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Historical September–October 2000 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Thirty community, business and civic leaders recently visited Memphis, Tennessee to learn about that city’s trolley system.
The one day trip was part of a study that is being conducted for Bi-State Development Agency by STV Incorporated to examine the feasibility of restoring trolley service along Delmar. Restoration of trolley service along Delmar is one of several strategies identified through a collaborative community planning process that resulted in a revitalization plan emanating from the Delmar MetroLink station.
This plan identified a series of infrastructure improvements that would better link the Delmar Station to surrounding neighborhoods including the Loop and spur transit-oriented development and employment opportunities.
The plan will also improve pedestrian and bicycle friendliness in the area and enhance the area’s visual appearance. Memphis’ trolley covers a five mile circular route. Thomas Fox, Director of Planning and Capital Projects for the Memphis Area Transit Authority noted that, “The trolley system was a strategic public investment designed to provide a transportation link and help spur development in downtown. Since ser vice began in 1993, unprecedented new development has occurred in the CBD core and redevelopment has spread outward.” JoAnn Vatcha, chair of the SDCC Commercial Development Community, found that the Memphis trolley is an important part of that community’s redevelopment strategy.
The Memphis trolleys have been carefully restored to their original early 20th century elegance, while modified to meet contemporary safety standards. Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill and developer of the Pageant, had proposed such a trolley for Delmar.
He believes that it will stimulate commercial activity.
The trolley study, to be conducted over a 3 month period, will explore whether the trolley is physically and financially feasible and will identify strategies for implementation. Trolleys would not be new to Delmar.
In the mid 1800s, horse drawn trolleys were a fixture on Delmar. Electric trolley service followed.
In 1963, as in many other American cities, the trolleys were replaced with bus service.
This study is funded by the Federal Transit Administration, the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Center, BiState, and the cities of St. Louis and University City. Questions and concerns from the St. Louis contingent included observations on funding, whether the potential for a trolley would delay improvements planned for Delmar (it won’t!), and whether the overhead wires required for a “real” trolley would be compatible with the Forest Park Master Plan. Although the feasibility study won’t be completed for a few months, perceptions are already changing of what Delmar can become in a few years. Clearly, consideration of a trolley is a subject worth a second look.
Original photograph caption
Old-fashioned trolley runs behind single-family homes in downtown Memphis. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2000.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2000_09.pdf, printed page(s) 8; PDF page(s) 8.
