is home to the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Every summer, the Memphis Pride Festival has its march through Cooper-Young, ending in Peabody Park.