MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Architects had a lot of ideas for the redevelopment of the Raleigh Springs Mall.
They showed drawings at the Raleigh Community Council meeting Thursday that included fountains, lakes and walking trails.
Right now, we know there will be a police precinct, shops, a library and skate park at the new town center.
The architect said the mall will be torn down in the next 60 days, the building will be gone by this fall, and by the beginning of next year, construction will start.
Residents from Raleigh said they were eager to hear the latest on the $30 million project they’ve been wanting on for years.
Mary Alexander told WREG she’s been wanting to move her family out of Raleigh because of the violence and blight.
“With this, it’s giving me hope. I’m about to change my mind. Maybe something good will happen here. Maybe I can stay,” she admitted.
Raleigh is in Councilman Bill Morrison’s district. He is heading up the project.
“Violence doesn’t occur in communities that are united,” said Morrison. “We have to bring back the sense of community, and this is the rallying point being back that sense of community.”
Community members believe the Raleigh Springs project would give kids something to do, attract people from across the city and bring pride back to the community.
Alexander said it is off to a good start.
“We still need to focus on our children and we need something to cut down on violence in Raleigh too,” she said.
Morrison said we will get more concrete details about the project this September like whether doctors offices will move in, there will be a farmer’s market and if crews will have to dig the lakes deeper for flood prevention.
