Collierville Puts Focus on Charm

– The Memphis Business Journal –

Collierville isn’t the rural town it used to be, but it still hasn’t succumbed completely to the almost inevitable urban sprawl that Memphis has left in its wake as growth moved eastward.

Congestion along Poplar in areas of Collierville is beginning to resemble Germantown Parkway. Construction of retail and other commercial developments east of Houston Levee Road, combined with a growing residential base and new corporate companies in the marketed “technology corridor,” have methodically changed the face of Collierville.

City leaders recognize what is happening to Collierville and know that their city could see even more of its charm, history and beauty erode if development goes unchecked.

While Collierville leaders recognize the importance of a tax base to accommodate its growing population – up an estimated 16% since 1996 to 30,000 people – they are wise to strictly manage the types of commercial and industrial development that are knocking at the door.

Collierville sees advantages in encouraging corporate offices and high-tech companies to locate within its boundaries, while restricting heavy manufacturing and companies requiring significant storage needs on site. If continued growth is inevitable, city leaders seem to have a handle on what they and the citizenry-at-large would be willing to tolerate, and vice versa.

Schilling Farms is a development that appears to fit the Collierville philosophy. Boyle Investment Co. and partner Harry Smith have designed Schilling Farms to mature gracefully with age. It is a 443-acre, multi-use development that will be teeming with commercial and retail life, yet designed with the family in mind. Smith and Boyle agreed that no alcohol will be allowed at Schilling Farms, a decision which could cost them development sales short-term, but enhance the value of the community years down the road.