(Memphis) – Elvis Presley Boulevard is the gateway to one of Memphis’ top attractions. It’s also an area people who live in Whitehaven say is in dire need of a major overhaul.
“I can think of no better word other than deplorable,” Whitehaven resident Margaret Black said.
That’s about to change. Starting March 1st at 7 p.m. the intersection of Brooks and Elvis Presley will get a face lift.
It’s the first part of the $43 million revitalization project along a three-mile stretch of road through Whitehaven.
“It’s not a very nice intersection right now. We`re trying to create an intersection so you know you`ve arrived somewhere,” one presenter said at a community meeting Thursday night.
About 60 people attended the meeting and learned how the city plans to clean up the main intersection.
It’s going to pour concrete instead of asphalt, but that takes time.
“There will be inconveniences. They have already told us. So therefore, in order to get something you have to give something up. So, for awhile it will be inconvenient but the end product is supposed to be excellent,” Black said.
Business owners are also looking forward to the updates.
“Anything that will improve the area I am for,” souvenir shop owner Ricky Roberts said.
Tax accountant Tonya McCraken worries about what the upcoming closure will do for business. Her store front is right in the heart of the intersection of Elvis Presley Blvd. and Brooks.
“That`s going to be real bad for this business especially this time of year because it’s very busy this time of year,” she said. ”That`s really going to slow me down.”
She still smiles because she knows it will all be worth it in the end.
“That will be exciting to see something new to this intersection.”
The intersection will be closed from March 1 at 7 p.m. to March 4 at 6.a.m. There will be detours.
If you are going south you can take Brooks to Lakeview then Winchester to Elvis Presley.
If you are going north you can take Winchester to Millbranch to Brooks to Springbrook then to Elvis Presley.