NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It used to be one of the most vibrant parts of Nashville, but segregation and the construction of an interstate slowly deteriorated Jefferson Street.

Video: Grant Hopes To Revitalize Jefferson Street

However, a group that includes a former Tennessee Titan is hoping to rejuvenate a once proud area of town.

Resident Lee Wayne said he remembers how much the area flourished 40 years ago.

"We had hotels, motels. We had movie theaters," said Wayne.

But the area near Tennessee State University and Fisk University took a hit in the 1960s when segregation was on the way out and Interstate 40 was constructed.

"When they brought in the interstate, it wiped out about 50 percent of our businesses and homes that were here, and with integration people were no longer forced to shop in their communities. They were able to go away from here," said resident Sharon Hurt.

In hopes of revitalizing the area, Hurt and the Jefferson Street United Merchants partnership that she runs are received a $800,000 grant from the state and Metro to begin a four-phase landscaping project.

The first phase of the project includes a big cleanup that includes planting grass, flowers and painting murals of prominent people in the community on interstate pillars.

Eventually new signs, trees, sidewalks will be put up. Former Tennessee Titan Eddie George's design firm drew up the plans.

The hope is that Jefferson Street can once again attract the types of people who made it famous.

"Most of the people here were affluent. They were doctors, dentists here at Meharry (Medical Center), Tennessee State and Fisk University," said Hurt.

Wayne said it’s a huge start and will give many a place to be proud of.

"This place will be brand new again," said Wayne.

The first phase of the project is expected to start in the spring.