A special needs school in Germantown is in process of growing its campus.
The Madonna Learning Centeris a private, independent, faith-based school and adult program serving more than 100 children and adults between ages of 4 and 40-plus years old. The Madonna Learning Center serves individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, rare genetic disorders and seizure disorders.
In May 2025, the Germantown Planning Commission and the Design Review Commission both approved a preliminary and final site plan for the Madonna Learning Center’s school campus expansion in the “R” low-density single-family residential zoning district at 7007, 7035 and 7045 Poplar Ave where two houses once stood.
A commercial alteration
permit and a commercial new construction permit were filed on Oct. 6 by Tamara Redburn of 4FDesign in the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development on behalf of the Madonna Learning Center at 7035 Poplar Ave. for educational facilities.
A new commercial construction permit was filed for the 6,224-square-foot Madonna Learning Center Monarch multipurpose building with an estimated cost of $2.2 million. The 29-foot high building is described in the permit as a one-story chapel, shop and kitchen building for training for Madonna Learning Center adults. The plan is still under review, according to the permit.
Additionally, a commercial alteration permit was filed for a 5,331-square-foot, two-story, 36-foot-high building with an estimated cost valued at $1.2 million. The permit is described for Madonna Learning Center High School renovations of a former K-12 classroom into a school library and hallway. The plan is still under review, according to the permit.
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What's that planned on Poplar Avenue in Germantown?
