MLGW and New Ballet Ensemble both propose uses for historic Humes Middle; board hears competing offers

The Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education on Tuesday heard competing proposals for the former Humes Middle School at 659 North Manassas, where Memphis Light, Gas and Water and New Ballet Ensemble have submitted different offers for the historic property.

MLGW Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Alonzo Weaver told the board his utility seeks authorization to purchase the site to construct a dual-voltage electric substation that would support growing distribution needs in the area. “This location is strategically important because it can support both a 12 kV and 23 kV dual voltage station, giving us flexibility for distribution load transfers,” Weaver said, adding the substation would provide capacity and lower outage risk for nearby facilities.

New Ballet Ensemble’s representative presented an alternative plan to rehabilitate the building as a K–12 performing-arts school focused on intensive arts training and college and career preparation. The ensemble said the school would combine arts instruction with academics…