MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Bringing new life to the old Mid-South Coliseum, that’s the recommendation given Friday morning from a third party group brought in by the City of Memphis.
Besides the building there were some big plans for a project that could include a water park, an indoor sports facility, an urban park and retail space.
“This is immensely doable and by George we’re going to get it done,” said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.
Friday morning Wharton said the wheels were in motion to create “The Greater Memphis Sports and Recreation Complex.”
It’s an about face for the city after the Urban Land Institute made it’s recommendations to turn the fairgrounds into a park, athletic, entertainment and retail space.
“This is an opportunity for the geographic center of the community with great history to be re-imagined,” said Leigh Ferguson with the Urban Land Institute.
His group spent this past week in Memphis analyzing the Mid-South Fairgrounds and the community.
Friday morning it presented recommendations for the best way to utilize the land.
“Memphis has to get this right. There’s too much at stake,” said Marvin Stockwell of the Coliseum Coalition.
Stockwell spoke out against the city’s initial plan to turn the fairgrounds into solely a sports complex, demolishing the historical Mid-South Coliseum.
He was happy at the recommendation to keep it in some form and turn it into a smaller entertainment venue.
“This ULI plan made the coliseum an anchor in the development. That’s very heartening to see,” said Stockwell.
City officials said it’s proof they’re willing to work with the public to help improve the area, but exactly what the city will eventually sign off on is still anyone’s guess.
“Restore public confidence is what we need to do,” said Robert Lipscomb, Director of the Housing and Community Development Authority.
WREG was told the plans for this project are about $200 million.
The city and county officials said they hope the state agrees to make the Fairgrounds a Tourist Development Zone which would help pump money into the economy.
“The point is are we going to raise any taxes to do it? Absolutely not. It pays for itself,” said Wharton.
Officials said there was still a lot of work to do.
Plans need to be approved by the City Council, County Commission and the state.
Officials said expect to see some headway in the next six months.