MEMPHIS, Tenn. — We recently got a clearer picture of what the future of the Memphis Riverfront could look like after the architectural firm Studio Gang recently released their concepts for the space.
The area includes everything from Tom Lee Park to Greenbelt Park on Mud Island.
Special Assistant Alan Crone said the city heard opinions from more than 4,500 people while putting together its riverfront concept, and many of those suggestions were incorporated into the project.
Specifically, people said they wanted more shade and more places to get something to drink in Tom Lee Park, for instance.
After a contentious bike lane project on Riverside Drive recently, Crone said the new Studio Gang concept put all its bike lane options in Tom Lee Park, rather than on the street.
He also said the proposals could move parking spaces from inside Tom Lee Park onto Riverside Drive.
Studio Gang’s concepts include several different plans that may come together at different times from different funding sources. Crone said funding may be done through public/private partnerships with businesses, foundations and the Grizzlies, similar to the way projects are funded in Shelby Farms.
Read more about the Riverfront plans and see the designs here.