The Need
Is this how Memphis should greet her guests visiting from the river?
Memphis sits at the widest point along the Mississippi River and is a gracious host to many river vessels. Approximately 50 stops are made by three major vessels each year, not including local excursion boats and special annual or one-time visits. A modern docking facility is needed along our waterfront, and where better than where the Historic Cobblestone Landing meets Tom Lee Park and the tip of Mud Island joins the Wolf River Harbor and the Mississippi River, and all of that at the foot of Beale Street.
In this great place, a grand civic plaza should also:
- Form an appropriate terminus for Beale Street,
- Connect Tom Lee Park and the Historic Cobblestone Landing,
- Create a dramatic overlook for riverfront activities for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and casual river watchers, and
- Accommodate public gatherings and performances.
The Memphis Riverfront Master Plan found this to be one of the most immediate needs of the riverfront from its public meetings and the idea was strongly seconded by the Urban Land Institute during its independent review of the plan.