Collierville Planners Approve Exciting New Mixed-Use Project on Houston Levee
In a significant move for Collierville, the Planning Commission has unanimously approved preliminary plans for a new mixed-use development on Houston Levee, between Tennessee Route 385 and Shea Road. This ambitious project, known as Morrison Village, promises to add residential and commercial vibrancy to the area, enhancing the local community and economy.
Morrison Village: A Vision for the Future
The Morrison Village development, proposed by Boyle Investment Co., aims to bring 100 apartment units within multi-use buildings, along with eight live-work structures and new retail spaces spread over 13 acres. This development is architecturally inspired by Berry Farms in Franklin, Tennessee, offering a blend of modern convenience and aesthetic appeal.
While the project still requires a few more approvals from the town before it can break ground, its potential impact on the local community is already clear. Morrison Village, along with other residential developments south of Route 385 on Houston Levee, is expected to drive significant traffic to Carriage Crossing, bolstering the local economy.
Boosting Local Economy and Community
Les Binkley, Senior Vice President at Boyle Investment Co., highlighted the positive impact this development could have on the local mall. “I think it will really help the mall because the mall needs housetops in close proximity,” he said. The addition of residential units is anticipated to create a vibrant community hub, providing essential services and amenities for residents.
In parallel, Jason Crews is working on The Parke at Houston Levee, which includes residential components. Furthermore, Grant & Co. and John and Joel Porter are contributing additional residential projects further south on Houston Levee. Binkley emphasized the complementary nature of these projects, stating, “From a placemaking standpoint, this complements what The Parke is doing. It’s just a neighborhood commercial node that can provide services for all the housetops north on Shea Road.”
Strategic Location and Future Developments
Shea Road, a north-south thoroughfare that intersects with Poplar, bends westward and connects to Houston Levee near Collierville Fire Station No. 5. Boyle, in collaboration with the Morrison family, previously sold a large tract of land that now hosts the open-air mall and Carriage Crossing Market Place, south of East Shelby Drive. However, Boyle retained several out parcels for future development.
The property, designated as a mixed-use activity center in the town’s land use plan, can accommodate office, retail, hotel, and residential uses. Binkley clarified, “This isn’t new. It’s not newly zoned. It’s grandfathered in. We’re just finally moving forward to develop it.”
Detailed Project Features
The multi-use apartment buildings in Morrison Village will include ground-floor amenities, offering 100 residential units—72 of which are studio or one-bedroom apartments. There will be 10 three-bedroom units and 18 two-bedroom units, designed to have minimal impact on the local school system. Each unit will feature balconies, enhancing the living experience.
While the zoning permits 16 live-work buildings, Boyle is proposing eight. Additionally, the north side of the property will feature another building potentially housing a restaurant, with plans for an additional pad for future development. Looney Ricks Kiss is the architect, while Kimley Horn serves as the landscape architect.
Boyle has also generously donated 30 acres surrounding the property to the town as parkland, further enriching the community space.
Additional Developments
The Planning Commission also approved plans for a Dutch Bros Coffee outlet on the northeast side of Schilling Farms. Commissioner Jeremy Given recommended that the development team coordinate with Truist Bank to create entrance and exit points that facilitate eastward traffic from Poplar.
Morrison Village represents a significant step forward for Collierville, promising to enhance the local economy and community through thoughtful, well-planned development. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project progresses.