HISTORY

In 1973 real estate developer Michael Lightman found an ideal 200-acre piece of property on Highway 64 that was close to I-40 in an area targeted for future growth in Shelby County.  Bordered on three sides with existing roads, and on the fourth side by a creek, the land was heavily wooded and beautiful. Other pluses were the tremendous success of the adjacent Countrywood housing development, and the Colonial Country Club and Stonebridge golf courses within two miles. In the early 1980’s Bellevue Baptist Church purchased land within four miles for the construction of their new facility. Lightman decided the time was right to begin development of Morning Woods subdivision.

Phase I of Morning Woods consisted of 59 home sites that were completed in 1985.  The Home Builders Association of Memphis selected the development as a site for the 1985 Vesta Home Show, with 15 builders participating in the event. More than 15,000 people attended the three-week Vesta show, and more than 50% of the homes were sold before the show ended.

After the Vesta Home Show, Lightman felt that the development should have a place for the residents to enjoy the outdoors together, so he created the 10-acre Morning Woods Park along the northwest side. Tennis courts, a soccer field, a jogging track, a pavilion and picnic area with tables and barbecue grills were built for use by the residents. The park was one of the largest private parks in Memphis.

Over the next three years Lightman developed 150 additional lots, and the subdivision was once again selected as the site for the 1989 Vesta Home Show.

Another 50 wooded lots were planned for the next fall.In 1990 the section east of Davies Plantation Road known as The Grove was begun; in 2002 home sites were built along Grove Road, and the newest area of development north of The Grove completed the subdivision in 2005.

5 GREAT REASONS TO JOIN MWNA NOW

Reason #1: Investing in the welfare and care of my neighborhood is a wise thing to do. We benefit everyday from having an attractive and safe environment in which to live.

Reason #2: Contributing financially to the Association is the right thing to do. We should all share in the cost of upkeep such as landscaping, signage, communication, etc.

Reason #3: Supporting the Association is a smart thing to do. If I ever have to sell my home, it will be more marketable if the covenant requirements are enforced by a strong association.

Reason #4: Joining the Association is a sociable thing to do. Getting to know our fellow neighbors and creating a friendly, cooperative atmosphere in Morning Woods makes living here more enjoyable.

Reason #5: Getting involved is an easy thing to do. Joining online is affordable and simple, or you can mail a check.