Memphis Renamed Union Avenue Section for Lee Harris

City officials have officially unveiled new signage honoring the former Shelby County Mayor on Union Avenue.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People

A wide shot of a tree-lined city street in Memphis next to a public park with historic brick municipal buildings. — Memphis officials renamed a section of Union Avenue in the city's Medical District to honor former Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A section of Union Avenue in Memphis has been renamed Mayor Lee Harris Avenue to honor the former official. The stretch of road sits directly in front of the local Medical District Park.

Why it matters

The renaming serves as a formal municipal recognition of Lee Harris, who previously represented the area as a Memphis City Councilman and a State Senator before serving two terms as county mayor.

The measure passed with 4 votes from council members, while 2 members abstained from the process. The designation applies specifically to the segment of Union Avenue located between Dunlap and Manassas.

The players

Lee Harris

He is a former Shelby County Mayor who also served as a Memphis City Councilman and a Tennessee State Senator.

The details

Local leaders held a formal unveiling ceremony on Wednesday to replace the street signage along the corridor. The chosen segment runs through the city's Medical District, adjacent to the public space at Medical District Park.

Lee Harris concluded his second term as county mayor in August 2026.
City officials formally unveiled the new street signs on September 23, 2026.

Market Landscape

The renaming of the Union Avenue segment follows the established precedents for honorary municipal designations in Memphis. This move aligns with broader urban planning trends where city landmarks are increasingly used to commemorate the tenures of prominent local political figures.

Residents and commuters navigating the Medical District should be aware of the updated street signage on Union Avenue between Dunlap and Manassas. The change does not impact local business operations or public access to the nearby Medical District Park.

The takeaway

Honoring public servants through infrastructure remains a primary method for Memphis to acknowledge local leadership history. Residents can expect to see updated wayfinding signage when traveling through the central Medical District area.