MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Beale Street Landing, the $43 million river cruise dock that opened in downtown Memphis in 2014 after a decade of planning and construction, is undergoing renovations to replace a cracked concrete façade.
Memphis River Parks Partnership announced Tuesday that demolition is happening now, with construction of a new façade expected by December. The previous concrete structure, which supports a grass-covered roof, had developed cracks.
“A building that was completed that recently should not have these issues,” said George Abbot, external affairs director with the partnership.
The total cost of the project is $1.1 million.
Abbott said MRPP will make up part of that amount through parking fees generated at two downtown lots.
The site at Riverside and Beale functions as a landing for American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines, and there is a visitors center inside the facility. A planned restaurant site has remained vacant since 2018.
During construction, cruise ships will continue to dock there, but the facility will be closed to event rentals.
The parks partnership says the details about the mediation, like who was involved cannot legally be discussed.
Abbott said the repairs as needed as the landing is the first look many visitors get to Memphis when they step off a cruise ship from the Mississippi.
Once the renovations are complete Beale Street Landing will be part of a completely revamped riverfront in the coming years.
“It’s super exciting because what you’re seeing are the first moves in a major site transformation of Tom Lee Park,” Abbott said. “We’re going to have what we think is going to be one of the best riverfront parks in the entire country.”
The goal is for the entire park to be completed by Spring of Summer of 2023.
