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Prime real estate along Memphis' Mississippi riverfront may soon become a magnet for new development, with a series of interconnected developments.
Today, according to Center City Commission president Paul Morris, downtown Memphis is made up of independent districts along the Mississippi River.
"One of the most important connections downtown is to connect better with our riverfront," Morris said.
And over the next few years, a riverfront facelift may be coming to what's being dubbed the "Triumphant Two Miles," book-ended by Beale Street Landing and the Pyramid Arena.
"If you're opening a mall or a shopping center, you have to have a destination retailer to draw all the customers to shop at the other stores," Morris said.
Local governments, businesses and organizations are working on a massive overhaul to connect Memphis' riverfront districts, just as major companies like Pinnacle Airlines, Service Master and LeBonnheur hospital make downtown their headquarters.
"I suggest you start making your restaurant reservations now, because it's going to get crowded," Morris said.
The design would link Uptown West to the Pyramid Arena's upcoming conversion into Bass Pro Shops. The Pinch entertainment district would support Bass Pro.
Then, the Triumphant Two would continue to the tip of the I-40 Riverside Drive Gateway, now under construction, which houses the University of Memphis Law School, a pedestrian bridge, a proposed Memphis Art Park and other arts venues.
Beale Street Landing would dock the American Queen steam boat. Along with food and drink for sale, there would be a multi-story access ramp and a promenade that would connect to Tom Lee Park, and the Beale Street entertainment district.
"The city's going to deserve a lot of credit, and the Riverfront Development Corporation will have done a great service to this community to pull this deal off," Morris said.
The goal is to restore Memphis' "river city" status - a treasure most cities cannot boast. It's Memphis' most photographed two-mile stretch.
